Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one of Kenya’s best-known wildlife conservation organizations, recognized especially for its work rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants. Founded in 1977 by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her husband, conservationist David Sheldrick, the organization has developed decades of experience caring for young elephants that have lost their mothers due to poaching, human-wildlife conflict, drought, and other causes. At the Trust’s Nairobi Nursery, orphaned elephants receive specialized care from dedicated keepers who become an important part of their lives during rehabilitation. The goal is not to keep these animals in captivity, but to prepare them for an eventual return to the wild. As they mature, elephants are gradually transferred to reintegration units in protected areas, where they can begin interacting with wild herds and ultimately live independently. A visit offers much more than the opportunity to see young elephants up close. Travelers learn about the challenges facing Kenya’s wildlife, the individual stories behind rescued animals, and the long-term commitment required to successfully return an elephant to the wild. The Trust’s work extends beyond elephants to include veterinary care, anti-poaching efforts, habitat protection, and other conservation programs throughout Kenya, providing an excellent introduction to the conservation work that supports the wildlife travelers encounter on safari.