Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – A Sanctuary for Kenya’s Orphaned Elephants and Rhinos

History African
@africanhistory
15 days ago

Nestled on the edge of Nairobi National Park, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) stands as a beacon of hope for orphaned elephants and rhinos in Kenya. Founded in 1977 by Dame Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her husband, David Sheldrick, the Trust has grown into a world-renowned conservation organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration of wildlife.

🐘 The Orphans’ Project

At the heart of SWT's mission is the Orphans’ Project, the world's most successful program for rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants and rhinos. To date, over 320 orphaned elephants have been nurtured back to health and reintroduced into the wild. These animals often arrive traumatized, having lost their families to poaching or human-wildlife conflict. The dedicated keepers provide round-the-clock care, including specialized milk formulas and emotional support, to help them recover and thrive.

🌿 Beyond Orphan Care

SWT's conservation efforts extend beyond the nursery. Their initiatives include:

Anti-Poaching Units: Deploying teams to protect wildlife from illegal activities.

Mobile Veterinary Units: Providing medical care to injured animals in the field.

Habitat Preservation: Safeguarding and restoring vital ecosystems.

Community Outreach: Engaging local communities in conservation education and sustainable practices.


🏡 Visiting the Nairobi Nursery

The Nairobi Nursery offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness the care of these young elephants. Public visiting hours are typically between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM daily, where guests can observe feeding sessions and learn about each orphan's story. Advance booking is required, and it's advisable to check the official website for the latest visiting guidelines.


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Photo Credit: Loyal tours

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