In this next part of Adine’s research trip to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, she headed to the Voi reintegration unit, in Tsavo East National Park - https://herd.org.za/blog/adine-visits-the-elephant-orphans-at-the-sheldrick-reintegration-unit-in-kenya
“There are three release areas for elephant orphans from Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and it was on my bucket list to visit one,“ Adine says…
As one group finished their milk, the next group would come running for their bottles. They would then head to the trough and dam for water. Guests visiting Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and staying at one of their eco lodges are invited to join the orphans here at the midday mud bath.
People often ask us why Kenya has so many elephant orphans in the orphanages.
The governance of elephants depends on a country’s laws and authorities. Kenya and South Africa have very different legislation and standards.
In South Africa, this is a very new concept and as such HERD is South Africa’s first dedicated elephant orphanage. In South Africa, guiding legislation and principles instruct that HERD only takes in calves orphaned due to human-elephant conflict, not natural causes. In Kenya, all orphans are taken in - to Reteti or Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, regardless of the cause of displacement, which could be drought for example.
There is no right or wrong but you need to follow the norms and standards of the government and work alongside the rules and regulations of your country.
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has numerous calves simultaneously who grow up together in the Nairobi orphanage.
After graduating from the Nursery, an orphaned elephant moves to one of three Reintegration Units, which serve as launchpads to life back in the wild. They are moved in groups and make new friends.
In our reserve at HERD, the elephants remain together with carers during the day, as the reserve has a tourism presence. It is vital to keep our elephants away from human developments for their own safety and that of people. Part of our long term rewilding plan includes looking for land where the elephants can be rewilded. Protected available land with no tourism or human presence is in short supply in South Africa, unlike in Kenya.
Adine was immensely grateful to spend time at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and gain insight into the differences between Kenya and South Africa. We are always working to learn more and build relationships with others working to care for elephant orphans. 🇰🇪🩷🇿🇦