Introducing – the release herd’s boma in the bush!

19 Jun

Easing gradually into Reteti’s fourth release of elephant orphans, the 13 'graduates' in this group have been stepping away slowly from their home at the sanctuary – while making themselves more and more at home in their natural habitat.

A peek at the bush boma. Unlike the Reteti boma, it’s set in an uncleared area that matches the natural environment.

Smoothing the way, a bush boma (or, release boma) was constructed especially with the needs of the release herd in mind, and it’s here – in their very own wilderness retreat – that they’ll be spending the next couple of nights.

We love how the release bush boma offers a sense of stability and safety, while embracing raw nature and the spirit of being truly wild! Unlike their boma at Reteti – which was set in a cleared area with various elements to nurture and nourish them during their rehabilitation – their wilderness ‘accommodation’ is set in an uncleared area with an abundance of bushes and trees!

Watch: a glimpse of the release boma

Aimed at being a holding boma during their transition, the herd will only stay here briefly, before returning permanently to the landscape of their birth. But there’s no doubt that they’ll love their spacious wild haven – which comes complete with a nearby waterhole. Overlooking the holding area, a breathtaking rockface adds to the magic of the site. It's the perfect spot for their keepers to monitor them quietly as they continue to explore and check their habitat out!