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S44E11

Episode One | Becoming Elephant: The Orphans of Reteti

Premiere: 4/8/2026 | 0:30 |

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.

Premiere: 4/8/2026
PBS   •   PBS App

About the Episode

In the remote wilds of northern Kenya, follow the remarkable journey of orphaned elephants at Reteti, the first community-owned elephant sanctuary in Africa. 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.

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PRODUCTION CREDITS

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FUNDING

Support for Nature—Becoming Elephant: The Orphans of Reteti was provided in part by Kitty Hawks and Larry Lederman and Paul L. Tilley and Family. Series funding for Nature is made possible in part by The Arnhold Family in memory of Henry and Clarisse Arnhold, Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III, The Fairweather Foundation, Charles Rosenblum, Kathy Chiao and Ken Hao, Sarah and Sandra Lyu in memory of Seung and Dorothy Lyu, Lillian Goldman Charitable Trust, Dr. George Stanley and Sandra Caruso, Colin S. Edwards, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, Filomen M. D’Agostino Foundation, Gregg Peters Monsees Foundation, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Seton J. Melvin, Sandra Atlas Bass, and public television viewers.

TRANSCRIPT

At Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, the Samburu people are forging something new.

- It's the only sanctuary in Africa that's owned and run by the local people.

- They offer orphans love, care and wisdom - all to prepare them for returning to the wild.

- We give them a second chance and teach them how to be elephants.