For a minimum donation of $5/month or $60/year, you will become a foster parent to Babala – supporting the keepers in caring for him while he’s on his journey back to the wild.
Adopt Babala
Adopt Babala for yourself or as a gift for a loved one.
Your donation gets you exclusive access to Babala’s private album and stories, frequent photo, video, text, and email updates from his keepers, and will also get you automatic membership to The Herd – our global community of monthly supporters!
Adopting Babala will contribute to…
-
Feeding Reteti’s orphaned wildlife
with nourishing milk from the Milk to Market Program -
The Keepers
and their 24/7 expert care and endless love for the orphans -
Veterinary care
ensuring the orphans are healthy and strong from rescue to release -
Babala’s release
and his journey back to the wild in Northern Kenya
Meet Babala
Gender: Male
Age When Rescued: xxx
Rescue Date: 27 July 2025
Rescue Location: Biliqo Bulesa Conservancy
Reason Orphaned: xxx
Babala’s Rescue Story
It’s impossible to describe the sorrow we experience when a little elephant calf loses its mother. And while the anguish can feel overwhelming, it also strengthens everyone’s resolve to turn things around for the orphan.
From concerned community members to proactive rescue teams, to keepers anxiously waiting to receive a new orphan at Reteti with open arms and loving hearts – no stone is left unturned. So when local community members discovered a little elephant bull all on his own in the Biliqo Bulesa Conservancy (southeast of Namunyak Conservancy) in July 2025, they feared for his safety and wellbeing, and immediately notified the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) – who in turn called Reteti’s team for assistance with his rescue operation.
While no one knew for certain what had happened to the calf’s herd, it was clear that this baby was afraid, exhausted, and completely alone. Heartbreakingly, it was suspected that his mother had died, or even been killed. With the clock ticking and the calf in urgent need of care, a carefully coordinated response was launched to reach Babala – as he was named – and airlift him safely to the sanctuary aboard a Tropic Air helicopter.
When he arrived at Reteti, our hearts sank at the sight of the severely emaciated and dehydrated calf. It is unimaginable what he must have endured at such a young age, or how bravely he had been holding on despite such sudden and frightening shifts in his world. The team immediately set to work, including giving him essential IV fluids.
One of the first moments in those early days that sparked joy and hope was our relief when he didn’t even flinch at his first milk bottle. The way Babala started drinking heartily that same day was a clear sign of how desperately he needed nourishment after his ordeal – and a powerful reflection of the spirit of a little fighter who was not giving up.
Babala Today
From that first bottle onward, Babala has continued to surprise us – showing up each day with a quiet determination to grow stronger and find his place in the world.
And then came the most delightful twist to this little elephant’s tale… As the first-ever baby elephant at Reteti to be “adopted” by another male elephant, Babala has found the most loving and caring companion in Lomunyak – one of Reteti’s older gentle giants, who left his own group to forge this special bond!
Watching their interactions – and the sense of safety and confidence Babala draws from their extraordinary friendship – leaves us in awe of the ways nature adapts, intervenes, and soothes when it’s needed most. Lomunyak, who is known for his playfulness and mischief but also for a past that has shaped a deep resilience, has become such an motivating influence and much-needed mentor for this young calf.
It’s remarkable how, in less than a year, Babala has grown from a frightened and weary baby into a self-assured young elephant. Steadfastly adapting to his new life, he has all the support that he needs – and he’s even stepped into a leadership role within the small herd through his inspiring and steady presence!
What is included in your adoption?
A digital, sharable Adoption Certificate – making your foster parent-hood official! (Emailed to you or your gift recipient after purchase)
A regularly updated, exclusive online album with photos, behind-the-scenes stories, and videos of your elephant
Regular email and video updates about your elephant (SMS updates too, for those in the US!)
Automatic membership to The Herd – our monthly donor club that gets you invites to our livestreams, updates from the Reteti team, and more!
PLEASE NOTE
We are a US-based 501(c)(3) and therefore your monthly donation is 100% tax deductible for customers in the US. Additionally, multiple adoptions of individual orphans enable us to cover the costs of caring for all the orphans at Reteti. Your contribution will help us cover the cost of milk, keepers, veterinary cost, and other essentials your orphan needs.
Your donation will support the rehabilitation and care of Babala on his journey back to the wild.