In the heart of Namibia's rugged desert, along the meandering Ugab River, a parade of elephants known as Mama Afrika's herd has long drawn admiration for their strength and resilience. Tracked for many years by the Desert Elephants in Namibia team, this herd has touched the hearts of everyone who came to know them. At the centre of this family stood Mathilda, a towering matriarch whose leadership and grace defined her herd for over a decade. Today, we celebrate her extraordinary life, mourn her recent passing, and observe the herd as they navigate the sad yet fascinating change in dynamics after the loss of a matriarch.
Recognisable by her immense size - so large she was often mistaken for a bull - Mathilda was a beacon of strength. Her life revolved around her herd's safety and well-being. She was the mother of several calves, including her youngest, Joy, born in 2014, and the late Kambonde. Mathilda had lived a full natural life, reaching an old age seldom seen in the harsh conditions of the Namib Desert. Though calm and even-tempered, Mathilda was fiercely protective when danger loomed. Her ability to balance nurturing trust within her herd and defending them against threats perfectly illustrated the vital role of a matriarch in elephant society.
Mathilda's rise to matriarch was not without challenges. In 2014, the original matriarch, Mama Afrika, passed away, leaving the herd in turmoil. Uncertain of their next leader, the elephants split into two groups. Mathilda guided one faction while The Duchess led the other. These two groups oscillated between separation and reunion for over a year as if searching for the missing thread that once bound them together. Ultimately, Mathilda's steady presence and calm dominance unified the herd. She took on the mantle of head of the family, not by force, but through trust and wisdom. Her unique leadership style often saw her guiding from behind, encouraging younger females to step up and practice leading. This quiet mentorship shaped a cohesive, resilient herd, ready to face the challenges of desert life, which will hopefully serve them well in her absence.
Mathilda's passing last month due to natural causes marks the end of an era for the Mama Afrika herd. As the matriarch, Mathilda guided her family through the complexities of desert life, leading them to food, water, and safety. Her governance held the herd together, ensuring their survival in one of the most unforgiving landscapes on Earth. Elephants, like humans, grieve deeply, and her herd is now in a period of adjustment. The matriarch's role is critical, and selecting a new leader is a process that takes time. Usually, a matriarch is chosen by the herd for their age and decision-making skills, especially in stressful situations. A few family members, Roo, Deliwe, and The Duchess, have stepped up, providing guidance and stability during this transitional time - each perhaps exampling a matriarch in the making.
Mathilda's youngest, Joy, now looks to Roo and The Duchess for direction. This intergenerational support, always present in elephant herds, is now all the more important and highlights the connection that defines these gentle giants. The Mama Afrika herd now embarks on a new chapter, one marked by change but rooted in the enduring lessons Mathilda instilled.
Over the years, volunteers on the Desert Elephants in Namibia project have had some extraordinary encounters with Mathilda and Mama Afrika's herd. The team will continue to observe them and bear witness to who will step into the footprints Mathilda leaves behind, as they did with the passing of Mama Afrika. For now, the herd are sticking together, coping with their loss and navigating the desert with Mathilda's memory guiding the way. Head over to the project page to find out how you can help protect desert elephants and ensure Mathilda's legacy lives on for generations to come.
