David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust | Nairobi

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), also known as the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT), is one of Kenya’s most respected and impactful wildlife conservation organizations. It is best known for its pioneering work in the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintroduction of orphaned elephants into the wild, but its efforts span a wide range of conservation programs.

Origins and History

The Trust was founded in 1977 by Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her late husband, David Sheldrick, who was a renowned naturalist and the founding Warden of Tsavo East National Park. David had spent decades developing and protecting Tsavo, one of the largest national parks in the world, and his legacy inspired a conservation mission that endures to this day.

Location

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust operates its most famous facility at the edge of Nairobi National Park, not far from the city center. This Nairobi Nursery is where orphaned elephants—many of whom have lost their families to poaching or human-wildlife conflict—begin their journey of healing.

Orphaned Elephant Project

This flagship program is world-renowned. Here’s how it works in detail:

Rescue: Orphaned elephant calves are often found alone and vulnerable, sometimes with injuries or trauma after losing their families. The Trust deploys skilled rescue teams, often flying by plane or helicopter, to bring the calves to safety.

Rehabilitation: Once at the Nairobi Nursery, each elephant is assigned a dedicated caretaker who provides around-the-clock care, including bottle feeding and companionship. This mimics the close bond elephant calves share with their mothers and herd in the wild.

Socialization: The young elephants live together in a herd structure, forming close bonds with one another, which helps them learn natural behaviors and regain emotional strength.

Reintegration: When the elephants are old enough—usually around age 3 to 4—they are gradually relocated to reintegration units in Tsavo East National Park, where they continue to grow and interact with wild herds. Over time, they gain independence and may fully reintegrate into the wild elephant population.

As of today, over 300 elephants have been rescued, with many successfully reintroduced into the wild.

Other Conservation Initiatives

In addition to the Orphans’ Project, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust manages numerous conservation efforts across Kenya:

Mobile Veterinary Units: Operated in collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), these units provide emergency care to injured or sick wild animals, including elephants, rhinos, lions, and others. They respond to poaching injuries, snares, and natural health emergencies.

Anti-Poaching Teams: Armed patrols monitor and protect critical habitats, removing snares and deterring illegal activity. They also collect data on wildlife and environmental threats.

Aerial Surveillance: The Trust operates a fleet of aircraft used for wildlife monitoring, tracking, rapid response, and security patrols. This is crucial for observing vast and remote areas where illegal activity might go undetected on the ground.

Habitat Protection: The Trust engages in reforestation efforts and manages protected lands, ensuring that key elephant corridors and wilderness areas remain safe from development or degradation.

Community Outreach and Education: By engaging with local communities through education programs, school visits, and outreach initiatives, the Trust fosters awareness and support for conservation while helping reduce human-wildlife conflict.

Visiting the Nairobi Nursery

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nursery is open to the public daily from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, during which time visitors can watch the baby elephants being fed and playing in the mud. The experience is informative and emotional, with caretakers sharing stories about each orphan’s journey.

Adoption is also encouraged—visitors can “foster” an elephant for a small annual fee. This supports the animal’s care and rehabilitation, and in return, supporters receive regular updates, photos, and personalized reports.

Funding and Global Support

The Trust relies heavily on donations from individuals and institutions around the world. It is a registered charity in Kenya, the UK, and the US, and has become a global symbol of hope in the fight against elephant poaching and habitat destruction.

Legacy and Impact

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is more than a rescue center—it represents a model for compassionate, science-based conservation. Daphne Sheldrick, until her death in 2018, remained an iconic figure in the global conservation movement. Her legacy continues through her daughter Angela Sheldrick, who now leads the Trust.

Through their deep commitment to wildlife protection, education, and ethical conservation, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has become a beacon of what can be achieved when humans work with, rather than against, the natural world.