Meet Coleman, our Elephant Researcher!
Coleman is Reteti’s own elephant researcher.
With a deep passion for wildlife and a knack for storytelling, this ex-high jump champion shares with us what his first day at Reteti was like, his favourite elephant facts and much more!
What is your name and surname?
My name is Coleman Lesowapir
Tell us a little bit about yourself; where were you born, where did you grow up, your family?
I was born in Ngilai West location in a village called Golgoltim. I started schooling in a nearby primary school, called Golgoltim Primary School. I attended Kirisia Boys High School in Maralal, but in form three, I was transferred to Wamba Boys High due to climate change. After four years in high school, I joined a computer college for one month and also driving school for one month, then later after one year, I joined college.
When did you join Reteti, and what led you to work at Reteti?
I joined Reteti in 2018. But I’ve always had a passion for wildlife! Before joining Reteti, I tried to join the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) several times - but my luck was not there. In the process of hustling, they advertised two positions for research assistance: Reteti and I applied for the position and by good luck they shortlisted me! After the telephone interview, myself, and several of my colleagues got shortlisted. I went for a follow-up interview at Reteti, and managed to be number one! I didn’t believe it! The passion I had to work with wild animals, especially elephants, was now going to be my job!
Do you remember your first day as a keeper?
My first day it was amazing for me to work directly with elephants it was my dream since. First day we went to the field with my supervisor and we look different kinds of interactions affiliations and aggressive behaviours and that is the day I realize that elephant’s communicate more than we do. And the little calf below 6 months explore environment just like the human babies
Could you describe a typical day at Reteti?
My typical day here at Reteti… I really like to explore so many things on elephants research! It’s so interesting and you can’t get bored when exploring elephants behaviours - especially how they communicate and send messages to others.
What are some of the most important skills you have for being an elephant’s researcher?
I know how to do body condition appraisal.
Creating elephants identification
Know how to do egg analysis
I know what things to look at when establishing the age the new calves that we rescue
I can tell when the calf is sick
What was your highlight of your time at Reteti?
Just to be following elephants in the field and learning more about the different types of interactions and how they communicate to each other.
What is your favourite fact about elephants?
Elephants use mud as sunscreen to protect their sensitive skin from ultraviolet light and insects
The trunk contain 150,000 muscles the muscles provides flexibility and motion for such function as feeding and grasping
They communicate and get the message through the ground by infrasonic sound. Infrasonic sounds are audible sound waves whose frequencies are less than 20 Hz. Sound produced by earthquakes, thunder, volcanoes are in Infrasonic range. Human ear cant hear this sound but elephants and whales can hear this.
They have different alarm calls for different things
They have good memories hence they don’t forget
They can hold grudges
Do you have any hidden talent and what is it?
My hidden talent is i’m high jumper and i have so many certificates of it being number one in Samburu county.
Coleman observing elephant behaviour
Quick Fire
When you are not working, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy traveling
How many languages do you speak?
I speak three languages, Kisamburu, Kiswahili and English
What is your favourite food?
Rice & Meat or Rice and French peas
Favourite musician/singer/band?
