Empowers Africa is committed to forging a more promising path for the African continent, its inhabitants, and its diverse wildlife. We collaborate with prominent figures in the field of pachyderm preservation. This is particularly evident in our relationship with the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, a premier institution in Africa focused on the salvation and protection of elephants while simultaneously uplifting local inhabitants.
The documentary "R.E.S.C.U.E.," produced by Empowers Africa and centered on the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, will have its first screening at their yearly gala on May 1st at The Explorers Club in NYC. By viewing this production, you will become part of a moving narrative involving endurance, optimism, and victory in the struggle to save a species and strengthen indigenous populations.
Prepare to be touched, motivated, and galvanized as we honor the notable feats of a society banded together for the sake of elephants.
Collaborating with Reteti to Preserve Elephants
Situated in Northern Kenya, the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary holds the distinction of being the inaugural elephant haven in Africa under indigenous ownership. It further broke new ground by being the first such facility to hire female caregivers for the animals. Managed by the Samburu community, its primary goal is the rescue, healing, and eventual return of orphaned elephants to their natural habitat. Upon arrival at the facility, young elephants are frequently suffering from starvation and lack of water, and occasionally bear the scars of attacks by predators. Once these infants have moved past critical care and achieved a stable condition, the rigorous and detailed journey of recovery and nursing begins.
The caregivers at Reteti provide around-the-clock attention to the calves. These orphans require nourishment every three hours throughout the day and night, with the staff working twelve-hour rotations to ensure this regimen is upheld. The staff gathers in the prep area an hour prior to feeding times to guarantee all supplies are ready, fill the containers, and transport them to the feeding stations.
The animals are categorized into three distinct clusters: the infant group (those under two years old), the adolescent group, and the senior group. Every individual elephant is provided with a unique milk blend tailored to its specific health requirements and growth phase. Feeding containers are labeled with large identifiers to avoid any confusion. Observing the youngsters rush toward their meals with ears flapping is a truly heartwarming sight. They march and trumpet in search of the specific caregiver who is vocalizing their name. Soon after, a collective sound of drinking fills the air.
Initiatives for Elephant Salvation and Protection
The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary was established by the Sarara Foundation, a group committed to assisting the Samburu people in preserving their social heritage and customs while ensuring they can prosper financially in a changing global economy.
The Sarara Foundation distinguishes itself from other conservationist non-profits by ensuring that all projects are entirely owned by the local inhabitants, ensuring that the wealth created flows directly back into the community. Reteti, which is owned and operated by the Samburu, serves as a primary model for this approach. Every caregiver employed at Reteti is a member of the surrounding community.
A vital component of the sanctuary's prosperity is the involvement of the local population, with a special emphasis on Samburu women. The most prominent example of this is the "Milk to Market" initiative. The facility collaborated with local women to formulate a specific milk blend for the calves using surplus milk from Samburu goats.
This program has created a dependable nutrition source for the sanctuary while establishing a fresh source of income for the women of the tribe. Our production team visited a local Samburu homestead to meet the families during the goat-milking process. We followed them as they traveled to trade their milk and heard firsthand how this project has improved their circumstances. Currently, over 800 Samburu women trade goat milk to the Sarara Foundation, providing them with the resources to fund nourishment, medical attention, and schooling for their households.
Premiere of the Elephant Documentary: R.E.S.C.U.E – A Narrative of a Community Aligned for Wildlife
We are thrilled to reveal the launch of "R.E.S.C.U.E," a moving short film focused on persistence, hope, and success in the effort to safeguard a species and bolster local societies. The production offers an intimate look at Reteti through the perspective of Dorothy Lowaktuk, a caregiver from a nearby Samburu town. Dorothy was among the inaugural group of caregivers at the facility and represents the first generation of women in East Africa to hold such a position. Her commitment to conservation and her daily duties is profound. She guides us through the daily operations of the facility, providing a clear understanding of the requirements for saving, rehabilitating, and ultimately transitioning elephants back to the wilderness.
Ensure you don't miss this opportunity: reserve your place and participate in this unique event.
