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© Thige Njuguna for Reteti

The Sarara Foundation protects 850,000 acres of wilderness in the Namunyak Community Conservancy, situated in Northern Kenya.

Reteti was their response to support the local communities need to create an orphans project. Each year the Samburu community that share these lands were trying to save 10-15 orphaned without success as they did not have the specialise resources and rehabilitation program to rescue and raise the orphans. 

Opening in 2016, Reteti now provides the local community with a solution. The Reteti elephant sanctuary's mission is to provide a structured program which allows the community to rescue, raise and rewild their elephants back into the lands they were born to. The keepers and staff are all from the local Samburu community, combining traditional knowledge with modern veterinary science. It provides meaningful employment for the community and the inclusion of female keepers is a significant cultural development. Reteti is funded by donations, visitor fees and by The Sarara Foundation. 
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - Baby Elephant Rescue


Rescue



© Thige Njuguna for Reteti

If an abandoned animal is found, Reteti is alerted. Depending on the location rescue teams will be deployed by vehicle, bush plane or helicopter. There rescue teams are in co-ordination with Kenya Wildlife Services.

Reunification with the biological mother and herd is the primary goal. A period of 72 hours is typically given before the team consider a calf orphaned. During this time the calf receives specialist in-field veterinary care and is carefully monitored whilst efforts to find their herd are underway. Only after this route is exhausted, will the orphan be transported to the sanctuary. The exception to this will be if a calf is found with serious injuries and in need of urgent care.
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - Baby Elephant Rescue


Raise


© Thige Njuguna for Reteti

Orphaned animals are cared for by keepers. At Reteti, these roles are filled by the Samburu community who live in this area so they can protect the future of the animals they share their land with.

To start keepers provide around the clock care for the orphans, forming the bond of their mother. As the orphans age, keepers will foster independence whilst still providing a safety blanket for the orphans to learn under. The bonds they form with other orphaned animals play a crucial role in their healing journey and to living wild again too.


Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - Baby Elephant Rescue


Rewild


© Thige Njuguna for Reteti

Once ready, orphaned elephants will be released by Reteti back into the Namunyak Community Conservancy.

Before release they are collared so their progress can be monitored daily by the research teams at Save the Elephants and the San Diego Zoo. Whilst living wild the Reteti team and community still keeps a watchful eye over them to ensure their future as wild living orphans is secure.

© Thige Njuguna for Reteti

© Thige Njuguna for Reteti - keeper Pauline feeding a calf

Anti-Poaching, Aerial Surveillance + Veterinary Units

Reteti and broader Namunyak Conservancy include anti-poaching efforts. This includes foot patrols and aerial surveillance coordinated with Kenya Wildlife Service and community rangers. It is a critical part of protecting the habitats and wildlife and preventing the kind of trauma that creates orphans in the first place.

Reteti also works closely with Kenya Wildlife Service vets and have recently launched their first mobile vet unit, allowing more rapid response across Northen Kenya, treating injured wildlife before they become orphans and supporting the health of released elephants as well as any species in need. This is in addition to their onsite care for orphaned elephants.

© Thige Njuguna for Reteti

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - Baby Elephant Rescue





© Simon Pocock for Reteti

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - Baby Elephant Rescue





© Thige Njuguna for Reteti

© Thige Njuguna for Reteti


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