Guardians Who Previously Shied Away from Elephants Nowward Offer Them Protection

In the heart of Kenya lies the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, a remarkable oasis established in 2016. Funded by Conservation International, San Diego Zoo Global, Tusk UK, and supported by the Northern Rangelands Trust, this sanctuary serves as a refuge for orphaned elephants, nurturing them to be wild and eventually returning them to their home ground.

The sanctuary is nestled within a 975,000-acre area known as the Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust. It is a significant part of the ancestral homeland of the Samburu people, who make up the majority of the staff at the sanctuary. The more than 20 elephant keepers are all Samburus, dedicated to the goal of returning their charges to the wild.

The staff at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary have formed a special bond with the elephants under their care. The loss of Kinya, a rescued elephant, was a sad event for the team. Kinya was named after the well from which it was rescued, a poignant reminder of the misfortune that led to its arrival at the sanctuary.

Among the staff, Lowuekuduk shares a profound change in her feelings towards elephants since working at the sanctuary. For many Samburus, elephants have long been feared, but the sanctuary is facilitating a transformation in the way they relate to these majestic creatures.

Currently, the sanctuary is home to Shaba, the oldest resident elephant, and a group of baby elephants. Shaba leads her group, teaching them essential skills such as stripping leaves, tasting bark, pushing down small trees, and taking mud baths. Her instincts are a guiding force, demonstrating how to navigate difficult terrains.

Recently, a baby elephant was rescued by Samburu warriors after it fell into a well. The sanctuary's custom-built Land Cruiser was swiftly dispatched for the rescue, a testament to their commitment to saving every elephant in need.

The work at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary extends beyond the care of individual elephants. The loss of elephants has a ripple effect on other animals, as they are ecosystem "engineers" who promote grass growth and attract bulk grazers. By protecting these elephants, the sanctuary is helping to maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

The sanctuary's efforts have not gone unnoticed. A Samburu community group made a long journey to the sanctuary to observe the elephants at play. It is a testament to the sanctuary's role in fostering a new appreciation for elephants among the local community.

For the staff members like Lemojong, raising baby elephants is a rewarding change from their previous roles raising their own family's cattle. The work at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is more than just a job; it is a labour of love for these dedicated individuals.

The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary continues to make a significant impact in the conservation of elephants in Kenya. Through their efforts, they are not only ensuring the survival of these magnificent creatures but also fostering a new understanding and appreciation for them among the local community.