Moment-by-moment – the magical lead-up to our fourth release
It seems like only yesterday, but also a lifetime ago, that the release herd made their way to their rewilding site here in Namunyak – and to the next chapter in their life!
After a slow process – of the herd being gradually weaned from their milk bottles, increasing their explorations of the release area on their daily walks, and becoming more independent while integrating with wild elephants – their rehabilitation culminated with the most memorable milestones to date!
From their last full day at the sanctuary to their last milk bottles and walking through those gates one final time – nothing can describe how proud we felt of each of them; and how grateful we are for all that we’ve learned at the feet of these brave and resilient beings.
Everything we’ve done in the past six to seven years has been in preparation for this special moment in time!
A walk to remember
As the herd set off to the rewilding site, which is located alongside the sanctuary, their route took them along many familiar paths. A deeply moving scene arose during their walk when they calmly strolled into their future – right past the exact spot where the dream of Reteti was born!
The prominent landmark of Elephant Rock is where Samburu elders met 8 years ago to discuss the prospect of an indigenous-led elephant sanctuary – and it was here that the plans for Reteti were shaped. Elephant Rock is also a highlight for visitors to the sanctuary – and the striking imprint of an elephant on the rock is an inspiring collaboration by Youri Cansell, aka Mantra, and Ami Vitale.
Our mission has always been to release rescued orphans back into their home range, and with this group being rewilded here in Namunyak, the moment had finally come! What an incredible testament to the vision and commitment of this pioneering grassroots initiative – and what a poignant representation of our hope to continue expanding on it in the years to come!
What a celebration!
After their long walk across the valley in the midday sun, the herd enjoyed a refreshing dust bath in dappled shade, complete with fine sand as ‘nature’s confetti’! They were clearly making the most of every part of the journey and in no hurry to get to the next step. After all, there was still a whole afternoon ahead of them – and a waterhole under the trees – before moving on to their ‘bush accommodation’ for the night!
This ‘bush accommodation’ came in the form of a ‘release boma’, which was specially constructed to serve as a transition home. It offered the herd a few nights in the wilderness with some of the comforts they enjoyed back at the sanctuary.
Unlike their boma at Reteti – which was set in a cleared area with various elements to nurture them during their rehabilitation – their wilderness ‘accommodation’ was set in an uncleared area with an abundance of bushes and trees, and it provided the perfect springboard for two full days of exploring the valley and their new water points to their hearts’ content!
Sleepy sounds!
Waking up from their first night in the release boma, a brand-new dawn met the rewilding herd. They say it takes courage to release the familiar and embrace what is new – but that morning, all of nature embraced the orphans and their keepers as sunrise coloured the sky! They woke up refreshed and excited, and oh-so ready for Release Day 2.
Of course, the question on everyone’s lips was how the first night went – and if the orphans slept tight. And since a team of keepers slept out on the rock overlooking the boma, and another team right outside, they were able to tell!
Just like parents can hear every toss and turn from their child’s room next door, they picked up on a few sounds and shuffles as the orphans settled in. But all in all, it was just like moving house and sleeping in a new bed for the first time – with some stretching and adjusting before everyone got enough shuteye.
Just as well, because the day brought a fresh round of new beginnings! It was the first time the herd spent a full day in the rewilding site – and the first day they didn’t receive milk bottles. They’d already become experts at browsing and foraging for food in the wild, and the area is so lush and green that there’s more than enough to satisfy even the heartiest of (elephant) appetites!
When dusk settled in, and after they made the most of their day, the herd was gently guided back to the release boma, where the gate closed behind them one last time…
Day 3
The day had finally arrived – the herd was about to move into the wild for good, and that night, they were going to sleep wherever they wanted! Everything was in place for them to pave their next chapter – and in a beautiful parallel, we were discovering new paths alongside them too.
Look out for our upcoming blogs to read more about Release Day, as well as how the herd are being monitored 24/7!
Visit our one-stop hub at reteti.org/release for all the highlights, behind-the-scenes peeks, and information about this historical release!
Did you know that you can still adopt the elephants who form part of this release herd? As a foster parent, you’ll join your orphan elephant’s ‘human family’ worldwide, and support their vital ongoing monitoring to ensure their safety and wellbeing ahead. You’ll also receive regular updates and inside info on their progress in the wild!
