Elephants Alive

02/09/2026

Picture this: it’s 1976.

Near the Tsavo–Mkomazi border in Kenya, 756 elephants move together as one, captured in this now-iconic photograph by Peter Beard.

Imagine standing there. Imagine that horizon, filled edge to edge with elephants. Imagine what a “superherd” actually looks like.

Could you picture seeing this today? 🐘

📸 Peter Beard, Tsavo–Mkomazi, Kenya, 1976

01/09/2026

August flew by in a flash for us! 🐘✨

We had some amazing highlights out in the field this month, so here’s a little round-up for you to enjoy! 🌿

And while our field teams were out there doing what they do best, there was a huge push behind the screens too, with plenty of fundraising, admin, research and report writing, and so much more! Every bit helps us keep our conservation work moving forward.

Now, hello September! 🌸 We’re looking forward to those beautiful spring field days ahead.

Here’s to a new month! 🐘🌱

Our super carbon field team, say cheese!

Some of the carbon project team collecting samples at our designated sites

Ronnie and Justice checking in on our bees 🐝

Our Gogo program, lead by Tinyiko took place last week. The Gogos had an incredible lion encounter!

Ronnie collecting dung samples 💩

Our SHIELD Elephant Shepherd team continuing to work relentlessly, all hours, to protect people and livelihoods from human-elephant conflict.

An incredible elephant collaring, more on this soon so keep your eyes peeled 👀

Our gardening team working wonders on planting elephant unpaltables 💚

One of our first small mammals identified for our carbon project, a huge amount of excitement across the team!

28/08/2026

25/08/2026

We are so excited to announce that we have not one, but TWO nominations for the 2026 Eco-Logic Awards 🐘💚

Our incredible SHIELD Elephant Shepherd Programme has been named a finalist for the Nature Conservation Award, a recognition that means so much to us. Our Shepherds are out there every day, working alongside communities and helping people and elephants live more safely together. We couldn’t be prouder to see their hard work and dedication recognised on this stage.

And if that wasn’t exciting enough, our very own Dr Michelle Henley, Co-Founder, CEO and Principal Researcher of Elephants Alive, is a finalist for the Eco-Angel Award! 🌿🐘

These nominations really are a celebration of the people behind conservation, from our Shepherds on the ground to Michelle’s decades of dedication to elephants, and everyone who supports this work along the way.

We are incredibly proud of our team and so grateful to everyone who is part of this journey with us.

Let’s keep everything crossed for the ceremony in October 👀

See the full list of finalists here: https://www.mediaupdate.co.za/publicity/162665/2026-eco-logic-awards-finalists-announced

20/08/2026

✨ Creating Memories That Last a Lifetime ✨

Our hearts are full after another successful Gogo Camp, held from 23–25 July 2026, where we had the honour of hosting five wonderful grannies from Finale at Tsakane Safari Camp.

For many of our Gogos, this was their very first opportunity to experience wildlife up close. Watching their excitement during game drives, hearing their laughter, and seeing the joy on their faces reminded us why these experiences matter so much.

The camp was packed with fun and meaningful activities. The grannies participated in wildlife-themed games that encouraged both learning and physical exercise. They also contributed to conservation by knitting blankets for themselves by connecting the squares donated Blankets for Baby Rhino and stuffing elephant soft toys generously donated by Charlotte Gabriel.

A heartfelt thank you to Tsakane Safari Camp for hosting us and providing such a welcoming environment. Special thanks to Gramme Cooke for leading the game drives with love, patience, and care, making every wildlife encounter a memorable one.

We are equally grateful to Sonti Mokgalaka and Prudence Mabasa, whose kindness, dedication, and warm hospitality ensured that every participant felt respected, valued, and at home throughout the camp.

A special thank you to Maja Pangolin for making this incredible experience possible. Your generosity gave our grannies the chance to enjoy moments they had never experienced before creating memories they will treasure for the rest of their lives.

Thank you to everyone who supports our mission of connecting communities with nature and conservation. Together, we are making a lasting difference, one experience at a time. 💚🐘🌿

12/08/2026

🫶Some moments deserve a revisit. This World Elephant Day, we’re throwing it back to one of the most extraordinary days in Blue Sky Society Trust history.

On 8 August 2020, while much of the world was in lockdown, we joined our long-time conservation partners, Elephants Alive, in Hoedspruit for a world-first: a virtual elephant collaring! 👏

With travel at a standstill, we found a way to bring the bush to elephant lovers around the world. Around 250 to 300 people tuned in live to watch the collaring operation unfold from their homes, while Painted Dog TV quite literally made a plan in the middle of the bushveld to get the signal out!

The result? An incredible R260,000 raised, enough to fund two elephant collars and support the vital research that helps conservationists better understand and protect these giants.

We’ve worked alongside Elephants Alive since 2016, and looking back at this day reminds us just how much can be achieved when passionate people, conservation expertise and a slightly crazy idea come together.

Six years later, we remain incredibly proud of this one and grateful to all the people across the globe who supported us!

Happy World Elephant Day to the giants who have given us some of our greatest adventures, taught us so much and continue to give us every reason to keep showing up for their future.🐘

All collaring operations are carried out by experienced wildlife veterinarians and conservation professionals, with the safety and welfare of the elephants as the highest priority.

🎬 If you missed it or want to relive it - Check out the video below!

On Saturday, 8 August 2020, we conducted a world-first for conserva...

09/08/2026

Today, we celebrate the incredible women leading Elephant Alive with vision, passion, and purpose.

Thank you for leading the herd and shaping a better future for Africa.

We are forever grateful to work with our matriarch, Dr Michelle Henley who has been leading the way for 30 years 🐘❤️