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Orphan Elephants Drink Goat Milk in Kenya Sanctuary
16 Dec
Summary
- Reteti Sanctuary feeds orphaned elephants goat milk, a nutritional substitute.
- Samburu women earn independence by supplying milk to the sanctuary.
- Indigenous-led Reteti Sanctuary combines tourism with wildlife preservation.
The Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in Kenya has found an innovative solution for feeding orphaned elephants: goat milk. This substitute, sourced from local goat herds, addresses the nutritional needs of young elephants separated from their families. The program has created a vital economic link, with over 1,200 Samburu women supplying nearly 700 liters of goat milk daily.
This milk provision grants these women financial independence, allowing them to purchase necessities and break from traditional constraints. Reteti Sanctuary stands as a unique institution, being the only elephant sanctuary in Africa entirely managed by Indigenous people, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between community and conservation.
This conservation model is enhanced by tourism, as exemplified by Uplift Travel's safaris that blend wildlife viewing with opportunities to engage with local communities. Such initiatives not only support wildlife preservation but also tangibly improve the quality of life for Indigenous populations, fostering economic growth and cultural preservation.
