How Samburu songs help orphaned elephants heal

At our partner Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in northern Kenya, healing begins with a song. When orphaned elephant calves arrive after losing their families, Samburu keepers welcome them with traditional melodies—songs passed down through generations that offer comfort, reassurance, and a sense of safety.  

This practice is rooted in Samburu culture, where song forms a powerful bond between people, animals, and the land. At Reteti, keepers bring this tradition to the nursery, singing the animals’ praises just as Samburu herders do with livestock—a beautiful ritual that fosters trust and deep emotional connection.