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Nature S44E12
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00:06At Rattetti Elephant Sanctuary, the Samburu people rescue orphans and nurture them back to health.
00:25We love these animals the way we love our kids.
00:31Each elephant is navigating its own path back to the wild.
00:41While new arrivals adapt to this unlikely family, the oldest members prepare to leave.
00:52We can't deny them the right to go back into the wild. It is very, very hard to say goodbye.
01:02This will be the ultimate test of a journey years in the making.
01:59Each of the 47 elephants here arrived with a tragic story.
02:05Some were orphaned by poaching and conflict.
02:10Others by the challenges of the wild.
02:14Our baby, baby.
02:17Go, baby, go, baby.
02:19Go, baby, go, baby.
02:19Elephants can feel emosions deeply.
02:23Go, baby, baby.
02:24Here we are learning about elephants in new ways.
02:28we are learning the best way to heal that trauma healing is helped by a sense
02:37of belonging so they're grouped into herds the youngest calves the middle
02:46of three to five-year-olds the oldest orphans the release her we have a special bond with the
03:03elephants when you give them love they give back laughs no let's go
03:17right now sanctuary life has never been busier as the team gears up for the most significant event
03:26in its history in just one week the release herd will be returned back to the wild set free from
03:42the sanctuary gates with the hopes they'll explore the vast expanse of the Samburu wilderness
03:51right becoming taller than me for keeper Coleman it's the result of years of dedication and care
04:02yeah you know these are the cows that we have been with for like six years so i'm feeling sad
04:08they
04:09they were like my my babies we love them but our goal here is to see them having their new
04:20life in the bush
04:22so i will really meet them yeah
04:37kelele how have you been coleman has a particularly close relationship with the very smallest member of the
04:45herd
04:46baby boy i will have to leave me so
04:51kelele's journey hasn't been easy recovering from an infection he almost didn't make the grade
04:59kelele had health issues but as you can see the body of kelele body condition is nice
05:08they're very happy now kelele is ready to release
05:17along with kelele these elephants will walk from the safety of the sanctuary into the untamed wild
05:28this is real kind of true wilderness there are no fences
05:34from here for thousands of acres co-founder katie helped shape the plan for the elephants release
05:43this is the best chance that they've got to go back and really have a truly wild existence
05:49they're collared to keep track of them across the landscape
05:54the dream is that the elephants rescued from here would once again walk out back into this
06:03landscape where they belong
06:07be free roaming joining wild herds of elephants
06:13and potentially even meeting up with the the family herds that they came from
06:20to see that becoming a reality is is a huge step a huge part of it
06:31this is a special type of rewilding mission
06:35rescued elephants returning to roam free on the very lands they came from
06:40to see that they came from here but on this same land emergencies can happen at any time
06:56a call has come in for the ratetti team
06:59the
07:09the
07:13the
07:15the
07:15the
07:17the
07:17Oh, there. Oh, Baba. Hello.
07:34Dotted throughout the dry riverbeds in this region are water holes,
07:39and a weak-old baby has fallen into one.
07:43The elephants can smell water.
07:47Those wells are deep. You'll see little trunks that can smell the water but can't quite reach it,
07:54and they either lose their footing or they're kind of nudged in by the excitement of the rest of the
08:01herd
08:01that are trying to also get to the water.
08:06Elephant herds are often forced to move on for their own survival,
08:10leaving calves behind when their rescue attempts fail.
08:15The plan is to get the elephant out of the well.
08:17We can't lose hope.
08:43You can actually see how long he was in the water because the bottom of his feet are
08:48the best if they are in the water.
08:48are all white. Just like us, you know, if you sit in the bath for too long, you get wrinkly
08:53fingers.
08:58You're just constantly thinking about them. You're sort of waking up in the night and it's
09:05the first thing you think about. You know, you're checking in with the team at all hours.
09:15The team knows just how deeply the ordeal weighs on a young elephant's mind.
09:28Back at Rattetti, in order for this baby to heal, the keepers must earn its trust.
09:41The moment they arrive here in the sanctuary, we put them in this quarantine room.
