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Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

@SheldrickTrust • 254,672 subscribers

Pioneers in the rescue, rehabilitation & rewilding of orphaned elephants and rhinos, we actively work to conserve all wildlife and wilderness areas in Kenya.

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The only thing sweeter than a baby elephant? A baby elephant sleeping soundly beneath mum! This was the sight that greeted our Ithumba Keepers yesterday morning. Ex-orphan Chaimu was waiting outside the stockades, with tiny Comet slumbering between her feet. Many of us circle home for life’s milestones, and Chaimu is no different. She has long since reclaimed her place in the wild, but right after giving birth on Friday, she shepherded her newborn back ‘home’ to Ithumba, so she could introduce her daughter to the people who raised her. In the days since, mum and baby have remained close, leaning on the support of their human-elephant family. Read Comet’s birth announcement:

The only thing sweeter than a baby elephant? A baby elephant sleeping soundly beneath mum! This was the sight that greeted our Ithumba Keepers yesterday morning. Ex-orphan Chaimu was waiting outside the stockades, with tiny Comet slumbering between her feet. Many of us circle home for life’s milestones, and Chaimu is no different. She has long since reclaimed her place in the wild, but right after giving birth on Friday, she shepherded her newborn back ‘home’ to Ithumba, so she could introduce her daughter to the people who raised her. In the days since, mum and baby have remained close, leaning on the support of their human-elephant family. Read Comet’s birth announcement:

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“These wild elephants know my face and recognise me as a friend. I respect them and they respect me.” – Keeper Stephen, Ithumba Reintegration Unit Our Reintegration Units are where orphaned elephants take their first steps towards life in the wild. Here, they gradually build confidence and independence, mingling with wild herds in the heart of the Tsavo ecosystem. Our Keepers guide them every step of the way, providing reassurance as they make this transition. Over the years, the wild elephants have come to accept these familiar faces as honorary members of the herd – a special trust that is never taken for granted. Learn more about our rescue-to-rewilding process, which has successfully raised more than 300 orphaned elephants:

“These wild elephants know my face and recognise me as a friend. I respect them and they respect me.” – Keeper Stephen, Ithumba Reintegration Unit Our Reintegration Units are where orphaned elephants take their first steps towards life in the wild. Here, they gradually build confidence and independence, mingling with wild herds in the heart of the Tsavo ecosystem. Our Keepers guide them every step of the way, providing reassurance as they make this transition. Over the years, the wild elephants have come to accept these familiar faces as honorary members of the herd – a special trust that is never taken for granted. Learn more about our rescue-to-rewilding process, which has successfully raised more than 300 orphaned elephants:

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Yesterday, we introduced you to our newest addition, Bumpy the orphaned hippo. This was his flight down to Kaluku. He was a perfect passenger – he scrambled right into Keeper Joseph's lap and spent most of the trip chattering in little hippo grunts! Bumpy is very new to the fold – he was rescued over the weekend. His mother appears to have died in a territorial fight, likely defending her baby's life. Now, Bumpy has a family with us and a wild future ahead. Read his full rescue story and become part of his journey through an adoption:

Yesterday, we introduced you to our newest addition, Bumpy the orphaned hippo. This was his flight down to Kaluku. He was a perfect passenger – he scrambled right into Keeper Joseph's lap and spent most of the trip chattering in little hippo grunts! Bumpy is very new to the fold – he was rescued over the weekend. His mother appears to have died in a territorial fight, likely defending her baby's life. Now, Bumpy has a family with us and a wild future ahead. Read his full rescue story and become part of his journey through an adoption:

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Bungalu has mastered the art of holding his milk bottle with his trunk! Kaikai, meanwhile, hasn’t quite got the hang of it yet – although we’re not entirely convinced she’s trying very hard. Why do the heavy lifting yourself when your Keepers are perfectly happy to do it for you? Bungalu and Kaikai were both rescued as orphans. If you’d like to get to know them a little better, meet them on our website – and, if they steal your heart, consider supporting them through an adoption:

Bungalu has mastered the art of holding his milk bottle with his trunk! Kaikai, meanwhile, hasn’t quite got the hang of it yet – although we’re not entirely convinced she’s trying very hard. Why do the heavy lifting yourself when your Keepers are perfectly happy to do it for you? Bungalu and Kaikai were both rescued as orphans. If you’d like to get to know them a little better, meet them on our website – and, if they steal your heart, consider supporting them through an adoption:

