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” airs Wednesday, June 3 at 8 p.m. on WXXI-TV and streams live on the WXXI and PBS apps.
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.
During the show breaks WXXI News Beth Adams speaks with representatives of Seneca Park Zoo about the Nature special, their work in conservation and a special WXXI VIP guided tour of the zoo.
Baby Steps airs at 8 p.m. — At Reteti Sanctuary in Kenya, the team helps a disabled orphan elephant named Long’uro find his confidence, nurses a sick calf back from the brink, and manages an unexpected encounter inside an enclosure.
Graduation Day airs at 9:15 p.m. — As Reteti 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.