09:50They can die of a broken heart.
09:54First, Jennifer was here. It's the most important part that can help these babies to heal from trauma.
10:06I'm sorry. It's very playful. The first bottle is very important because that's how we're born together.
10:18Feeding babies will always take time and you have to be, like, patient.
10:32Feeding babies will always take time and sit in a normal sleeping病...
10:42Feeding babies, where they are in, you can wait.
10:43Feeding babies will always take care of their babies.
10:43And in Somosiusui is the dying one last thing.
10:43Feeding babies...
10:43Feeding babies will always kill.
10:44Feeding babies are a 잖 З internet service.
10:44Feeding babies will always be invited to feed babies by each other-
10:44Feeding babies, the more are artefiring babies.
10:45Feeding babies to call bulbs in거를待って seniors except children.
10:51Feeding babies and baby.
10:57All new arrivals have one-on-one care at night.
11:08You always have to sit close.
11:28I started realizing motherhood from baby elephants before I have my own children.
11:36Elephants are the first babies that I have ever held in my hand.
11:42And they have taught me how to be a good mom.
11:53I get attached to them so much.
12:12The day everyone has been working towards has arrived.
12:18Release day.
12:27A milestone for Rattetti and for the elephants who are about to return to the wild.
12:38They'll be free to roam, wherever they want, across northern Kenya.
12:45Good morning.
12:52It's six years in the making for everyone, including Katie and manager Peter.
12:59Are you nervous?
13:00Yeah.
13:01Yeah.
13:04If you raise a child and then you just release them into the bush, you know, it's something that it's
13:11hard to imagine.
13:11There's going to be challenges, that's the thing.
13:13But it's quite a happy moment for myself, seeing them going out.
13:20You know, one thing now is this elephant will be the future for Rattetti.
13:25Good morning.
13:49On this momentous day, from every corner of this valley,
13:54a most extreme nightmare for others will be the future.
13:55The community gathers to say their goodbyes.
14:16A final prayer is offered before the gates open.
14:53A final prayer is scheduled commence toroyect the updated
15:05The elephants step into the wild, leaving the keeper's care forever.
15:49Letting them go, it is hard.
15:56We have to accept it.
15:59We hope, with time, maybe we will meet with them.
16:36I feel pain.
16:41We know that we cannot deny them the right to go back into the wild.
16:46It is very hard to say goodbye to our babies, so many people are trying to forget that sadness.
16:53Singing and also dancing to change their moods.
16:57Singing and singing.
17:00Singing and singing.
17:41I don't know. It is very difficult for us to forget them. It was not easy to say goodbye.
17:50The best elephants entered it, and I love it so much.
18:14Thirty-four elephants remain at Rattetti. And so, the daily routines continue. Sweetened with honey,
18:27fortified with supplements, the milk bottles are carefully prepared.
18:39Keepers know that the elephants feel the absence of the oldest herd.
18:45That's why this bottle feed is even more important, to provide comfort and reassurance.
18:59The release herd has moved on. But a new chapter begins.
19:25We found this Hebron with Amataskakas, already mediated by the high nurse.
19:35This is her first time to be with a human.
19:40You can see that it is so, so strange for her.
19:46All these sounds.
19:52It's a must for us, for her to go on. It's a lot.
19:58Walking around daily, just within this combo.
20:10To ease her nerves, Cosima is given time to grow familiar with her new surroundings.
20:31As a keeper, you must have a passion to share with an animal and give her all she needs, so
20:38that she will adapt with him.
20:40Pat?
20:52Flute to you!
21:03Rescued Camani is also at the very start of his Rattetti journey.
21:08and trying to make sense of the absence of his mother.
21:13Elephants are the most sensitive animals.
21:18Good boy. Well done.
21:22When they don't receive good care or even love,
21:27they feel like they're being stressed.
21:32We are happy, but we monitor closely, physical appearance,
21:40everything about him to ensure that we continue to progress well.
21:57It's been a week since the graduates left Rattetti.
22:02Each has been fitted with a radio collar to track their movements.