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En route to their stables, the orphans encountered a tall, mysterious stranger. Most of them breezed past – the Nursery sits in the heart of Nairobi National Park, so they share their home with all kinds of wild animals – but a few took umbrage at her presence. Nyambeni tried to banish the stranger with bluster, flaring her ears and pacing irritably. Needless to say, the giraffe remained long after Nyambeni had given up and gone to bed, browsing at her leisure – as is her right! Nyambeni are one of the youngest orphans our care. Discover her rescue story and help us provide the round-the-clock care and wild futures rescued orphans need:

En route to their stables, the orphans encountered a tall, mysterious stranger. Most of them breezed past – the Nursery sits in the heart of Nairobi National Park, so they share their home with all kinds of wild animals – but a few took umbrage at her presence. Nyambeni tried to banish the stranger with bluster, flaring her ears and pacing irritably. Needless to say, the giraffe remained long after Nyambeni had given up and gone to bed, browsing at her leisure – as is her right! Nyambeni are one of the youngest orphans our care. Discover her rescue story and help us provide the round-the-clock care and wild futures rescued orphans need:

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When an ex-orphan brings her new calf home, do our Keepers get to greet the baby? Sometimes – and it's entirely up to the mother. Some, like Nasalot here, walk straight up to a familiar Keeper and let them meet the calf. Keeper Benjamin had been a part of Nasalot’s journey every step of the way since she was rescued as an infant in 2000. Today, Nasalot is all grown up and living wild but she and her family continue to visit their human-elephant family on a regular basis. Other new mothers keep the calf at a careful distance and let the Keepers observe from the side. Whatever they decide, the fact that orphans make this pilgrimage home at all is the gesture of trust. Just seeing them, thriving as a mother and a matriarch, is the reward for years of care and many sleepless nights.

When an ex-orphan brings her new calf home, do our Keepers get to greet the baby? Sometimes – and it's entirely up to the mother. Some, like Nasalot here, walk straight up to a familiar Keeper and let them meet the calf. Keeper Benjamin had been a part of Nasalot’s journey every step of the way since she was rescued as an infant in 2000. Today, Nasalot is all grown up and living wild but she and her family continue to visit their human-elephant family on a regular basis. Other new mothers keep the calf at a careful distance and let the Keepers observe from the side. Whatever they decide, the fact that orphans make this pilgrimage home at all is the gesture of trust. Just seeing them, thriving as a mother and a matriarch, is the reward for years of care and many sleepless nights.

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Wonderful, breaking news! Early this morning, ex-orphan Melia returned to introduce a brand new baby girl to Head Keeper Benjamin and the rest of the Ithumba team. Moon, as we’ve named her, is Melia’s second baby. She is a lovely little elephant, bold and brimming with character. More to come, but we wanted to share the news in real time. Supporters like you make these stories possible: enabling us to rescue orphans like Melia, dedicate years to their recovery, and help them reclaim their place in the wild – paving the way for a new generation of wild elephants, like baby Moon. If you're new to our work, discover how every rescue has the potential to forge future dynasties here:

Wonderful, breaking news! Early this morning, ex-orphan Melia returned to introduce a brand new baby girl to Head Keeper Benjamin and the rest of the Ithumba team. Moon, as we’ve named her, is Melia’s second baby. She is a lovely little elephant, bold and brimming with character. More to come, but we wanted to share the news in real time. Supporters like you make these stories possible: enabling us to rescue orphans like Melia, dedicate years to their recovery, and help them reclaim their place in the wild – paving the way for a new generation of wild elephants, like baby Moon. If you're new to our work, discover how every rescue has the potential to forge future dynasties here:

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Bungalu has an adorable little habit: when drinking his bottle, he delicately grasps the handle with his two fingers. He’s not strong enough to hold the whole bottle yet, but he’s determined to pull his weight! Those two prehensile ‘fingers’ at the tip of an African elephant’s trunk give him the dexterity to pick up everything from a tiny pebble to a thin blade of grass – or, in Bungalu’s case, a milk bottle handle. Before his rescue, Bungalu spent several lonely weeks fending for himself. This tiny, milk-dependent calf even survived a lion attack and earth-shaking storms. Now, he’ll never be alone again. With Kaikai by his side and Keepers like Jonas there day and night, Bungalu is learning how to grow from orphan to wild elephant. Read his rescue story and support his journey:

