Part 2: Rescuing a calf from the mountain
Sitiin’s bouncy bum!
If ever there were proof that “love heals,” this would be it.
From a heart-wrenching rescue, refusing to leave her mama’s side, to the incredible progress she’s made in just three weeks – her recovery is a testament to the unwavering love of her keepers and herd.
Our last blog post on Sitii’s rescue ended with her arriving at Reteti after bravely guarding her mama’s body for three whole days by herself. The separation left the keepers and Sitiin completely heartbroken, but the entire Reteti team was ready to fight for her recovery.
First days at Reteti
Sitiin’s first week at Reteti was a tough one. She was visibly distressed and grieving—a reminder of just how emotionally complex and deeply connected elephants are. Their mourning process mirrors our own in many ways. During her first days, as we monitored her health, she stayed in an enclosure at the heart of the boma, facing outward. Though she had keepers by her side 24/7, the enclosure’s design allows the herd to come and check-in. This video from 2021 shows just how curious the herd is, and in the video Kapai, our matriarch manages to open the to get to the baby.
Healing
As Sitiin got stronger and healthier, she started joining the nursery herd on their daily bush walks (these are naturally much shorter than those of the intermediate and big herd), but we noticed that she didn’t join the mud baths.
Then, about five days after her arrival, something shifted. After her bush walk, she walked back through the boma gate, headed straight for the mud bath, and began splashing water over herself. It was as if, in that moment, she made a conscious choice to step out of her mourning and wash away her sorrow. With every splash, you could almost feel her relief. And as she did, the other elephants gathered around, embracing her – a deeply special moment.
We can’t help but wonder if Sitiin held off on bathing to keep her mother’s smell on her just a little longer? Maybe she wasn’t ready to let go of her just yet, until this day. But, as Sitiin shows us, by letting go of sadness, we open our hearts to be filled with love and kindness from those around us. This doesn’t mean she will ever forget her mother. We know that elephants always, always remember.
We couldn’t be prouder of how far she’s come and the courage she’s shown. It’s an honour to support her journey over the next few years as she prepares for her return to the wild.
Rescues like Sitiin’s are only possible thanks to the generosity of a global community of supporters. Together, we can ensure that Sitiin and 40 other orphans will one day roam the plains of Northern Kenya as wild elephants.
