What is the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust?
Founded in 1977 by Daphne Sheldrick in honor of her late husband, David Sheldrick, the Trust is a global leader in wildlife conservation. Their mission is to protect and preserve Kenya’s wildlife and habitats through rescue, rehabilitation, anti-poaching efforts, and community education. They rescue orphaned elephants and rhinos, provide veterinary care, and fight poaching to secure Kenya’s wildlife future.
A Second Chance for Naleku: A Story of Hope
A tiny elephant calf stumbled alone through the dry savannah. Poachers had taken her mother. Weak and frightened, she had little chance of survival. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust rescue team arrived just in time. They airlifted her to their elephant orphanage in Nairobi, where she received round-the-clock care. Named Naleku, she found warmth, nutrition, and love from her keepers. Today, she thrives, preparing for a return to the wild.
Inside the Elephant Orphanage
Located in Nairobi National Park, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust runs the world’s most successful elephant orphanage. Rescued calves receive milk, medical care, and emotional support from keepers who sleep beside them.
Each orphaned elephant follows a structured care routine. Keepers bottle-feed them a special milk formula every three hours, ensuring they get the nutrition they need. These keepers act as surrogate parents, offering emotional comfort and companionship. This bond is crucial, as elephants are highly social animals that thrive on connection and care.
Visitors can experience this firsthand during daily public visiting hours from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Young elephants play, take mud baths, and enjoy their bottles while guests learn about their stories. The goal is to rehabilitate and release them into protected national parks.
Beyond Elephants: The Trust’s Conservation Efforts
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is dedicated to conservation beyond elephant rescue. Their programs include:
1. Rhino Conservation
The Trust rescues and rehabilitates orphaned rhinos, just as they do for elephants. They provide specialized care to ensure young rhinos can eventually return to protected areas.
2. Anti-Poaching Operations
Trained rangers patrol protected areas, remove snares, and stop poachers. These efforts save elephants, rhinos, and other wildlife.
3. Mobile Veterinary Units
The Trust’s veterinary teams treat injured animals affected by poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and natural causes.
4. Habitat Protection & Reforestation
The Trust restores degraded land, plants trees, and secures safe habitats for Kenya’s wildlife.
5. Community Education
Educating communities helps foster peaceful coexistence between people and wildlife.
How You Can Help
The survival of orphaned elephants and Kenya’s wildlife depends on public support. Here’s how you can help:
- Adopt an elephant for $50 a year and receive updates on its progress.
- Donate to support conservation efforts and anti-poaching operations.
- Visit the elephant orphanage and witness their work firsthand.
- Spread awareness by sharing their mission on social media.
A Future of Hope for Wildlife
Thanks to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, orphaned elephants like Naleku get a second chance at life. Their work proves that dedication and compassion can protect Kenya’s wildlife for generations.
Be part of this mission. Engage us Olengugih Safaris today and help save Africa’s elephants.