Somopane
Named after areas where Mopane trees grow, Somopane was born in around 1987 and is part of the original herd that was rescued from Zimbabwe, during the country’s land reforms.
About Somopane
He is by far the most intelligent elephant of the herd and is very confident, and comfortable in his skin – he never seems to feel the need to prove himself to others. He enjoys time alone, especially when out foraging, and is an excellent mediator, often preventing the younger males from getting into fights.
With his strength in peacemaking, he played an important and calming role in helping the entire herd to settle down when they first arrived in South Africa. Through the years, Somopane has always been a respectful, warm, and loving elephant. His smarts and a phenomenal sense of smell have made him the perfect tracker of the herd.
In terms of dominance, he is in the fourth position in the herd. He shares his stable area with Bubi and her son Zindoga. One of the taller elephants of the herd, Somopane has a slender body, less wrinkled skin, and a somewhat rounded forehead, with the thickest tusks of the herd, which are evenly levelled.
- Born: 1987
- Origin: Zimbabwe
- Relations: Unknown
How Adoption Works
By becoming a foster parent, you’re contributing to the care of your adopted elephant. You’re helping us to provide your adopted elephant with everything they need to be healthy and happy. This includes daily supplemental food like fresh bana grass and lucerne, as well as cleaning and maintenance of the elephant homestead. If your adopted elephant needs any medical support, your contribution will go towards providing them with medicine and veterinary care.
We offer different adoption levels. You can choose to adopt by making a once-off donation or by making recurring monthly donations.
You can adopt an elephant yourself, or you can gift an adoption to a loved one.
All Foster Parents Recieve:
Quarterly updates
on your adopted
elephant
Anatomy guide for your
adopted elephant
Access to a private
Facebook group for
foster parents
A personalised,
printable certificate
A digital birthday
card for foster parentAdoption Levels
Marula
Monthly amount: $10
Annual amount: $60
- Food for one day of each month
Bronze
Monthly amount: $25
Annual amount: $120
- Food for three to four days of each month, or
- One medication each year
Silver
Monthly amount: $50
Annual amount: $600
- Food for one week of each month, or
- Multiple medications each year, or
- One high-cost medication each year
Gold
Monthly amount: $100
Annual amount: $1200
- Food for two weeks of each month, or
- One medication each month, or
- Multiple high-cost medications each year, or
- One veterinary visit each year
Platinum
Monthly amount: $200
Annual amount: $2400
- Food for most days of each month, or
- Multiple medications each month, or
- One high-cost medication each month, or
- Multiple veterinary visits each year
Two Ways to Make a Difference
Blogs About Somopane
Other Herd Members You Can Adopt
Meet Bubi
Bubi
Born in approximately 1993, Bubi had a tough start to life in Zimbabwe. She lost her mother to...
Meet Klaserie
Klaserie
Named after a river in South Africa that flows past Kapama, Klaserie was born on 23 February 2007,...
Meet Timisa
Timisa
Timisa, meaning “Courageous”, is an orphaned elephant that was rescued in November 2016 by Elephants Alive and accepted...
Meet Tokwe
Tokwe
Tokwe is the matriarch of the Jabulani herd. Born in around 1988, matriarch of the herd, Tokwe is...
