The first physical event to raise awareness for elephants in South Africa, Trails for Trunks, will take place at The Big Red Barn, Pretoria, on World Elephant Day (August 12).

Entrants will have a choice between running or cycling at the event, hosted by HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development) Trust.

HERD Trust was founded by Adine Roode, Jabulani lodge owner and MD, to assist with the care of the rescued Jabulani elephant herd and new orphans. The elephants are given a safe home in the reserve where Jabulani is based, in the Kapama Private Game Reserve in Hoedspruit.

The Trust was established in 2021 following a 24-year journey in caring for elephants that have been displaced or orphaned due to human-elephant conflict.

Every elephant needs a herd. As a species, their strong family bonds and delicate social dynamics are integral to their wellbeing and survival. Because of this, orphaned elephant calves have a slim chance of survival in the wild. HERD’s elephant orphanage in South Africa gives them a fighting chance by stepping in as their family and protectors when they need it most.

HERD’s Trails for Trunks event started in 2022 on a virtual scale and in 2023, it will be the first physical event to create awareness and get more people from the local community involved.

There will be plenty to enjoy on the day in the name of elephant conservation and family fun, including stalls, food, merchandise goodies, raffles, prizes, music and more.

Registration for the cycling and running event opens at 07h00. Starting time will be 08h00. There are three distances available: 5km, 10km and 21km.

HERD Trust relies on public funding to cover the operational costs to care for and support elephant orphans and the rescued herd. All profits from the event go to HERD Trust.

People interested in taking part in the event can also click here to register online.