22:08This is their movement.
22:11Coleman expects to find them close by.
22:15Don't let it. Very new to them.
22:18You see them moving, moving.
22:21It looks like they've traveled far.
22:28So Coleman is setting out with manager Peter to check on them.
22:35But with the radio collars only pinging once every few hours,
22:40tracking isn't straightforward.
22:42It's at 45 minutes ago.
22:45Wow.
22:46It's actually a good decision for them to go that direction.
22:50Yeah.
22:53They've come to the end of the road.
23:03The herd is completely inaccessible, heading on a new course.
23:12Look at their movement.
23:14These cows have gone really fast, 19 kilometers.
23:18Oh, wow.
23:20They are going up the mountain.
23:22They are now in a very new environment.
23:26I feel like it's so quick for them to go that long distance.
23:30Just gone. That quickly.
23:33And even Kelele.
23:34Kelele has always been this low.
23:36You know, we all are worried about him.
23:38But he's really doing well.
23:39Very tough boy.
23:41I'm happy with them.
23:42You know, they went in a good area where there's good browsing,
23:44there's good water.
23:45It's actually a proof to everyone that the elephants know what they are doing.
23:50This is now a good set for our elephants.
23:55Climbing higher offers richer vegetation
23:59and shows that the elephants are adapting fast to their new freedom.
24:23Keeper Mary is looking after newest arrival, Kisima.
24:31She's doing well, friendly to keep us.
24:34And she's now learning how to browse.
24:37She's still very young, but she's a bright girl.
24:45She'll follow me wherever I go.
24:49She always wants to be with me.
24:51When I try to go away, she just cries.
24:55I don't know what she's feeling.
24:58But I think inside, I think, I don't know.
25:02She's feeling abandoned.
25:07Helping orphans through their fear and loneliness
25:10is part of everyday life here.
25:18She fears these big boys and girls.
25:24Mary is helping ease the young zebra's separation anxiety,
25:30gently encouraging her to bond with the other animals.
25:37And one of them knows that struggle well.
25:41Longoro lost his trunk in a hyena attack
25:44when he was just a month old
25:46and found it difficult to bond with other elephants.
25:54Longoro's come a long way,
25:56learning to play and connect with his herd.
25:59But after receiving so much one-on-one care to help him adapt,
26:08he's become a little territorial.
26:11This boy is very jealous.
26:15Longoro's not happy to see me with another baby.
26:28I think my mother got another baby to take care of.
26:32The time will come that they will interact together
26:34and they will be friends.
26:52Over night, the team has rushed one of the released herd back to the Sanctuary.
27:03Kalele's radio callers showed he had separated from the herd.
27:08The reason is clear to see you.
27:12Kalele, Kalele, it is me.
27:15Some months ago you were totally healed, now you have got another problem.
27:22It was sad to see you like this.
27:28I feel sorry for you, Kalele.
27:38Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry, Kalele.
27:40Sorry, sorry, sorry.
27:45I'm feeling the same thing you're feeling.
27:50I think further investigation of Kalele Selim.
28:03He's not in the best condition.
28:06Vet Sharon has to be hands-off.
28:11Examination could cause more discomfort.
28:14He was in quite a bit of pain.
28:17Yes.
28:18The limb was swollen, probably fracture or dislocation.
28:25The herd was up the mountain and we think that he might have probably missed a step and just had
28:32a bit of a stumble.
28:35We just make a plan.
28:43Oral medication, that would be much better than constantly giving him injections.
28:49No problem.
28:51We don't want to disturb him too much so that he doesn't have too much movement and he doesn't injure
28:57himself further.
28:59Recovery-wise, he has a long way to go.
29:17We can manage the pain.
29:21Kalele will undergo an intensive course of anti-inflammatories, carefully mixed into every milk bottle.
29:36Monitor movement for the next few days.
29:40This is a very large animal and weight is a factor in healing.
29:45With rest and recovery, the vets are hopeful he can still be rewilded.
30:03Over the next three months, the dry season descends upon Samburu, transforming the land.
