Business Details
49 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Rescuing and Rehabilitating Orphaned Elephants & Rhinos
As one of Africa's oldest wildlife charities and a leading conservation organization, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) has dedicated over 48 years to protecting Kenya's wildlife and preserving its natural habitats. Founded in 1977 by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her late husband, David Sheldrick, the Trust pioneered the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants and rhinos, a program now recognized as the most successful of its kind globally. Our mission extends beyond single-species conservation, encompassing anti-poaching initiatives, veterinary care, habitat protection, and community outreach programs that address human-wildlife conflict. With field headquarters in Kaluku, Tsavo, and offices in the UK and USA, we operate a multi-dimensional approach to conservation, combining hands-on rescue operations with global advocacy.Our team of experts, including rangers, veterinarians, and conservationists, works tirelessly to secure safe havens for wildlife while engaging local communities through education and sustainable development. The Trust's innovative digital fostering program, launched in 2001, connects supporters worldwide with orphaned animals, fostering a global network of conservation advocates. Backed by decades of experience and a legacy of groundbreaking achievements, we remain committed to reversing the effects of habitat destruction and poaching, ensuring a future where wildlife thrives alongside human populations.
Services
Orphan Rescue
Anti-Poaching
Veterinary Care
Habitat Conservation
Community Outreach
Details
- Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
- We have over 48 years of experience in elephant and rhino conservation.
- Our Orphans' Project pioneered the first successful elephant orphan rescue program.
- We operate six mobile veterinary units providing critical animal care.
- Our anti-poaching teams protect over 2 million acres of wildlife habitat.
- We engage communities through education and sustainable development programs.
Services
Orphan Rescue
Our Orphans' Project rescues and rehabilitates infant elephants and rhinos orphaned by poaching or human-wildlife conflict. With specialized milk formulas and 24/7 care, we prepare these animals for reintegration into wild herds over 10-12 years. This program has successfully released over 260 elephants back into Tsavo's ecosystems, maintaining genetic diversity and ecological balance in Kenya's national parks.
Anti-Poaching
We deploy 29 anti-poaching teams across Kenya's conservation areas, combining ground patrols with aerial surveillance. Our canine units detect illegal wildlife products, while de-snaring teams remove thousands of traps annually. This multi-layered approach protects critical habitats in Tsavo, Meru, and Amboseli, safeguarding elephants, rhinos, and other endangered species from poaching threats.
Veterinary Care
Six mobile veterinary units provide emergency care to injured wildlife across Kenya. Our teams treat over 1,400 cases annually, addressing snare wounds, poaching injuries, and natural illnesses. The Aerial Surveillance Unit enables rapid response to remote areas, while fixed clinics support long-term rehabilitation of rescued animals before their return to the wild.
Habitat Conservation
We manage over 2 million acres of conservation land through partnerships with Kenya Wildlife Service. Initiatives include electric fencing projects in Shimba Hills, water provision systems in arid regions, and habitat restoration programs that benefit entire ecosystems. Our eco-lodges promote low-impact tourism that funds these critical conservation efforts.
Community Outreach
Our outreach initiatives engage local communities through school lunch programs serving 16,500 children, environmental education curricula, and sustainable livelihood projects. By addressing human-wildlife conflict through community partnerships, we foster coexistence between people and wildlife while supporting economic development in conservation areas.
People
Angela Sheldrick
Executive Director
Daughter of Daphne and David Sheldrick, Angela has led SWT since 2001. With a background in fine art and film, she expanded the digital fostering program and oversees all conservation operations in Kenya.
Robert Carr-Hartley
Trustee
A fourth-generation Kenyan and technical advisor, Robert manages aerial operations and anti-poaching technology. With experience in safari tourism and conservation policy, he supports strategic initiatives from Nairobi headquarters.
Dr. Limo
Veterinary Officer
Field veterinarian working with Kenya Wildlife Service, providing medical care to rescued animals and conducting health assessments in wild populations across Tsavo conservation areas.
Paul Anti-Poaching Team Leader
Field Operations
Oversees ground patrols and de-snaring operations in Tsavo East, coordinating with canine units and aerial surveillance to protect wildlife habitats from poaching activities.
Semili Dog Handler
Canine Unit
Trains and deploys detection dogs for anti-poaching operations, specializing in tracking illegal wildlife products and supporting security teams in Kenya's conservation areas.
Questions
How can I adopt an orphaned elephant?
Visit our website to select an orphan and complete the digital fostering process with monthly or annual contributions supporting their care.
What happens to rescued animals?
Orphaned elephants receive 10-12 years of rehabilitation before reintegration into wild herds at our reintegration units in Tsavo.
How are donations utilized?
Funds support rescue operations, veterinary care, anti-poaching units, and community conservation programs across Kenya.
Can visitors interact with elephants?
Daily visits at Nairobi Nursery allow public viewing of elephant feedings and mud baths with advance booking.
What anti-poaching measures are used?
We employ ground patrols, canine units, aerial surveillance, and de-snaring teams across 29 protection zones in Kenya.
How does the Trust engage communities?
Through school lunch programs, environmental education, and sustainable tourism initiatives that benefit 16,500 rural children annually.
Videos
Reviews (2)
Helen Andrews
Nov 29, 2019
Report
Wonderful people at Ithumba. Benjamin and his colleagues are completely dedicated to their elephants and are doing a remarkable job. We were in awe.
Jannis Meng
Nov 04, 2018
Report
The wildlife trust does great work for orphaned elephants. Good place to go with children as well as for people who really love elephants. If however you are going on a safari anyway, you will not really miss out on anything by skipping the elephant orphanage.
