Some stories stay with you. Long’uro’s is one of them.
Long’uro is our Walking Wild mascot, a symbol of resilience, compassion, and what is possible when communities, conservationists, and care come together. Fostered through Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, his journey is one of the most moving rescue stories in northern Kenya—and a powerful reminder of second chances.
Long’uro at a Glance
- Gender: Male
- Age when rescued: 1 month
- Rescue date: 18 April 2020
- Rescued from: Loisaba Conservancy
- Reason orphaned: Severe injury after falling into a well
A Night Rescue Against the Odds
On the night of 18 April 2020, Reteti’s air team received an urgent call from Loisaba Conservancy rangers. A tiny elephant calf had fallen into a well. Trapped, bleeding, and crying through the darkness, he had suffered an unimaginable injury—while stuck, a hyena had taken two-thirds of his trunk the night before.
Teams from Kenya Wildlife Service and Reteti rushed to the scene. Against all odds, the calf was freed and transported to safety at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. He was just one month old. His survival was far from guaranteed. It was unlike any rescue the team had encountered before.
They named him Long’uro.
Why He’s Called Long’uro
The names of Reteti’s elephants come from the place they were rescued from, a defining feature, or a character trait. Long’uro is the Samburu word for “something that has been cut”—a name that honours his injury, but also his survival.
The Power of One Extraordinary Bond
From the moment he arrived at Reteti, one person became his constant: Mary Lengees.
Mary stepped in as Long’uro’s foster mother, staying by his side day and night, nursing both his physical wounds and emotional trauma. The bond they formed is extraordinary. Long’uro remains completely besotted with Mary and is known to get a little jealous when she feeds the other elephants. Their relationship is a living example of the patience, skill, and deep empathy of Reteti’s keepers—many of whom come from the local Samburu community.
A Gentle Soul with Quiet Strength
Long’uro has never been the most boisterous elephant in the herd. Instead, he is gentle, thoughtful, and remarkably intelligent.
Despite losing much of his trunk, he has adapted in ways that continue to surprise everyone around him. During one of the harshest dry seasons in years, Long’uro learned to feed himself efficiently, browse confidently, and even splash water over his body using his shortened trunk to cool down in the heat.
What’s been most inspiring is watching his confidence grow. Once cautious and inclined to stay out of trouble, Long’uro has found his place within the herd. He no longer wants to sit quietly at the bottom of the social order. These days, he’s more than happy to get involved—and sometimes even instigate a little playful mischief.
His closest companions, Lomunyak and Sera, are rarely far from his side.
First Community-Run Elephant Sanctuary in Africa
Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is Africa’s first community-owned and community-run elephant sanctuary. Located in northern Kenya’s remote Samburu landscape, it is managed by the local Samburu people, creating employment, pride, and long-term conservation incentives within the community.
Reteti rescues, rehabilitates, and ultimately releases orphaned elephants back into the wild, always prioritising minimal human imprinting and long-term survival. Elephants like Long’uro are not just being saved—they are helping to reshape how conservation works, proving that when communities lead, wildlife thrives.
Second Chances in the Samburu Sun
Even in the heat, Long’uro’s playful side is never far away. He’s often the first to start a mud bath or spark a round of gentle sparring. Despite the dry conditions, there is still enough browse and water for the herd to remain healthy as they continue to expand their range beyond the boma.
It’s hard to believe that this confident young elephant is the same calf who once needed constant care and round-the-clock attention. Today, Long’uro moves through his wild home with assurance—an inspiring symbol of healing, resilience, and second chances.
Why Long’uro Matters to Walking Wild
Long’uro represents everything Walking Wild stands for: ethical conservation, community-led solutions, and deep respect for wildlife. As our mascot, he reminds us that travel, when done thoughtfully, can protect what we come to see—and help write hopeful futures for places and species that need it most.
By supporting Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, we are not only standing with Long’uro, but with an entire community working tirelessly to ensure that elephants continue to roam free across northern Kenya.
Long’uro’s story isn’t just about survival. It’s about strength, adaptation, and the extraordinary power of care.
