A heartwarming update on our release herd thriving in the wild!
Since the historic rewilding of our fourth release herd, it’s been incredible to witness these courageous survivors of early hardships thriving in their natural habitat!
Kone (in front) enjoying water from a mountain spring. Photo by Reteti's Elephant Guardians
Their first three months in a nutshell
Shortly after stepping back into the wilderness for good, the release headed straight for the mountains – a decision that surprised us all! Despite this not being an area they’ve explored on their bush walks before, it turned out that they knew best, because right now they’re surrounded by plentiful grazing, and an abundance of water too. It’s rather remarkable how they’ve been leading us through this process all along; nature teaches us, not the other way around!
This is also a powerful reminder of the importance of The Sarara Foundation’s mission here in Namunyak Conservancy as they work to safeguard and sustain a resilient landscape that will support a thriving wildlife population and indigenous community for generations to come.
Initially, our motion detection cameras were installed down in the valley to capture their movements, but given their current choice of location, Coleman Lesowapir – Reteti’s passionate Elephant Researcher – didn’t waste a moment to start moving these towards the water points they are favouring now.
Another great development is that they’ve also been interacting regularly with wild elephants, including bonding with a breeding herd – which is especially encouraging. Given that the release happened in June 2024, and that they’re still in a transitional stage, their progress has been nothing short of astounding!
Lemorijo enjoying the incredible view of Namunyak Conservancy from the slopes of the Mathews Mountain Range. Photo by Reteti's Elephant Guardians
Age-old coexistence
While there are some people and cattle in the mountainous area where the release herd is currently roaming, their contact has been limited and they pass by each other naturally. Flying over the area recently, we saw that they weren’t far from each other, and coexist harmoniously – just like indigenous communities and wildlife have done in this region for generations.
The herd’s wellbeing and progress are a testimony to Reteti’s soft release program, multipronged monitoring approach, and the unwavering support of the Samburu community standing united behind the conservation of these gentle giants!
From allowing the elephants to familiarise themselves with the rewilding site over time before their release, to raising awareness throughout Namunyak Conservancy about the rewilding, to a dedicated team now keeping an eye over their wellbeing and integration 24/7 – it’s all come together in the herd’s next chapter: flourishing, back where they belong!
A beautiful photo of our leading lady, Kapai! Photo by Reteti's Elephant Guardians
The magic of this historic release
According to Peter Lenasalia, Reteti’s Manager, the sanctuary has received an outpouring of positive feedback from various stakeholders – and in particular, the wider community. “It’s magic what’s happening in Samburu!” said a senior KWS official.
Their initial concerns have so far been put to rest as we see the release herd thriving and history unfold – with the elephants coexisting with the pastoralist indigenous community in the age-old manner that gives us all hope for the future of our planet.
Lovely close-up of Metumi. Photo by Reteti's Elephant Guardians
Kelele’s story and a lifetime of love
Unwavering in our commitment to keep safeguarding every Reteti elephant after they’ve been rewilded and for their entire lifetime – the importance of remaining in touch with their needs was highlighted when our team of monitors detected Kelele was struggling to put his weight on one foot. After careful monitoring, we noticed he sustained an injury to his leg and brought him back safely to Reteti for veterinary care.
Throughout this entire process, we’ve always taken our lead from the release herd. And just as they showed us when they were ready, what they needed, and what pace they preferred, Kelele’s journey has been part of this approach as he forges his own path!
Similar to how we treat all other wild elephants in Namunyak Conservancy who require veterinary care, we’ll continue to support and look out for these elephants for the remainder of their lives.
A Reteti Keeper monitoring the release herd. Photo by Ami Vitale.
Eyes and ears on the ground
Our multipronged approach to continued monitoring ensures each elephant’s wellbeing, safety, and successful integration into the wild. Thanks to our eyes and ears on the ground, we’re also able to share what the elephants have been up to with Reteti’s followers worldwide!
In the last couple of weeks, we’ve noticed that while the herd initially stayed together, they have now split into two. But as they say in newsrooms, this is a developing story – and we can’t wait to see how each of them will still make their own way and form new bonds in the bush!
The team – who does everything from keeping a watchful eye over them 24/7 to doing a head count every morning – includes:
a mobile unit of 6 Rangers
3-4 keepers who’ve been working closely with the release team
5 Elephant Guardians who were recruited from the community, and
2 KWS officers
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
