In the remote wilds of northern Kenya, follow the remarkable journey of orphaned elephants at Reteti, the first community-owned elephant sanctuary in Africa.
Nature: Becoming Elephant: The Orphans of Reteti “Graduation Day” airs Sunday, April 19 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-WORLD and streaming live on the PBS app.
Raised by Samburu keepers who act as surrogate parents, these elephants, many rescued from poaching, drought, or human-wildlife conflict, are nurtured back to health and prepared for life in the wild.
From tiny calves taking their first bottle to older elephants practicing the skills needed for their release, the two-part series captures intimate moments of struggle, healing, and transformation. Meet characters like Long’uro, a calf who lost his trunk to a hyena attack, and Kelele, whose illness nearly derails his future. With the help of a whole community rallying behind them, witness a powerful tale of healing, hope, and the deep bond between people and animals.re.
In this episode, Graduation Day, the sanctuary prepares to release its oldest orphans into the wild, a baby elephant is rescued from a waterhole. An orphaned zebra finds hope, and Long’uro and friends learn how to survive the challenges of the dry season.