The Heart Behind Reteti’s Veterinary Care– Meet Dr Brenda Cherotich
As a young girl, Dr Brenda Cherotich dreamed of becoming the kind of veterinarian who'd bring hope to both animals and the people who cared for them. Today, as Reteti's full-time veterinarian, that dream has become a reality.
Thinking back to her childhood in rural Kenya, where livestock are part of everyday life, Dr Brenda remembers eagerly awaiting the local veterinarians who visited her family home to treat their animals. Admiring the way they brought hope to families and relief to animals, she knew from a very young age that she wanted to follow in their footsteps.
It wasn’t easy to make those dreams come true, and she shares that veterinary school demanded resilience, discipline, and countless hours of hard work. With determination, the encouragement of her family and friends, and a deep love for animals, Dr Brenda earned her Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery from Kenya’s Egerton University in 2021 – as she continued to pursue her lifelong calling.
By the time she heard about the opportunity to join Reteti, Dr Brenda had already gained valuable experience with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) as a veterinary intern. Following a successful application and interview process, she was overjoyed to learn that she would become the sanctuary’s full-time veterinarian. Starting at Reteti earlier in 2026, she hit the ground running at a particularly busy time, with many orphaned elephants arriving in need of urgent care.
"Working at Reteti is more than a job; it’s a privilege and the fulfilment of a lifelong dream," she says. Every day brings new challenges, from routine health checks to life-saving emergency treatments, and she approaches each with calm determination and compassion.
As the sanctuary’s only full-time veterinarian, she works alongside two experienced para-veterinarians and collaborates closely with veterinarians from KWS to care for orphaned elephants and other rescued wildlife.
One case that left a lasting impression on her heart is Nachapa – a little elephant who developed a painful tusk infection that left her struggling to eat and in severe distress. Together with the veterinary team, Dr Brenda treated the infection and carefully monitored Nachapa's recovery until she was healthy again. "Seeing Nachapa return to her playful, curious self was a profound reminder of why I chose this profession."
“Doctor, usiogope, which means, ‘Doctor, don’t be afraid.’ Those simple words from my best friend continue to guide me every time I walk into a difficult case or face an uncertain outcome.”
More than Medicine
For Dr Brenda, there’s nothing more rewarding than watching an animal recover. "Every life we save gives me the strength to keep going."
She believes veterinary medicine is about far more than treating illness. It’s about giving vulnerable animals a second chance and helping them build healthy, independent lives back in the wild.
Looking ahead, Dr Brenda dreams of seeing every orphan that arrives at Reteti grow strong enough to roam freely across Northern Kenya's landscapes, where they belong.
She also believes conservation begins with people. "Reteti's community-led approach inspires me because it demonstrates that when local communities are empowered, wildlife has a better future. My hope is to see both the elephants and the people of Northern Kenya thrive together for generations to come."
In many ways, Dr Brenda's story is the story of Reteti itself: built on perseverance, compassion, and the belief that lasting conservation begins with people. And every injured animal she helps to heal is a reminder of what's possible when skilled care, committed communities, and hope stand united for the future of wildlife.
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH DR BRENDA
Favourite hobby? “Hiking and spending time in nature – places that remind me why protecting wildlife matters.”
Biggest inspirations? “My mother and grandmother – their courage, resilience, and determination taught me to face challenges with confidence and kindness.”
Best advice ever received? “Doctor, usiogope, which means, ‘Doctor, don't be afraid.’ Those simple words from my best friend continue to guide me every time I walk into a difficult case or face an uncertain outcome.”
