(Safe)keepers of those we love!
Being an elephant keeper at Reteti is an enormous responsibility – and crucial to the rehabilitation of each orphaned calf.
Working tirelessly to nurture and soothe every elephant, keepers fill the shoes of protectors, custodians, and educators – all in one!
Keeper Silas with the nursery herd. Photo by Simon Pocock.
Elephants are incredibly intelligent beings, and just like human children, they continuously need loving care, companionship, stimulation, and gentle guidance. Reteti’s dedicated keepers spend every waking hour looking after the orphans, and by being attentive, wise, and kind, they are like father figures who provide a grounding presence in these little calves’ lives.
They also monitor the wellbeing of each orphan and a typical day involves everything from performing health checks – such as taking faecal and urine samples, to taking wilderness walks with the herd. They also make sure that everyone is always properly hydrated and fed. Their impact on the rescued babies at Reteti is immeasurable – and they play a crucial pivotal role in their journey back to the wild!
One good father is worth a hundred teachers.
– African proverb
Father figures come in many forms, and whether they are present every day or working tirelessly away from home to provide, they teach us invaluable lessons about dedication and going the extra mile for our loved ones.
Just like Reteti’s keepers, who sacrifice time with their own families to ensure the wellbeing of the orphaned elephants, father figures demonstrate unwavering dedication in all they do. Their efforts, whether seen or unseen, shape us into better, more compassionate individuals.
Male keepers feeding elephants their milk bottles. Photo by Simon Pocock.
When you follow in the path of your father, you learn to walk like him.
– African proverb
Father figures influence us in many ways, whether they are physically present every day, or not. Their actions speak volumes and through their example, they teach us lessons of dependability and kindness. At Reteti, the male keepers demonstrate unwavering commitment and care for the orphaned elephants. Their dedication not only nurtures the calves, but inspires us to be more dependable and kind in our own lives.
Reteti keeper walking alongside Lomunyak. Photo by Simon Pocock.
"A dedicated keeper is not just a normal job – it is passion, and commitment to the wellbeing and happiness of these vulnerable and majestic creatures. It is nurturing them with love, respect, and good nutrition; and ensuring that their physical and emotional needs are met with dedication and compassion. It means giving all it takes for a keeper to put a smile on a traumatised orphan – giving it a reason to smile.”
– Peter Lenasalia
“He can be caring by educating the children, giving them the best life. He can provide for the family – like food and shelter. He can also give guidance to his family.”
– Keeper Dorothy Lowakutuk
“Being a father means a lot. It means security, happiness and responsibility taking care of your family. Relating to us here in Reteti, we take good care of the orphans, being their fathers, providing security, respecting them, and making them feel safe.”
– Keeper Jacob
Love is the father of love.
– African proverb
This Father’s Day, you can support Reteti’s elephant keepers – while honouring your own Dad’s role as the keeper of a loving family. Our newly launched online shop offers the much-awaited Reteti Keeper T-shirts, as well as Reteti Dad Hats – so this year, you can spoil him with a meaningful gift! Click the link in our bio to order his gift today.
100% of the proceeds of every item you buy goes directly to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.
