Tucked away in Nairobi's National Park is the David Sheldrick Trust also known as the elephant orphanage. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a Kenyan wildlife conservation charity founded in 1977 in memory of David Sheldrick by his widow Daphne Sheldrick. It assists and advises the Kenya Wildlife Service and manages an orphanage for elephants and rhinos. This trust is reintegrating orphaned elephants back into the Kenyan wildlife, and is a World Elephant Day associate.
At the heart of the DSWT’s conservation activities is the Orphans’ Project, which has achieved world-wide acclaim through its hugely successful elephant and rhino rescue and rehabilitation program. The Orphans’ Project exists to offer hope for the future of Kenya’s threatened elephant and rhino populations as they struggle against the threat of poaching for their ivory and horn, and the loss of habitat due to human population pressures and conflict, deforestation and drought.
To date the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has successfully hand-raised over 150 infant elephants and has accomplished its long-term conservation priority by effectively reintegrating orphans back into the wild herds of Tsavo, claiming many healthy wild-born calves from former-orphaned elephants raised in their care. To learn more please visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's website at https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/asp/orphans.asp
It's truly a site to see these elephants covered with red clay mud trying to stay cool in the intense Nairobi sun.
The ground is called laterite and is a clay which is enriched with iron and aluminum making this little one a beautiful red color. This little elephant doesn't seem to mind it at all.
Elephants like all wild animals have instinctive natural needs. Wild babies need freedom and exposure to a natural environment in order for instinct to become honed and equip them with the strength they need to reintegrate into the wild.
Some commonly asked questions about the DSWT
Can I visit the DSWT facilities and how much does it cost? Yes, they are open to the public for one hour every day, excluding 25th December, from 11am to Noon. During this time the orphans arrive for their midday mud bath and feeding. Entrance to the orphanage for the visiting hour requires minimum contribution of $7 US dollars / 500 Kenya shillings per person. They also have a gift shop on site and the opportunity to foster orphans during your visit.
Can I visit as a foster parent? As a foster parent you can visit the Nursery at the usual public visiting hour between 11am - 12noon (entrance fee applies) and by appointment at 5:00pm when they return to the stockades for the night. This evening visit is for foster parents only and the date must be booked in advance of your intended visit by contacting the DSWT directly at info@sheldrickwildlifetrust.org .
How do I book a stay in one of the DSWT’s Eco-Lodges? DSWT promotes responsible and sustainable tourism and offers an exclusive opportunity to stay at one of three camps; Ithumba Camp and Ithumba Hill Camp in Tsavo East National Park and Umani Springs in the Kibwezi Forest. Funds generated from these properties go directly towards the management and conservation of these areas. Booking for all three properties is through the DSWT. To check availability and rates, please contact info@sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
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