Fishan Brave Elephant who Survived a Fractured leg

Your support means the world to us, and we are excited to share an update on Fishan.

Over the past year, it has been one of the HERD team’s main priorities to help Fishan. We have been working closely with a number of veterinarians and specialists to better understand and support Fishan’s condition. His injury remains complex, and while there is no simple solution, every step forward is guided by collaboration, compassion, and what is best for him.

Through recent assessments, including a specialist visit and X-rays, we now understand more clearly that Fishan’s challenge lies not only in his joint, but in a long-standing bone injury that continues to affect his movement and comfort.

 Our focus remains on:

• Reducing strain on his leg, by limiting distances and adapting his environment,
• Managing pain carefully, balancing effective support with long-term safety,
• Exploring advanced treatments and tailored supplementation, including new approaches to inflammation and chronic pain, and
• Looking into innovative therapies, such as hydrotherapy, which may offer relief through supported movement in water.

We have also implemented simple yet meaningful changes, such as sand mounds for easier resting, which are already making a difference in his daily comfort.

Fishan continues to be part of the Jabulani herd, still engaging, still responding, still very much himself, although we remain mindful of the impact that physical exertion can have on his condition.

This journey is one of ongoing learning and adaptation, and we remain committed to give Fishan the highest standard of care, every day.

To learn more, read the full founder’s update here. 

With gratitude to our sponsors and donors, thank you!

Your continued support makes it possible for us to pursue specialised care, consult experts, and explore every avenue for elephants like Fishan.

For those who feel moved to be part of this journey, your contribution of any size helps us continue this work with dignity, care, and commitment. Join us in taking care of Fishan here: Fishan Brave Elephant who Survived a Fractured leg

From all of us at HERD, and from Fishan himself, thank you for standing with us.

Yours in conservation

Adine and The Herd Team

Thank you for standing with us through every chapter of Fishan’s journey. Your compassion enables us to provide him with the specialised care he needs, especially during times like these when nature adds unexpected challenges.

Weather Delays and Planning Ahead

Following our fundraiser for Fishan in December 2025, we scheduled his second X-ray session in mid-January, but extreme weather conditions and the area being declared a disaster zone made HERD unreachable. Dr. Rogers, who was to lead the procedure, was unable to leave his home. As a result, the session has been postponed, and given the number of experts involved, our next realistic window is in about two months.

In preparation, we also connected with an additional veterinarian, who reached out to HERD after learning about Fishan in one of Dr. Rogers’ professional groups. Her expertise in veterinary pharmaceuticals may offer valuable insights as we move forward.

Why the X-Rays Matter

Fishan suffered a severe leg injury after falling into a man-made hole. While we help manage his pain daily, understanding how the injury has progressed is essential for long-term planning. Because Fishan reacts unpredictably during a standing sedation, accidentally knocking Dr. Rogers over, we now need to conduct the X-rays under full sedation. This requires careful coordination between veterinarians, specialised equipment, and our HERD carers to ensure his safety.

To fully utilise the opportunity of  this  sedation, we also plan to collect blood samples for a detailed nutritional and immune assessment. This will help us determine whether Fishan has underlying micronutrient deficiencies impacting his skin, immunity, and healing, an increasingly important question after a series of abscesses that appeared over recent months.

What We’ve Seen Recently

Fishan developed two abscesses on his right foot, followed by a third on his cheek. All eventually healed with daily care, including a new HOCL-based spray that proved helpful. Although there are no new abscesses at the moment, their pattern suggests a deeper systemic issue rather than simple wounds.

Because Fishan is castrated, his hormonal balance is different from other bulls, which may increase his micronutrient needs, especially zinc, copper, selenium, and vitamin E. These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy skin and a strong immune system. Despite mineral blocks and additional supplements, Fishan’s naturally sensitive palate makes consistent dosing a challenge.

A thorough blood panel will allow us to finally pinpoint what his body needs most.

Daily Life in Difficult Weather

The recent rains brought both joy and frustration for the herd. While they delighted in the cool weather and mud, the flooding has made movement difficult on the soft ground. Roads have turned into rivers, and daily routines have been affected. Even so, Fishan continues to show his gentle resilience, moving carefully through the mud alongside his companions.

Looking Ahead

Once the weather clears and a new date is confirmed, we will move forward with the X-rays and full blood work. These results will guide us in developing a personalised supplementation plan for Fishan. If delays continue, we may begin trialling a specialised nutrient supplement used internationally, with the goal of later developing a locally made formula tailored to his unique needs.

Your support ensures that Fishan receives dedicated, thoughtful care, based on leading global knowledge. Every step Fishan takes, no matter how weatherdependent or medically complex, is made possible by your generosity.

From all of us at HERD, thank you for your compassion, your trust, and your commitment to Fishan’s well-being.

If you want to make another donation to help us take care of Fishan, please visit Fishan Brave Elephant who Survived a Fractured leg

Warm regards,

The HERD Team