Event Details:
Wednesday, May 1st, 2024
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Explorers Club, 46th East 70th, New York City
Defining Elephant Poaching
Poaching refers to the prohibited killing of animals, typically targeting species that are at risk or protected due to the high value of their pelts or teeth. The poaching of elephants is largely driven by the demand for ivory, as their tusks fetch high prices on the international black market.
Illegal hunting does more than just endanger the species; it encourages criminal activity and disrupts the ecological balance, which can result in agricultural failure, economic hardship, and significant environmental damage. This practice is generally orchestrated by global criminal networks and sustained by the robust ivory markets in Asia.
Data on Elephant Poaching
The frequency of illegal hunting is alarming, and the related data is shocking. Reports from the World Wildlife Fund indicate that approximately 20,000 elephants are slaughtered by poachers annually for their ivory.
Illegal Hunting in Africa
While the demand is largely driven by markets in Thailand, the majority of the slaughter occurs across the African landscape. National Geographic reports that both the endangered savanna elephant and the critically endangered forest elephant are seeing population drops due to the direct consequences of poaching in Africa. The total population has dwindled to roughly 415,000, as stated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Poachers often find success in Africa due to the massive territories that these animals inhabit. The African sanctuaries that serve as elephant habitats are enormous, making the monitoring of herds both difficult and costly.
Compelling Information About Elephants
Were you aware that young bulls typically remain with their mothers for as long as 16 years before venturing out on their own? At the Reteti facility, the staff emphasizes that an orphaned elephant is not prepared for reintroduction into the wild before reaching seven years of age. Furthermore, they must be released as part of a collective group with a recognized female leader to ensure their survival. Reteti is preparing to release a record-breaking group of 13 elephants back into nature this season.
Prior to an elephant being returned to the wild, the animal must be entirely transitioned away from bottle-feeding. The milk blend is slowly thinned with water, reducing the calorie intake and prompting the elephants to forage for their own sustenance naturally.
To train and equip the orphans for self-sufficiency, caregivers lead the young elephants on excursions into the bush four times daily. During these outings, the animals learn about their ecosystem, discover how to locate food and water, and observe how to engage with wild groups and potential threats. The staff must find a balance between guiding the elephants and ensuring they develop independence. It is an extensive and strictly overseen operation.
Inspiring Elephant Documentaries to Explore
A compelling documentary is one of the most effective ways to tell the story of wildlife protection. These films frequently move audiences to take part by donating funds, volunteering, or advocating for organizations dedicated to elephant salvation and protection across Africa and elsewhere.
A List of Six Elephant Films for Your Viewing
Secrets of the Elephants (2023)
Elephants possess great strength, affection, and intelligence, yet we are only beginning to uncover their deepest mysteries. This award-winning series returns to explore the globe—from the African plains to Asian cities—to reveal the emotional depth, strategic thinking, and complex communication of these animals. With contributions from expert Dr. Paula Kahumbu, this series explores the lives of various elephant kinships and shows how much they resemble human beings. It is designed to transform your understanding of these majestic creatures.
Love & Bananas (2018)
Saving elephants in Thailand is a rare and often hazardous undertaking. This film follows a team of rescuers who travel nearly 500 miles across the country to liberate Noi Na, a 70-year-old elephant who spent her life in the trekking industry, and transport her to a life of sanctuary.
The Elephant Queen (2018)
This film is rooted in a deep sense of realism and honesty, drawing from the decades of experience held by its creators. The filmmakers spent a quarter of a century living in the East African wilderness to prepare for this chronicle of an unforgettable journey.
The Elephant Whisperers (2022)
Located in southern India, a couple commits their lives to the care of an orphaned calf named Raghu, creating an unconventional and touching family dynamic.
The Elephant and the Termite (2021)
This production examines the development of the waterhole, a vital gathering spot in Africa created through the efforts of both massive elephants and microscopic termites. It shows the diverse community of animals that rely on this shared resource.
When Elephants Were Young (2016)
This documentary follows a young man and his elephant companion who survive by begging in the streets of Bangkok. It highlights the hurdles to survival until the animal is given a chance to return to the wild. The story showcases a successful model for the protection and rehabilitation of endangered Asian elephants.
