Located in Namunyak Conservancy, in the heart of Samburu country, Reteti is a community-run organisation committed to rescuing, rehabilitating and rewilding orphaned and abandoned elephant calves. More than an orphanage, Reteti is a ‘sanctuary’ where a professional team is specialized to rescue the calves that fall into deep holes, when their mothers are forced to abandon them to find food and water with the rest of the herd. They are fostered with the aim of releasing them back into the wild when ready. Saruni Samburu and Saruni Rhino guests can visit this nearby Sanctuary during their stay. It means to contribute for a small entrance fee to safeguard the wildlife and support the local community dedicated to protect them. Money goes directly to the project, helping to buy medicines, milk formula and bottles for feeding the animals. This conservation project in addition to increase herd reunion and maintaining wildlife levels in the northern eco-system, represents an important example of female empowerment, pioneering women elephant keepers in conservation & community-tourism.
