The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) is one of Kenya’s most renowned wildlife conservation organizations, famous for its elephant orphanage in Nairobi. Established in 1977 by Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her late husband, David Sheldrick, the trust is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rewilding of orphaned elephants and rhinos, along with broader conservation efforts.
Key Highlights of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust:
1. Elephant Orphanage (Nairobi Nursery)
Located in Nairobi National Park, this is where orphaned baby elephants—rescued from poaching, human-wildlife conflict, or natural disasters—are nurtured.- The public can visit daily (11 AM – 12 PM) to watch baby elephants being fed and playing in the mud.
- The elephants are eventually reintroduced into the wild, mainly in Tsavo East National Park.
2. Rescue and Rehabilitation Program
- SWT has a dedicated team that rescues elephants in distress from all over Kenya.
- The calves are hand-raised and later transitioned to rehabilitation centers before being released back into the wild.
3. Anti-Poaching and Conservation Efforts
- SWT works with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to operate anti-poaching teams.
- They run mobile vet units to treat injured animals in the wild.
- The trust helps in habitat protection, preventing human encroachment into wildlife areas.
4. Community Engagement & Education
- SWT works with local communities to promote human-wildlife coexistence.
- It runs education programs to raise awareness about conservation.
5. How to Support
- Visitors can adopt an orphaned elephant for a small donation.
- Donations help in feeding, medical care, and rehabilitation efforts.
- Eco-tourists can visit the Nairobi Elephant Nursery or the Reintegration Units in Tsavo.
Why It’s Important for Tourism & Safaris
- The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a major wildlife attraction in Nairobi, making it a great stop for safari tourists before or after their adventures.
- It’s an excellent opportunity for visitors to interact with elephants ethically while supporting conservation.