Last trumpet for Thula Thula’s Frankie
Frankie fulfilled her matriarchal duties well and led a herd of 28 elephants over a number of years
STAFF, medical teams and anti-poaching personnel at Thula Thula Private Game Reserve are mourning the passing of their beloved matriarch elephant, Frankie.
Frankie was one of seven elephants that arrived at the private game reserve in 1999, when Nana was matriarch.
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‘A few years later, Nana left the herd because of cataracts in her eyes and, having a strong and mature character about her, it was no surprise that Frankie took over,’ explained Thula Thula owner, Francoise Malby Anthony, wife of the late Lawrence ‘Elephant Whisperer’ Anthony.
‘Frankie fulfilled her matriarchal duties well and led a herd of 28 elephants over a number of years.’
The matriarch plays a critical role in the life of the other elephants, influencing behaviour, protecting them and teaching mothers how to care for the offspring. She must have wisdom, strong connections and confidence to guide the other elephants.
‘Two months ago, we noticed a weakness in her behaviour,’ continued Malby Anthony. ‘She was no longer leading the herd and actually left the herd about three weeks ago. This was a clear indication that something was wrong with Frankie and we started to monitor her on a daily basis.’
Frankie became progressively weaker and the veterinarian was called in to complete a medical, taking blood samples and administering vitamin and booster injections.
Test results confirmed Frankie had liver damage, and despite a combination of medications and daily feedings, her condition didn’t improve.
‘On Saturday, 9 January, Frankie officially had her last meal and disappeared into the reserve. We tracked her for days to no avail, until last Saturday, when we received a phone call from our anti-poaching team who found Frankie motionless by a little dam which we have subsequently named ‘Frankie’s Dam’. She had passed on three days earlier.’
Malby Anthony said they have continued monitoring the herd and suspect they will induct Frankie’s daughter, Marula, as their new matriarch.
‘As human beings, we always think we know best, but actually, nature knows best and we can learn a lot from them,’ she said. ‘Frankie was the heart of the herd and our queen. She will be forever missed.’
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