Conservation photographerAmi Vitaleis known for her incredible ability to support local communities that are making an impact.
This is made clear through her championing of Kenya’sReteti Elephant Sanctuary.
As the first community-owned and run elephant sanctuary in Africa, Reteti cares for orphaned elephants.
The Samburu community opened the sanctuary in 2016 and Vitale has been with them every step of the way.
We also discuss her short filmShaba, which documents the story of one special orphaned elephant at the sanctuary.
What was your first introduction to Reteti?
I had been working with this Samburu community for many years before the sanctuary opened.
As a storyteller, what drew you to their project?
These stories about wildlife and our environment are really about all of us, our home, our future.
I am constantly seeing the wonder and magic of this world.
Wonder allows us to get beyond routine ways of thinking.
It allows us to believe that we can fundamentally change the course we are currently on.
Stories like these have a universal truth and they become a blueprint for so many other places.
These are the kinds of stories that really matter to all of us.
How does Reteti find the orphaned elephants?
Kenya has actually made tremendous progress and poaching is rare.
Sadly, now the biggest threat to these creatures is climate change and devastating droughts.
I am here now and the rains have not yet come.
There are almost 40 orphaned elephants because of these ongoing droughts.
What challenges did the sanctuary face during the pandemic?
This left already vulnerable baby elephants in a desperate situation.
The team had been mulling over how to improve their milk recipe for a long time.
How were they able to overcome this issue?
The community found a surprising alternative by testing fresh milk from local goats.
How have the new solutions for milk empowered the local community?
This milk is giving women a space at the table when discussing pastoralist grazing plans for the future.
c’mon follow along on Instagram and learn about their incredible work at@Wild.lifeincolour.
What do you want others to know about Reteti and the work that they do?
I want everyone to know that what happens next is in all of our hands.
Nature is resilient if we give it a chance and make it a priority.
All of us have the ability to ignite action to help shape the world we want to live in.
Its important that every one of us be that messenger.
And if they want to help, what can people do?
Visit the sanctuary if you could or watch the film.
Make a donation, adopt a baby elephant, or share their stories.