30:12rivers shrink, vegetation withers, and temperatures soar above 100 degrees.
30:25Survival for everyone becomes a daily challenge.
30:31And it's no different for the elephants of Rteti.
30:36Dry season is a bit difficult.
30:39Very hard to get food, water.
30:43The small babies struggle.
30:45We teach them how to adapt so that they can learn different ways to survive.
31:02For the youngest herd, the heat brings a new lesson with keeper Dorothy.
31:10Pick one.
31:12The task today is to let them find water.
31:20During dry season, we have natural pools.
31:23So we take them around those areas to forage.
31:28Elephants have an extraordinary sense of smell.
31:33Normally babies follow their elders, learning their way over time.
31:37But these orphans have to rely on their instincts much earlier.
31:42and we'll find the coolest things.
31:44You.
31:46You.
31:46You.
31:52Um.
31:54You.
31:54You.
31:56You.
31:57You.
32:00You.
32:05Oh, you.
32:05Oh, me.
32:06Oh, my God.
32:10Oh, what?
32:11You.
32:12You.
32:12You.
32:16Dorothy's youngsters have followed their noses, and found a natural pool.
32:31Wow, I'm really happy that they find water by themselves.
32:37Telephants are very smart animals.
32:42So the more you teach them, the more they get to understand our natural way.
33:0025 miles away, high in the mountains, the release herd has found a water source of their own.
33:14Elephants drink not just for hydration, but for essential mineral salts abundant in this mountain range.
33:24It's a clear sign they've remembered the lessons Rattetti taught them.
33:40Naomi's herd, next in line for release, are also feeling the weight of the dry season.
33:49This season is very, very hot. Grassland now is finished. It is a very, very challenging time.
33:57With little left to graze, Naomi is teaching them how to survive.
34:05They lack delicious trees. They are not getting fresh leaves. You can see they are just eating dry sticks.
34:13So during the dry season, they have to struggle a lot.
34:21This tree has some juicy bark. I'm trying to become an elephant.
34:31And it is very, very hard even for me to get the branch down.
34:39And for Longoro, it's even more difficult. He spent his early life learning to graze while kneeling.
34:49During the dry season, Longoro cannot reach the branches.
35:04He was depending on keepers for food. But we realized he will not help himself.
35:12We don't want to spoil his nature. And that's why we left Longoro to just browse for himself.
35:21In stepping back, the keepers are helping Longoro to fend for himself.
35:29Longoro will have to learn other ways to find food. So when he goes back into the wild,
35:35at least he knows how to depend on himself.
35:58Now out of quarantine, Kimani is joining another young orphan.
36:13Where their mothers would have dusted them to keep them cool, Dorothy steps in.
36:18They are becoming like little brothers together, playing, understanding each other,
36:26which is very important for both of them to not feel lonely.
36:32They will realize there are many in this journey.
36:36And at least that will help them to grow and accept life the way it is.
37:02For the last few weeks that we have been with them, we are seeing a lot of improvement.
37:09You can tell through the physical appearance, they look relaxed and very calm.
37:16What we are doing is making them happy.
37:37The Samburu have long mastered the art of survival in this harsh environment.
37:43And as temperatures rise, their search for water gets more intense.
38:02They dig up to 15 feet deep to reach hidden reserves below ground.
38:09They sing a unique song as they go, a melody calling each cow to its herder.
38:31These singing wells are not only a vital lifeline for livestock,
38:37but also for the wild elephants that roam this region.
38:41I'm sorry.
39:09Under the cover of darkness, elephants gather at the many wells dotted throughout the dry
39:18riverbed, taking over where the herders left off.
39:27The extra hot days mean the whole herd is dehydrated.
39:50The water is almost unreachable for the smallest members of the herd.
40:00The biggest danger of the dry season is babies falling into the wells.
40:07And this is how many orphans come to Rattetti.
40:14The mothers know to be especially cautious, shielding their youngsters.
40:24But in the desperation for water, the young can easily slip or be pushed too close to the
40:32edge.
40:44This tiny baby has had a lucky escape.
41:09When Kelele arrived here, he cannot move.
