Introducing – the release herd’s boma in the bush!

19 Jun

Easing gradually into Reteti’s fourth release of elephant orphans, the 13 'graduates' in this group have been stepping away slowly from their home at the sanctuary – while making themselves more and more at home in their natural habitat.

*An aerial view of the release boma. Photo by Ami Vitale*

Smoothing the way, a bush boma (or, release boma) was constructed especially with the needs of the release herd in mind, and it’s here – in their very own wilderness retreat – that they’ll be spending the next couple of nights.

We love how the release bush boma offers a sense of stability and safety, while embracing raw nature and the spirit of being truly wild! Unlike their boma at Reteti – which was set in a cleared area with various elements to nurture and nourish them during their rehabilitation – their wilderness ‘accommodation’ is set in an uncleared area with an abundance of bushes and trees!

Reteti Elephant Sactuary _ Release Herd Boma in the bush - Photo by Ami VItale 2.jpg

Reteti Elephant Sactuary _ Release Herd Boma in the bush - Photo by Ami VItale.jpg

Mirroring the wild

Unlike the Reteti boma, the release boma is nestled in an untouched, uncleared landscape that perfectly mirrors the elephants' natural environment. The photo below provides a lovely close-up look at what it looks like inside the release boma.

Unintrusive monitoring

Aimed at being a holding boma during their transition, the herd will only stay here briefly, before returning permanently to the landscape of their birth. But there’s no doubt that they’ll love their spacious wild haven – which comes complete with a nearby waterhole. Overlooking the holding area, a breathtaking rockface adds to the magic of the site. It's the perfect spot for their keepers to monitor them quietly as they continue to explore and check their habitat out!