The story of Seek – inspiring us with kindness and strength!
We can’t believe it’s already been two and a half years since brave little Seek arrived at Reteti! He may be blind in one eye, but Seek certainly has the gift of intuition.
When Seek arrived at Reteti two and a half years ago, our hearts were broken for this orphaned young calf who faced the same physical and emotional challenges as other abandoned baby elephants – as well as being completely blind in one eye. Little did we know how resilient he was, and what a blessing for all he’d become!
We were hoping to teach him everything from navigating new friendships to once again becoming independent and wild – and then his kind and gentle spirit taught us so much about being at peace and adapting to life instead!
“Seek has accepted himself just the way he is, and is moving on with his life,” says Keeper Dorothy Lowakutuk. He’s even leading the way for Reteti’s other orphans, who can see with both of their eyes – showing them where to graze when they head out, and herding them back when it’s time to return for their evening feeds.
“He is the most humble and kind-hearted baby, and when he’s first to get his bottle of milk, Seek will always excuse himself as soon as he’s done, so the rest of the group can have theirs,” says Dorothy.
Seek, shortly after his arrival at Reteti
Keeper Lemarash with Seek
Our little pillar of strength
Rescued at the age of one, Seek was just a baby when he arrived at Reteti on New Year’s Eve in 2020. After being abandoned by his herd, a warden from Laikipia Kenya Wildlife Service thankfully found him, and he was brought here to be nurtured and healed.
From the very first day, we were astounded by how strong and healthy Seek was despite his ordeal and compromised sight! He immediately fit in with the other orphans, and started developing valuable skills in preparation of one day going back to the wild where he belongs.
Making sense of his world
On the day he was found, we discovered that Seek’s left eye was badly injured, and realised his lack of vision most probably led to him being separated from his Mama and losing track of his herd. Elephants are usually incredibly good mothers, so when they lose their calves, it’s often because of natural reasons.
Sadly, even after extensive veterinary treatments and examinations, there was nothing to be done for his eye. He had more than his fair share of challenges – and since elephants already have poor eyesight, can only see for short distances, and are colour blind in daylight – it was a brave road ahead.
However, elephants also have a great sense of smell, hearing and tactile perceptions. Seek kept compensating for his blind left eye by making sense of his world with all of his other abilities – so he’s certainly not staying behind!
Dr.Chege attending to Seek's eye injury.
Gently leading the way
We continue to be amazed by how this young bull is not only standing strong in his own journey – but also supports those around him and teaches us about being brave, practising kindness, and accepting the path of your life.
He may only be able to use one eye, but Seek has the gift of intuition, and his tenderness seems to look right into the heart of us all! By making the most of his situation, he’s helping others to also grow during their development and rewilding.
It makes his name all the more beautiful, as it comes from “seeki” – the Samburu word for an indigenous tree so strong that walking sticks are carved from its wood to support elders!
A very happy and healthy Seek. Photo by LouAnne Brickhouse
Looking to the future
In safe hands and settled into his new life at Reteti, Seek has already overcome many obstacles, and with everyone here committed to helping him progress on his path of rewilding, we are so excited to see how his story will still unfold! This is just the beginning of Seek’s journey home to the wilderness – and we hope you will join us in supporting him the rest of the way.