World Ranger Day

On this day, we celebrate our keepers/rangers who rescue, reunite and provide critical care to our young elephants, ensuring that they regain their health, and release them back to the wild to thrive. We also give thanks to those who are currently risking their lives every day at the forefront of wildlife conservation.

Meet Naomi Leshong’oro, our longest-standing keeper at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary and the first female elephant keeper in Africa from Lturoto, Ngilai Central in Namunyak conservancy.

“The community thinks that we cannot handle these wild animals, but we normally invite them to come and see what we are doing, and they feel so impressed by the work that we are doing.” Naomi says.

For ages in Samburu community, girls are seen as social wealth to be married off, and not go to school. This perception has changed over time as a result of a widely recognized and expanding grassroots movement of community-driven conservation across northern Kenya.

“…..I  have always been passionate with teaching and nurturing,” she continues…. This began through encouraging and monitoring girls in school through a foundation called AMURT (Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team) in our community and am grateful to later join Reteti team and explore my passion in taking care of these sweet babies…”

“Taking care of these babies is more like taking care of your children, too much love!  Pauline (below right) says.

Photo: Vivian Jebet