Elephant Adoption Fund
We Need Your Help To Keep Them Safe!
Adopting an elephant is a great way to support and protect these magnificent creatures. By adopting an elephant, you contribute to conservation efforts, and security. It is a meaningful and impactful way to make a positive difference for elephants and their habitats.
Additionally, you will receive an info pack and a personalized certificate of adoption.
Gobisa
Gobisa means “to bend something” – he was brought in to “bend” the attitude of the younger bulls who needed a father figure
Vusi
Named after our farm manager Vusi Gumede who helped save this baby elephant
Victoria
Named after our guide Victor Nwenya and changed to Victoria when we found out later she was a female
Boni
Named after Lawrence and Francoise’s loyal house keeper
Bafana
Bafana means “Boy”
Brendan
Named after our first game ranger Brendan Wittington Jones who went to join Lawrence in Iraq to save the zoo
Ilanga
Ilanga means “Sunshine and he is one of our bigger bulls in his prime
Marula
One of the original 7 and our current Matriarch in training
Mabula
One of the original 7 and known as our entertainer
Frankie
Our late Matriarch named after Francoise “Frankie” her nickname
Susanne
Is named after Susanne Simonsen, a dear friend and who’s own family is a part of the Thula Thula.
Tom
Named after our Elephant Safari Lodge Head Chef who first found the baby elephant and ended
Mabona
Named after our Elephant Safari Lodge Manageress
Jurgen
Named after one of our very first guests, Jurgen Simonsen who has since brought 3 generations of the Simonsen family to Thula Thula and holds a very special place in all our hearts
ET
Stands for Enfant Terrible and was introduced to the herd in 2001 after being saved by Lawrence Anthony
Themba
Named by Francoise his name means Hope & Faith
Kink
Named in honour of Nana’s family who all have a kink in their tails
Tonic
Tonic was named in remembrance after one of Francoise’s dogs.
Natal
Born on the 24th December, Natal means Christmas in Portuguese and is also the original name of our Province in South Africa
Andile
From Andrew Ruhan, A friend of the Anthony family, born on the same day 11th of Sept
Promise
Named after Promise Dlamini who has been a ranger at Thula Thula for many years
Shaka
Extremely striking elephant with classical looks. Magnificent would best describe Shaka
Bella
Named after Isabella a Family Friend who worked for Zululand Observer Lawrence’s Mom’s newspaper company
Lolo
Named after Lawrence who’s nickname was “Lolo”
Induna
Named chiefs right-hand man after Lawrence was declared one of Inkosi Biyela’s Indunas
Imvula
Aptly named with the Zulu word meaning “Rain” after heavy rains around time of her birth
Mandla
Affectionately named “Mandla” meaning “Power” in Zulu
Nandi
Nandi was graced with the name of King Shaka’s Mother, the Royal Queen, Nandi
Nana
The name comes from Regina Anthony – Lawrence Anthony’s Mother
