The Year in Review: Relive 2023 With Us!

Teachers often say you learn more from students than you can teach the kids in your class – and here at Reteti, we totally agree!

Looking back at 2023, one of the most inspiring things we learned from all of Reteti’s orphans is how elephants support those in need. Highly social and intelligent, elephants are immensely compassionate and kind, and naturally console others in distress. They’ll even coordinate with each other to help sick and injured friends! This reminds us so much of Reteti’s amazing global community of Foster Parents. Their generosity enables us to keep taking our lead from these elephants, and continue giving them our very best care!

Every day, we also saw how much elephants respect their elders, and that younger elephants need to spend time with older ones to learn how to respond to dangers, where to find food and water, and fend for themselves. What a beautiful reflection of the indigenous Samburu people – with whom Namunyak’s elephants have shared the Mathews Range Ecosystem for hundreds of years! The Samburu’s deep reverence for their elders is at the heart of their strong sense of community and centuries-old culture that endures to this day.

Right now, we’re bursting with pride as 13 of Reteti’s elephants prepare to ‘graduate’ and be released – and there’s not a dry eye around! Over the years, they’ve shown us what hope, goodwill, and support really mean – and their independence and spirit of wildness fill us with wonder and awe.

In 2023, we also welcomed four newcomers to our Adoption Program – and they’re already bowling everyone over with their individual quirks! If you haven’t met them yet, you’re in for a treat – just head over to our Adoption Page for more!

Finally, no one could hide their joy when the rains finally came. It was such a joy to see all 47 of Reteti’s ellies run out and kick up the fresh, moist soil – and of course tuck into all the juicy greenery that appeared!

It’s been an incredible year, and our heartfelt thanks goes to each and every donor and Foster Parent, who keeps driving the future of this ongoing story of survival. We’re also immensely grateful to these wonderful orphans, who show us how to be strong, gentle, patient and resilient – in so many ways!