Reteti’s new rescue: Kalepo

Northern Kenya has fallen into a severe drought. While dry seasons are a natural part of the seasonal cycle; it hasn't been this dry at the start of our 3-month long dry season.

We are bracing ourselves for a tough couple of months ahead for the community of Namunyak and the wildlife.

As the drought continues, the dropping water table means that the wells are getting deeper and deeper. This makes it increasingly more difficult for elephants to get to the water.

Last week, the Reteti team was notified of a young elephant calf who lost its footing and fell into the well. The team worked to free the calf and followed protocol to wait with him for 24 hours on site, in case the herd returned.

The newest rescue's name is Kalepo.
He is now safe at Reteti where he is under 24-hour supervision.

While we are sad with Kalepo about the loss of hir family, we are deeply grateful that we're able to look after him and give him a temporary home and family Reteti while he grows into a strong independent elephant that will join a wild herd again in a few years time.