Premieres Wednesdays, April 8 and 15, 2026 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV / Stream with KPBS+
In the remote wilds of northern Kenya, follow the remarkable journey of orphaned elephants at Reteti, the first community-owned elephant sanctuary in Africa. Raised by Samburu keepers who act as surrogate parents, these elephants, many rescued from poaching, drought, or human-wildlife conflict, are nurtured back to health and prepared for life in the wild.
EPISODE GUIDE:
Episode 1: Wednesday, April 8 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV - From tiny calves taking their first bottle to older elephants practicing the skills needed for their release, the two-part series captures intimate moments of struggle, healing, and transformation.
Meet characters like Long’uro, a calf who lost his trunk to a hyena attack, and Kelele, whose illness nearly derails his future. With the help of a whole community rallying behind them, witness a powerful tale of healing, hope, and the deep bond between people and animals.
Episode 2: "Graduation Day" Wednesday, April 15 at 8 p.m. on KPBS TV - As Reteti Sanctuary prepares to release its oldest orphans into the wild, a baby elephant is rescued from a waterhole, an orphaned zebra finds hope, and Long’uro and friends learn how to survive the challenges of the dry season.
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