Tag Archives: Knysna Elephant Park

Study: Knysna Elephant-Initiated Interactions with Humans

Mike Hampton Posted on by

“Observations were conducted on a herd of seven captive African elephants (Loxodonta africana) at Knysna Elephant Park (KEP), Western Cape, South Africa. KEP was home to 18 elephants when the study was conducted; however, only seven of them make up the herd that interacts with tourists, hereafter referred to as Sally’s herd (see Table 1 for a full herd profile). Sally’s herd is composed of five females and two males ranging in age from 7 to 25 years old. The elephants come from a variety of backgrounds—two of the elephants, … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Iconic Knysna Elephants Harry & Tosha Move Home

Mike Hampton Posted on by

The Knysna Elephant Park’s (KEP) history will record July 11 2016 as a momentous day! Harry, the Park’s much loved, dominant bull, led his family to their new home at the nearby Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve. This relocation is the newest, exciting chapter in a story that began more than three years ago… RESCUE In 2013, four elephants were part of a herd living on a private hunting farm that was closing down. The elephants, now named Mpho, Lundi, Kito and Ntombi, were 1-3 years old. Their mothers, exposed to … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Allegations Against Knysna Elephant Park Dismissed

Mike Hampton Posted on by

This press release was sent to me by the Knysna Elephant Park in response to my query regarding their appearance in the The Knysna-Plett Herald today: We are writing to you in connection with allegations made against the Knysna Elephant Park in May 2014. It has come to our attention that stories relating to this issue and legal matters associated with it are again surfacing. In this regard, we would like to make sure the media are provided with the facts that surround this matter: Due to these allegations and … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Knysna Elephant Park Trip – Photo Gallery #2

Mike Hampton Posted on by

As promised, here’s another batch of photos from Love Knysna Projects excursion to the Knysna Elephant Park (KEP). None of this would’ve been possible without our terrific volunteers on the day – Avril, Nathalie, Sage, Dee, Clint, Sista Kerri, Louise, Candice, Birgitt, Dee, Andrew and Mike. All KEP’s staff were friendly and helpful which made life much easier for us. Thanks to Alex for organising the bus and ensuring it ran on time – between that bus and 8 cars, coming from different directions, it was incredible that they arrived … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Knysna Elephant Park Trip – Photo Gallery #1

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Love Knysna Projects held a sensational end-of-the-year party at the Knysna Elephant Park. It was part of the Experience Knysna! program. Kids and teens from Hornlee, Judah Square and Central Knysna smiled enough to light up our whole town. Thanks to park owners Ian & Lisette Withers – the sponsorship was worth R10 000! They never put a value to it but we added it up – so when we say thanks, we mean BIG THANKS. Geoffrey, head guide and the park’s longest running employee, is to be commended. He … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Knysna’s Kids Meet Knysna’s Elephants

Mike Hampton Posted on by

53 children and Love Knysna Project’s volunteers enjoyed an animal encounter and breakfast at Knysna Elephant Park (KEP) this Sunday past. For the children, it was an experience to be remembered. After watching an educational video that included how to safely interact with these beautiful animals, they received complimentary buckets of fruit to feed to the elephants. Wonder and giggles overcame hesitancy as hairy trunks plucked the food from their open palms. Benjy, a 7-year old from Judah Square whose known for his shyness, lit up as he became the … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Knysna Elephant Park’s Birthday Video

Mike Hampton Posted on by

After sharing a special cake with Sally, matriarch of the oldest herd, Knysna Elephant Park wonderfully focused their 21st Birthday celebration on their staff, giving credit to those long-serving members who’ve helped make the park into the success it is today. “We would not be where we are today without the human members of our amazing elephant park family. To these five, we say thank you, for your loyalty and hard work,” said Dr. Debbie Young. From Love Knysna, well done to Jeff (18 years), Mac (16 years), Diana (15 … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!

Knysna Elephant Park’s 21st Birthday

Mike Hampton Posted on by

Greetings from the Knysna Elephant Park! We are proud to have been one of the Garden Route’s premier tourist destinations for the last twenty-one years! On the 26th of October, we celebrate our 21st Birthday! The Knysna Elephant Park has dedicated itself to elephants and is both nationally and internationally recognised as one of the best captive elephant facilities in the world. We have even worked towards changing traditionally accepted elephant management to better suit the welfare needs of our elephants. In 2009, a non-profit research unit was started, specifically … Read the full article…

The truth may be bitter but sharing it is sweet!