Forever in our hearts – the emotional journey of releasing elephants.
Today marks three months since we said goodbye to our release herd. It was such an incredible milestone, a testament to the dedication, care, and love that goes into each elephant’s journey from orphanhood to the wild.
But there’s a part of this story that we haven’t shared much about –the emotional impact of letting go.
Keeper Dorothy overcome by emotion during the release. Saying goodbye to elephants is bittersweet. Photo by Ami Vitale.
When an elephant calf arrives at Reteti, it's usually under heartbreaking circumstances. These are orphans, often found alone and frightened, their fates uncertain. From the moment they arrive, we become their family. We care for them as if they were our own children. Our keepers step in as their mothers and fathers, providing them with the love, affection, and safety they need to heal and grow. We learn their quirks and personalities, what they dislike and what makes their hearts sing. Every elephant we care for becomes an indelible part of our lives.
Over time, these moments weave into the fabric of our daily lives, creating bonds that go far beyond the routine care they require. We’ve watched them grow from wobbly-legged calves into strong, confident elephants ready to reclaim their place in the wild. It’s an incredibly rewarding journey, but it’s also one that comes with the knowledge that, one day, we’ll have to let them go.
Kapai as a baby, shortly after her arrival in January 2018.
That day, when the release herd took their first steps back into the wild, was filled with mixed emotions. It was a moment of triumph, a celebration of their resilience and the promise of a future in the wild where they belong. But it was also a moment of heartache. Letting go is a bittersweet experience. As much as we prepare for it, there’s an undeniable ache in the absence they leave behind.
The release herd stepping out of the bush boma for the final time on June 21st, 2024 – marking the beginning of their new journey in the wild. Photos by Ami Vitale."
The sanctuary isn’t quite the same without them. It’s quieter now, and we find ourselves missing their familiar faces and the daily routines we shared. Every keeper here feels their absence deeply, a reminder of the bonds we've formed. We miss their presence and their personalities, each one unique, each one leaving a distinct mark on our hearts.
But in this sadness, there’s also a profound sense of pride and fulfilment. We know they’re right where they belong, living the life they were meant to lead – free, wild, and part of a herd once more. That knowledge brings us comfort. It reminds us of why we do what we do. Our goal has always been to give these elephants a chance at a life they were deprived of too soon. Watching them embrace that life is the ultimate reward, even if it means letting go.
Forever in our hearts.
Our release herd is out there now, exploring, learning, and becoming the wild elephants they were always meant to be. They’ve left an indelible mark on us, and no matter where they roam, they will always be a part of the Reteti family. As we continue our work with new arrivals and the next generation of orphans, we carry the lessons of the release herd with us. They’ve taught us about resilience, hope, and the power of letting go with love.
Join us in safeguarding a healthy, thriving landscape for elephants, today and for generations to come.
Your continued support helps preserve not just healthy landscapes, but also the age-old coexistence between people and wildlife. This is only the beginning of a greater journey – together, we can make a lasting impact on the land, its wildlife, and the communities that depend on it.
The release herd, thriving in the wild – a beautiful example of what your support makes possible. Photo by Ami Vitale
