They even sleep next to each other 😍
Every morning in central Kenya, Kimani the elephant and Siilai the buffalo walk side by side. They wrestle, nap on each other, and share bottles of milk — a daily routine built entirely around their growing bond. Though their species rarely mix in the wild, these two orphans have become inseparable.
Kimani’s story began in February when he fell into a well and was rescued by locals. Though he was unharmed, his mother and herd couldn’t be found, and he was brought to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary for care and safety. Just two weeks later, Siilai arrived after being discovered alone in the Kirisia Forest at barely a week old. Fearing he wouldn’t survive on his own, locals called Reteti for help.
The two bonded instantly. “At that time, we didn’t have any other baby elephants the same age as Kimani,” explained Katie Rowe, cofounder of Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. “So, these two babies found each other. Suddenly there was someone else to play with.”
Now, they spend their days enjoying mud baths with the help of their Samburu warrior caretakers, drinking giant bottles of milk every few hours, and rolling around in the dirt together. When Kimani wants to play, he nudges Siilai with his trunk — and the pair can often be found cuddled in deep sleep afterward.
The goal at Reteti is always to release rescued animals back into the wild. While elephants and buffaloes don’t usually share lives outside of sanctuaries, the unique friendship between Kimani and Siilai could endure even after release.
“They seek each other’s love and friendship,” said Rowe. “They’re real beacons of co-existence.”
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