41:12He was very frustrated with the pain.
41:16But we have really worked very hard to make sure Kelele can recover.
41:22After extensive rest…
41:24Kelele!
41:25Kelele!
41:25Kelele!
41:28Kelele!
41:28Kelele!
41:30Kelele is now making good progress.
41:35Kelele!
41:36It is very impressive and very amazing seeing him walking by himself.
41:41We will now allow him to forage.
41:49To aid his recovery, the keepers rely not just on Western medicine… but on something prized
42:00by both the Samburu and elephants,
42:04an essential lifeline in the dry season.
42:11Acacia pods are like medicinal.
42:15Eating the acacia pods will make him get minerals
42:19and also to get some important iron in his body.
42:36We play the role as our parents,
42:39make sure we feed our babies what their body requires.
42:46If Kalele continues to heal,
42:50the team hopes he could be returned back to his release herd family.
43:00This is a good one.
43:11Integration isn't always easy.
43:15Kissima struggled at first.
43:17But with time, she's found her footing among the other animals.
43:23She's now doing well.
43:24She's very happy and she's very healthy.
43:28They are now browsing together.
43:32I think she's learning a lot from the big boys and girls.
43:41So I think they will be great friends here in Roteti.
43:54Another of Roteti's residents has made great progress.
44:01Longoro has endured the long dry season,
44:04foraging for himself and emerging with an independent spirit.
44:10Longoro has gone through many challenges.
44:14learning different ways to survive.
44:20Like mountain, like browsing.
44:25The knowledge for him is just growing day by day.
44:29And he's changing the childhood behavior now.
44:32He's becoming an adult.
44:40I feel happy helping Longoro to come this far.
44:45If it is not my love and other people's love,
44:48he could have not reached this time now.
44:53So actually in my heart,
44:55I believe that he will survive in the wild.
45:05Longoro now has a future full of possibilities.
45:10One where he can thrive on his own,
45:14beyond the sanctuary.
45:23inea, you may lay, you may lay.
45:28Kimanye, you may lay, you may.
45:31Kimani is really doing OK.
45:34Very, very playful, very energetic baby.
45:43Kimani is settling in well.
45:48And one member of the herd can't wait to meet him.
46:03Sarah.
46:18Sarah is like trying to play a role of a mom.
46:34Bonds like this help orphaned elephants heal.
46:38Not just physically, but emotionally too.
46:43Kimani.
46:46They look calm.
46:51They look very happy.
46:55Sarah is a very kind elephant and very loving and caring.
47:13As the dry season comes to an end, the next chapter for Rattetti begins.
47:19As one generation is ready to welcome the next.
47:44I feel happy seeing these babies getting better.
47:51Our aim is to give them a second chance in life.
47:56That's our goal.
47:58That's what we want, our ultimate goal.
48:04These little ones are just beginning to form bonds.
48:07To become part of the Rattetti family for the next six years.
48:13Before they too return to the wild.
48:31The last remaining water sources, the release herd has descended into the valley and passes close to the sanctuary.
48:47It's not something the keepers would ordinarily do, but Dorothy can't resist going to see the elephants she helped raise.
48:59Oh, my God!
49:04Oh, my God!
49:15Oh, my God!
49:21I'm so happy.
49:24Yes.
49:26But I've missed her.
49:36Hi, everyone.
49:50I feel like they're changing so fast and they're happy and no longer need human help.
49:59That's what we want for them.
50:01This is where they belong.
50:03And this is their home forever.
50:07Very proud.
50:10Thank you for being gentle.
50:15Bye, everyone.
50:23But the goodbyes aren't quite over.
50:27But the goodbyes aren't quite over.
50:38Hi.
50:44Oh, my God.
50:58Friends, then enjoy.
50:59Bye.
51:21Being here is not something that you take for granted.
51:31It is life transforming for both human and for the wild animals.
51:40That is why RETETI exists.
51:42And we have to figure out from others.
52:06Be sure.
52:10You're right.
53:17To learn more about what you've seen on this nature program, visit PBS.org.
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