Celebrating Long’uro’s 6-year Rescueversary

We don't have a fixed date and that is intentional. The decision will be made when Long'uro and the rest of his herd is ready. What we can say is that the preparation is underway now, and this campaign is part of making that possible.

Long'uro has spent six years adapting to his shortened trunk in ways that continue to astonish his keepers. He browses, feeds, drinks, cools himself down and interacts with the herd with remarkable ingenuity. He has found his own way, and that is exactly why the team believes rewilding is possible.

No. Rewilding is never done in isolation. He will be released alongside the rest of his herd. Long'uro's release will be carefully managed, with consideration given to herd dynamics and the elephants he will move alongside.

This is exactly why the ecosystem of care matters. Our mobile vet unit can reach Long'uro wherever he is. Earth Ranger technology tracks his movements daily. If he needs intervention, the team will be ready.

The welfare of every elephant in our care, including after release, remains our priority. Each situation is assessed individually. We would never leave an animal without support.

Yes and we want you to. Adopting Long'uro is the best way to stay close to his story. Adopters will receive regular updates on his progress and will be among the first to hear news as it unfolds.

Because preparation takes time, resources and community – and we want supporters to be part of building that future alongside us. This is an invitation to invest in what makes rewilding possible.

This is a question the team has taken seriously and continues to assess with care. Long'uro's ability to adapt has been extraordinary. The decision to pursue rewilding is based on his behaviour, his health, and the considered judgement of the people who know him best – not on a fixed idea of what an elephant should look like.

As Long’uro’s tusks continue to grow, we expect they will naturally wear down over time through daily activities such as digging, foraging, and interacting with his environment. Our team will continue to monitor him closely to ensure his tusks do not interfere with his wellbeing or his ability to feed and drink.

Long’uro’s knees are expected to adapt as he grows. Elephants are highly adaptable animals, and there are documented cases of trunk-injured elephants – even in the wild – developing alternative feeding techniques, including kneeling or using their legs and mouths in creative ways. While kneeling may become more physically demanding as he gains size and weight, his early adaptation means he is already building the strength and habits needed to support this behaviour. Reteti’s keepers continue to observe his growing independence, calm nature, and remarkable ability to problem-solve.