Overview

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) is one of Africa’s most celebrated wildlife conservation organizations, renowned for its orphan-elephant rescue and rehabilitation program. Founded in 1977 by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick in honor of her late husband, David Sheldrick, the Trust has been at the forefront of wildlife protection, conservation, and anti-poaching efforts in Kenya.

Mission and Work

• Elephant Orphan Rescue: DSWT rescues orphaned elephants that have been abandoned due to poaching, drought, or human-wildlife conflict.
• Rehabilitation: Baby elephants are hand-raised and nurtured with careful attention, replicating the care they would receive from their mothers in the wild.
• Reintroduction: Once the elephants are ready, they are gradually reintroduced to the wild, helping maintain healthy elephant populations across Kenya.
• Conservation Education: The Trust raises awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and works closely with local communities to promote coexistence with wildlife.

The Elephant Orphanage

• Located in Nairobi National Park, the Elephant Orphanage is the centerpiece of the Trust’s work.
• Visitors can witness the daily activities of the baby elephants, including milk feeding, mud baths, and playful interactions.
• The orphanage provides a rare and intimate opportunity to observe these gentle giants up close, learning about their behavior, rehabilitation, and conservation challenges.

Additional Work

• DSWT also protects rhinos and other endangered species through anti-poaching initiatives.
• It collaborates with global conservation networks to fund research, habitat preservation, and community-based conservation programs.
• Educational outreach programs engage schools, visitors, and the public to inspire future wildlife conservationists.