Frequently Asked Questions
Visting Reteti
Can I visit Reteti?
We love visitors! Visitors play a very important role in the community. The entrance fee is $35 USD per person for international guests and Ksh 350 for Kenyans. Learn more on our Visit Us page.
What are the visiting hours?
We have 4 time slots for visits that coincide with the elephants’ feeding times.
The Sunrise Feed
Sarara & Reteti House guests only
5.30 am - 7.00 am (feeding is at 6.00 am)
The Morning Feed
Exclusive Group only
8.30 am - 10.00 am (feeding is at 9.00 am)
Other visitors are welcome when no exclusive group booked.
The Midday Feed
Public viewing
11.30 am - 13.00 pm (feeding is at 12.00 pm)
No more than 3 groups. Max 15 - 20 people.
The Evening Feed
Sarara & Reteti House guests only
17.30 pm - 19.00 pm (feeding is at 18.00 pm)
What should I wear?
Please wear dark green if possible, otherwise shades of brown or khaki.
If I visit, can I touch an elephant?
Our mission at Reteti is to rescue, rewild and release the elephants, and to prepare them for their release. We only allow keepers to interact with the elephants in order to minimise human interaction.
Where are you located?
We are located in Namunyak Conservatory in Northern Kenya, at the foot of the Matthews Mountain Range. You can find directions and the Google Location on our Visit Us page.
Do you offer accommodation?
We do not have accommodation. Sarara is the closest accommodation to Reteti. They offer three ecolodges including Reteti House, which is only a short 10min walk from the sanctuary.
What is the resident visit rate?
The rate for residents is 350 Kshs.
Volunteering
Can I volunteer?
Reteti is a community owned and run project and as such positions at the sanctuary are for the local Samburu community. The elephants are rescued to be rewilded, and so we try to minimise human interaction to the keepers and staff, to better prepare them for their release and future as wild elephants.
About Reteti
When was Reteti started?
Reteti was founded in September 2017.
How many elephants are there?
There are 43 elephants at the moment.
How many keepers are there?
Our team of keepers is constantly growing as the need increases with having new rescues. Each elephant requires 3 keepers.
Why are the elephants orphaned?
About 95% of the Reteti herd was orphaned due to climate change related issues. In the last few years, we’ve had prolonged droughts and very little rain during the rain seasons. As a result, the water table has become very low and when the herd is drinking, the little ones every so often lose their footing and fall into the wells.
These wells are shared by people and wildlife. And when the herd is unsuccessful in retrieving the baby from the well, they move on. These are incredibly traumatic experiences for elephants.
About the elephants
How often do the elephants drink?
The elephants receive a milk bottle every three hours, around the clock. In total, each elephant drinks 8 bottles of milk a day.
What kind of milk do they drink?
The elephants drink goat milk which the sanctuary purchases from the local Samburu community in Namunyak Conservancy through The Sarara Foundation’s Milk to Market program. We also add other nutritious ingredients to the milk - it’s really important that elephants consume the right amount of calories for their weight and growth.
Until when do the elephants drink?
We start weaning them from the milk bottles when they are getting ready for release. Around 5 years of age.
What do the elephants do between feedings?
We take the herd on bush walks between each feed, so that they learn to browse, navigate and become accustomed to the landscape.
Do other elephants come to visit?
Yes, we often have herds who travel past Reteti and they smell the babies. They would come up to the Reteti fence (to keep out predators) and come greet the babies.
What is sung to the elephants?
Thank you for your question! Our keepers have a long standing tradition of singing songs of praise, songs for their livestock, songs for rain and for the landscape. Every keeper sings something unique and special.
Reteti Adoption Program
How long is my adoption valid for?
Adoptions are valid for one year from the date of issue. If you can’t remember, feel free to contact us.
Can my adoption be less than a year?
Unfortunately not, one year is the minimum time period for the Reteti Elephant Adoption Program.
How can I renew my adoption?
How wonderful that you’d like to renew your adoption! We will contact you before your adoption is set to expire with a link to renew if you choose to do so.
Can I adopt more than one elephant?
Yes, you can!
Can I share images or videos from my exclusive photo album on my own social media pages?
Yes! Please share as much as you like. Don’t forget to tag us in your posts so we can see.
The elephant I want to adopt is not listed?
We are launching our adoption program with 8 elephants and will expand to include more elephants in 2023.
Can I adopt an elephant as a gift for a loved one?
Yes! When you check out, there will be a space where you can fill out the name and surname that you would like on the certificate, and add the email to whom we should send the certificate and updates.
How do I pay for my adoption?
Adoptions can be paid for via PayPal or Stripe (which allows bank cards and Apple Pay) making this process accessible worldwide!
Am I the only foster parent for my elephant?
Our elephants in the Reteti Elephant Adoption Program have multiple foster parents. Multiple adoptions of an elephant enable us to cover the costs of caring for all the elephants at Reteti. You will be part of a wonderful foster parent community!
Why didn’t I receive a certificate for my adoption?
Oh dear! Please get in touch with us at hello@reteti.org and we will get that to you soonest.
Can I track my elephants movements after they’re released?
Unfortunately not, in order to keep these elephants safe and protected, their whereabouts will remain private. We will keep you updated with news of how they are adapting and adjusting to life as a wild elephant.
How often will I receive updates about my adopted elephant?
We will send you a quarterly newsletter with updates, images, videos and news from your beloved adoptee.
How do I cancel my adoption?
We’re sad to see you leave! We are grateful for your donation and support of Reteti. Donations are normally non-refundable but if you have made an error in making your donation or adoption, or change your mind about contributing to our organisation, please contact us.
Where does the money for the adoptions go to?
Contributions we receive for the Reteti Elephant Adoptions Program will be used to support the elephants, their milk, the keepers and the preservation of the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. We are working closely with The Sarara Foundation who is providing fundraising support for us.
Once I have made my contribution for the Reteti Elephant Adoption Program, can I donate in another way?
We are so grateful for your interest and support! If you go to our Donate Page you will see a variety of ways to support Reteti Elephant Sanctuary.