© 2026 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Behind the Scenes of a Historic Elephant Release

Season 44 Episode 12 | 6m 07s

Go behind the scenes of episode two of "Becoming Elephant: The Orphans of Reteti," as the team captures the historic release of the oldest herd back into the wild. From emotional reunions to filming elephants at night using infrared light, they reveal what it took to document this extraordinary moment.

Major support for NATURE is provided by The Arnhold Family in memory of Henry and Clarisse Arnhold, Sue and Edgar Wachenheim III, The Fairweather Foundation, Charles Rosenblum, Kathy Chiao and Ken Hao, Sarah and Sandra Lyu in memory of Seung and Dorothy Lyu, The Lillian Goldman Charitable Trust, Dr. George Stanley and Sandra Caruso, Colin S. Edwards, Kate W. Cassidy Foundation, Filomen M. D’Agostino Foundation, Gregg Peters Monsees Foundation, Koo and Patricia Yuen, Seton J. Melvin, Sandra Atlas Bass, George D. Smith Fund, Inc., Dr. Coralyn W. Whitney Program Fund for Science and Nature, Bradley L. Goldberg Family Foundation, The Hite Foundation, Arlene and Milton D. Berkman, Paul H. Klingenstein and Kathleen R. Bole, Perpetual Kindness Foundation and Sun Hill Renewal Fund, Paul L. Tilley and Family, Kitty Hawks and Larry Lederman, and by Viewers Like You.
Extras
Uncover the story of the revival of northwestern India’s legendary tiger clan.
These tigers had lost their fear of humans — and it cost them their lives.
A tiger’s dangerous behavior shocks researchers, until the reason is revealed.
At Reteti Sanctuary, caretakers prepares to release their oldest orphans into the wild.
A call comes in: a week-old elephant calf has fallen into a well.
A young zebra forms a close bond with her keeper, but not everyone is ready to share the attention.
In northern Kenya, a remarkable conservation experiment is unfolding at Reteti Sanctuary.
Go behind the scenes of "Becoming Elephant: The Orphans of Reteti" with director Nicola Tremain.
Long’uro struggles to connect with other elephants after losing his trunk as a baby.
Long’uro lost most of his trunk after a tragic accident as a baby.

WKAR is supported by
Add Your Support
You might be interested in