Located near Northern Kenya's sacred Mount Ololokwe, in the heart of the Namunyak Community Conservancy, Reteti's second sanctuary started as a dream – to offer the 11–15 elephant orphans in our next release herd the space they need for the final stage of their rewilding journey. Now, that dream is turning into a reality…
In just a few short months, several major milestones have been reached – from establishing a crucial water supply line to erecting the first boma structures and opening up vital road access. Thanks to 810 supporters worldwide who came together on World Elephant Day for this project, we are thrilled to share the latest updates from the sanctuary.
Water comes first
Marking one of the biggest steps forward so far, the team completed an incredible 9.5-kilometre (approximately 6-mile) water pipeline – connecting a much-needed fresh water source to Reteti’s second sanctuary. In addition, four 10,000-litre tanks were installed, providing a total water storage capacity of 40,000 litres to support the sanctuary’s growing needs. The water supply will also be extended to both the elephant kitchen and staff housing.
Wildlife waterholes for the dry season
What makes this infrastructure even more significant is that it will reach beyond the elephant orphans who will call Reteti’s second sanctuary home. Two dedicated wildlife waterholes are also being connected to the system, which will give wild elephants and other wildlife access to a reliable water source in a landscape where every drop counts.
In Northern Kenya, water is especially hard to find in the dry months. A dependable supply near Reteti’s new site means wild herds will have somewhere reliable to drink, and it’s a lasting way to support the wildlife that shares this landscape with the Indigenous Samburu community.
A road to progress
Another key achievement has been the completion of Lengees Road. Marking an important step towards making the ongoing construction work possible, it now allows vehicles to transport essential building materials and equipment to this remote site.
Getting ready for the herd
The new elephant boma is well underway! A boma is a secure enclosure where the orphans rest at night and come for feeding time, while they spend their days exploring the wild landscape around them.Using locally adapted timber post-and-rail construction, the team is building the enclosure that will provide a safe and secure home for the elephants as they prepare for their eventual return to the wild. Strong timber posts are set into the ground to mark out the perimeter, with horizontal rails fixed between them to form the boundary.
Strength and safety come first, so every post and rail is built with care. With each one, we’re one step closer to welcoming the next release herd to our second sanctuary.
Behind every elephant rescue and rehabilitation is a passionate team of Samburu people, and this new site will also need the right facilities to support their vital work – including staff housing, offices, and more.
“Watching the boma go up, post by post, makes the next chapter feel real. This will be another safe home for Reteti’s elephants, and we thank every supporter who is standing with us as we build it.”
Peter Lenasalia, Reteti Manager
A new chapter takes shape
While plenty remains to be done, every milestone is bringing us closer to the moment we welcome the first elephants to this new home. Over the next few months, the focus will be on completing the elephant boma and staff house, extending the water distribution network, and finalising the wildlife waterholes. We’ll keep you posted as each piece falls into place, and we can’t wait to share this next chapter with you all.
With heartfelt thanks
A project of this scope and scale is not possible without supporters who share our vision of a better future for the elephants of Northern Kenya, and we’d like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported Reteti’s World Elephant Day campaign this year.
It’s because of your generosity that we’re able to create this new boma for this courageous group of orphans, strengthen our conservation efforts, and build the infrastructure needed to support both the dedicated team caring for the orphans and the wildlife that depends on this landscape. Ashe oleng!
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