A small herd of seven tame elephants in Limpopo has contributed to numerous scientific studies, including a recent experiment showing they cannot recognize themselves in mirrors. Owned by Adventures with Elephants, these orphans from culls have featured in over 30 peer-reviewed papers in the past 15 years. Their research aids conservation efforts and highlights unique abilities like bomb detection.
In the southern Waterberg region west of Bela-Bela, a herd of seven tame elephants has become one of the most studied groups worldwide. Operated by Sean Hensman through Adventures with Elephants (AWE), these animals, rescued as orphans from culls, have generated at least 30 peer-reviewed academic papers over the past 15 years.
The latest research, led by Nhlahla Mashaba, involved a large mirror and a horizontal pole barrier. The elephants repeatedly struck the pole with their tusks and attempted to touch their reflections, leading Mashaba to conclude they lack self-recognition in mirrors. This finding will appear in an upcoming paper co-authored with a prominent scientist.
Previous studies have explored diverse aspects of elephant capabilities. In 2015, US Army-funded research demonstrated their superior sensitivity in detecting explosives compared to dogs. A 2017 paper examined sexual dimorphism in their social rumbles, while a 2018 study detailed trunk biomechanics adaptations. In 2020, experiments confirmed they can detect high sugar levels by scent alone, shedding light on plant-animal interactions.
Hensman's family fled Zimbabwe after land seizures under Robert Mugabe. His father, Rory, started the sanctuary in 1988 with two cull orphans, Jumbo and Miss Ellie, training them for anti-poaching patrols in the Zambezi Valley using an ask-and-reward method.
AWE emphasizes education and research, employing 32 staff and offering public interactions three times daily. Visitors recently observed Naledi, a female elephant, lie down on command and allow touching, as handler Oscar Severino explained her anatomy. Portuguese tourist Andre Boto remarked, “It’s amazing. The elephant is one of the Big Five and I can’t believe they are so friendly.” Additional activities include guided walks and bathing sessions.
While some critics label these interactions as exploitation, the elephants appear well-cared for and serve as ambassadors for their species. As Hensman stated, “If we can understand elephants, we can conserve them.” Ongoing research, including AI smart gates for managed access between reserves, continues to inform conservation strategies.