Reteti Elephant Sanctuary

Dear Reteti GlobalGiving Community,

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey, and for standing with us as we give orphaned wildlife a second chance. Your support is felt in every rescue, every bottle feed, and every step back to the wild.

Over the past year, there have been many moments of hope over heartache, and one of the most moving is the story of Samburu. This little calf was found all on her own, staying close to her aunt for five days after losing her mother – a quiet act of resilience that helped her survive. When she first arrived at Reteti, Samburu was fragile and withdrawn, but through the gentle care of her Samburu keepers and the comfort of the herd, she grew stronger each day – exploring with curiosity, and gradually finding her place in the world.

As drought and dry conditions continued to challenge wildlife across Northern Kenya’s landscapes, Reteti welcomed 12 orphaned elephants, including Samburu, in 2025 – a significant increase from the previous year. The sanctuary is now home to 45 elephants, as well as giraffes, gerenuks, Somali ostriches, and Siilai, the cheeky buffalo bull – each one cared for by a community rooted in compassion, who never turns away from those in need.

Beyond these inspiring rescue stories, there have been far-reaching efforts to restore and protect Northern Kenya’s precious landscapes, and in June we celebrated 500 Days Wild for 2024’s historic Release Herd – who continue to thrive in the wild, supported by a dedicated team monitoring their movements and wellbeing. Over the past year, we also launched a brand-new Mobile Veterinary Unit to reach emergencies in remote corners of Namunyak Conservancy, now responding to up to 15 call-outs each month.

The Milk to Market Program keeps providing a steady, reliable income to 1,250 women, while helping to nourish the orphans in our care. Reteti’s interactive Visitor Centre – opened in 2024 – received more than 4,500 visitors in its first year, enabling everyone from international travellers to local families and school groups to be immersed in the work of this flagship conservation initiative.

Looking ahead, there is so much to build on. Work has begun on a second Reteti site near Kenya’s sacred Mount Ololokwe, which will allow us to welcome more rescues and expand programs that support both people and wildlife. And as we approach Reteti’s 10th anniversary, we are reminded that this mission has always been about more than a sanctuary – it’s about a shared future, shaped by community, care, and commitment.

None of this would be possible without like-minded supporters like you, who make it possible for calves like Samburu to get a second chance, and for the landscapes they return to remain safe, connected, and flourishing. We are deeply thankful to have you alongside us, and look forward to continuing this journey together.

With gratitude,
The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary Team 

Links:

• Adopt an Elephant!
• Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
• Check out our online shop!

Dear Reteti GlobalGiving Community,

We want to begin by saying thank you. As we reflect on the year drawing to a close, we are deeply aware that none of what follows would be possible without you. Your support is a constant presence at Reteti – felt in the boma during night feeds, on long rescue journeys across rough terrain, and in the quiet moments of recovery that shape an orphan’s path back to the wild.

In recent weeks, that support has been needed more than ever. Leading up to the rains, and immediately after, Reteti experienced a surge in rescues. Among them were two extraordinarily young elephant calves, both rescued with their umbilical cords still attached – the tiniest elephants we have ever brought into our care. Fragile, exhausted, and vulnerable, they required round-the-clock attention from the keepers who now act as their surrogate family. Thanks to this dedication, both calves are settling in well. The rescues were harrowing, and profoundly moving.

We have also seen the growing ripple effect of conservation through the Reteti Visitor Centre. School groups, Milk Mamas, neighbouring communities, and international visitors have been spending time in the space, engaging with the interactive displays and learning more about the elephants – and the people – behind this work. It has become a place of pride, curiosity, and connection, reinforcing why community-led conservation matters so deeply.

As we look ahead, we are quietly preparing for a major next chapter. Significant expansion is coming for Reteti in 2026, and it has the potential to expand our impact in meaningful ways for elephants, communities, and the landscape we all care about.  

As the festive season approaches, we would also love to invite you to take part in one of the most personal ways to support Reteti. Nothing is more cherished than a gift with true meaning – one that speaks to the heart and lasts far beyond the holidays. By adopting one of Reteti’s orphaned elephants, you can give a loved one a gift that protects precious wildlife while supporting community-led conservation, all within minutes. 

Not sure which orphan to choose? Our short quiz helps match adopters with an elephant whose personality mirrors their own or  meet all the Reteti orphans here!

At Reteti, every elephant is an individual – bold explorers, gentle observers, playful spirits, and quiet, deep thinkers. Each adoption includes a digital certificate, exclusive photo and video updates, access to your adopted elephant’s online album, and automatic membership to The Herd – our donor community, with special updates and livestream invitations. This is not just a thoughtful gift; it is a lifeline for an animal who has lost everything, and every adoption helps shape a future where people and wildlife thrive side by side.

Please also explore the Reteti Shop for other meaningful gifts that directly support the sanctuary’s work throughout the year! 

Together, you are helping to write the next chapter of Reteti’s story – one rooted in care, resilience, and shared responsibility, so thank you.

With heartfelt gratitude,

The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary Team

Links:

• Adopt an Elephant!
• Gift milk this giving season!
• Check out our online shop!