What’s the best thing that happened to you in 2023?
Reteti orphans enjoy a communal dust bath
The other day our local CBC radio host asked, “What’s the best thing that happened to you in 2023?” The first response that popped into in my mind was Ami Vitale’s invitation to submit my image, The Wisdom of Elephants, to Vital Impacts Print Sale. Proceeds from the sale will support the rewilding of 13 orphaned elephants at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Northern Kenya.
Photo by Ami Vitale – Mary and Lodokejek
As a renowned photojournalist, Ami Vitale is making a huge impression in wildlife preservation, empowering women and conservation. She recruited 100+ extraordinary photographers including wildlife photographers like Michelle Valberg, Joel Sartore, Nick Brandt, and Brian Skerry to name a few. To have my work included alongside these people feels extraordinary! Yes, imposter syndrome raised its head but, when someone I admire a lot invites me to join them my response is - YES! I’M HONOURED and THANK YOU! Participating in this sale fulfills my dream of using my photography and stories to support grassroots conservation.
Photo by Joel Sartore – Elephants
Photo by Michelle Valberg – Artic Terns
You may be wondering how the keepers at Reteti know when an elephant is ready to leave the security of the sanctuary? With luck, the average elephant lives over 60 years. Their development aligns with stages of human development. For the first few years a baby elephant is completely dependent on its mother and seldom strays more than a few meters from her side. The Reteti keepers meet this need with 24/7 care of their herd of little elephants.
Bedtime for a tiny orphan at Reteti
As the orphans grow, so does their independence from human keepers. Like teens in high school, their elephant friends play an important role in developing self-reliance and autonomy. Size and their mental and social development are also important factors. More and more time outside the security of the boma and the care of their human caretakers builds confidence.
A group of older orphans find their way outside the sanctuary
“Age is an equally important factor when considering whether one of Reteti’s orphans is ready to be released, and in the elephant world, there's a Goldilocks Rule that applies. If they're released while they're too young, wild elephants might worry about them being overly reliant, or needing constant care from the rest of the herd. On the flip side, if they're too old, wild herds could consider them a threat or hindrance. We always try to find the sweet spot in each case to ensure they are ideally positioned to be accepted as they made their way in the natural world.”
The region where 13 elephants will be released back into the wild
“It’s so important to acknowledge that elephants are social animals, who thrive when they are moving in herds. Therefore, we also look at the collective readiness of the herd that is up for release and consider the close bonds that they have formed.”
Three young elephants who will be released into the wild in 2024
“Identifying all the cues when elephants are ready to go ‘home’ requires a deep understanding of their habits and relationships – as well as a passion and commitment for knowing each orphan by heart.
While it will be hard to say goodbye when they leave the sanctuary, the love and trust that’s grown between the keepers and each of these elephants will continue in our hearts and minds long after they leave. We’ll continue to monitor their progress and we will see them regularly – just in a new setting as they ease into the wilderness. They’ll start favouring different waterholes and spend time with new groups of friends as they integrate with wild elephants in their natural home.” Newsletter from Reteti
Explore all the exquisite works available by visiting Vital Impacts Print Sale.
Watch the launch video here.
Happy Holidays to all! May the new year bring peace and light to you, your loved ones and your territory. Take care of nature and nature will take care of you.