Ami Vitale. Mary and Lodokejek.

Mary Lengees comforts Lodokejek, an orphaned calf at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in northern Kenya. The sanctuary is changing the lives of both elephants and people. Elephants are orphaned as a result of drought, human-wildlife conflict, natural mortality, and in rare cases, poaching. Reteti sanctuary is unique as the first community owned and run elephant sanctuary in Africa.

This photograph is Vital Impacts founder Ami Vitale's contribution to the non-profit's upcoming fine-art print sale which will support Reteti for urgent funding to return 13 orphans back to the wild so they can rejoin wild herds. Vital Impacts is a women-led non-profit which uses art and storytelling to support people and organizations who are protecting our planet.

National Geographic Magazine photographer and filmmaker Ami Vitale illuminates the unsung heroes and communities working to protect wildlife and finding harmony in our natural world. She is the founder and executive director of Vital Impacts and has been named one of the most influential conservation photographers of her generation.

Follow Ami on Instagram @amivitale.