The Carers
The Carers
We are very grateful to work with some of the best elephant carers in the world. These men come from different regions in Africa, ranging from Zimbabwe to Cape Town to Mozambique, all with years of experience living with rescued elephants.
The elephant carers are an integral part of the rescued elephants’ journey. Most of the carers arrived with the elephants in 2002 and all are experienced and passionate about what they do. They are all committed to the emotional and physical well-being of the elephants.
Besides keeping a close eye on the physical condition of the herd, they monitor what and how much they eat, maintain the stables and, believe it or not, talk to the elephants frequently too, to familiarise them with their voices. They also ensure that the safety rules regarding elephants are adhered to by staff and guests at all times.
The carers accompany the elephants every day as they roam free and forage in the wild on the reserve to ensure that no skirmishes arise between the Jabulani herd and the wild herd.
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Tigere Matipedza began working with elephants at age 16 and has gained a wealth of knowledge over the years. He has exceptional leadership skills as our Elephant Manager, and an eagerness to share his knowledge with the world. He completed his FGASA level one in field guiding in 2017.
Owen Dube is one of our senior elephant carers and he has been working with elephants since 1999, beginning his career in Victoria Falls. He joined the Jabulani team in 2005 and has been a valued leader within the team ever since, always sharing his wisdom of the elephant species and the special Jabulani herd with guests and other junior carers.
Last Scholar is originally from Zimbabwe and has been working with elephants since 2005. Last joined the team in 2009. The experience he has gained over the years has been of huge help to the HERD orphanage and we are grateful to have his knowledge and dedication on hand.
Originally from Zimbabwe, Godknows Chivero has been working with elephants since 2003 and has extraordinary knowledge on these great mammals. Godknows assisted in training the elephant carers at Jabulani Safari in 2003, and joined the Jabulani team in 2010.
Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Tigere Matipedza began working with elephants at age 16 and has gained a wealth of knowledge over the years. He has exceptional leadership skills as our Elephant Manager, and an eagerness to share his knowledge with the world. He completed his FGASA level one in field guiding in 2017.
Owen Dube is one of our senior elephant carers and he has been working with elephants since 1999, beginning his career in Victoria Falls. He joined the Jabulani team in 2005 and has been a valued leader within the team ever since, always sharing his wisdom of the elephant species and the special Jabulani herd with guests and other junior carers.
Last Scholar is originally from Zimbabwe and has been working with elephants since 2005. Last joined the team in 2009. The experience he has gained over the years has been of huge help to the HERD orphanage and we are grateful to have his knowledge and dedication on hand.
Originally from Zimbabwe, Godknows Chivero has been working with elephants since 2003 and has extraordinary knowledge on these great mammals. Godknows assisted in training the elephant carers at Jabulani Safari in 2003, and joined the Jabulani team in 2010.