Bungalu has an adorable little habit: when drinking his bottle, he delicately grasps the handle with his two fingers. He’s not strong enough to hold the whole bottle yet, but he’s determined to pull his weight! Those two prehensile ‘fingers’ at the tip of an African elephant’s trunk give him the dexterity to pick up everything from a tiny pebble to a thin blade of grass – or, in Bungalu’s case, a milk bottle handle. Before his rescue, Bungalu spent several lonely weeks fending for himself. This tiny, milk-dependent calf even survived a lion attack and earth-shaking storms. Now, he’ll never be alone again. With Kaikai by his side and Keepers like Jonas there day and night, Bungalu is learning how to grow from orphan to wild elephant. Read his rescue story and support his journey:

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This big bull was owning the Ithumba mud bath! Not so long ago, this sight was unthinkable. When we established our Ithumba Reintegration Unit in 2004, it was rare to see a single wild elephant. The northern sector of Tsavo had been scarred by decades of poaching and limited water resources, and as a result, wild elephants gave it a wide berth. Over the years, working in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service, we helped secure Ithumba and nurtured it into a safe, sustainable habitat. Slowly but surely, the elephants returned. It started with a single bull ‘rafiki’ – and before long, the northern sector of the park transformed into a hub for elephants. This bull is one such regular visitor – an entirely wild elephant, feeling totally at ease in his environment.

This big bull was owning the Ithumba mud bath! Not so long ago, this sight was unthinkable. When we established our Ithumba Reintegration Unit in 2004, it was rare to see a single wild elephant. The northern sector of Tsavo had been scarred by decades of poaching and limited water resources, and as a result, wild elephants gave it a wide berth. Over the years, working in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service, we helped secure Ithumba and nurtured it into a safe, sustainable habitat. Slowly but surely, the elephants returned. It started with a single bull ‘rafiki’ – and before long, the northern sector of the park transformed into a hub for elephants. This bull is one such regular visitor – an entirely wild elephant, feeling totally at ease in his environment.

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Four years ago today, Korbessa arrived at our Kaluku Neonate Nursery. She was just days old, rescued after falling into a well in Meru National Park. She was the smallest orphan in the Kaluku herd, but soon took charge of the group, starting with her sidekick, Toto. Four years on, this little girl, affectionately known as “Little Frog” for the position she adopts when lying down, runs a tighter ship than ever. The rest of us just do what she wants! Meet Korbessa:

Four years ago today, Korbessa arrived at our Kaluku Neonate Nursery. She was just days old, rescued after falling into a well in Meru National Park. She was the smallest orphan in the Kaluku herd, but soon took charge of the group, starting with her sidekick, Toto. Four years on, this little girl, affectionately known as “Little Frog” for the position she adopts when lying down, runs a tighter ship than ever. The rest of us just do what she wants! Meet Korbessa:

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Kerrio has two jobs at Umani Springs. As Murera’s trusted deputy, she is the one who steps in when little Mwana pushes her luck – and once order is restored, she is just as likely to be found playing with her. The two go back to Kerrio’s very first day at Umani. When she stepped off the truck from Nairobi last December, Mwana was there to greet her, playing with her from the moment she arrived. Since then, their friendship has only grown. Kerrio’s story is one of many unfolding at Umani Springs, where rescued orphans are given the care, companionship and protection they need as they prepare for life in the wild. By adopting Kerrio, you can follow her journey and help support her along the way. Adopt Kerrio:

Kerrio has two jobs at Umani Springs. As Murera’s trusted deputy, she is the one who steps in when little Mwana pushes her luck – and once order is restored, she is just as likely to be found playing with her. The two go back to Kerrio’s very first day at Umani. When she stepped off the truck from Nairobi last December, Mwana was there to greet her, playing with her from the moment she arrived. Since then, their friendship has only grown. Kerrio’s story is one of many unfolding at Umani Springs, where rescued orphans are given the care, companionship and protection they need as they prepare for life in the wild. By adopting Kerrio, you can follow her journey and help support her along the way. Adopt Kerrio:

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We had a surprising leader of the dawn patrol this morning. Usually, the ex-orphans are led by one of the ex-orphan matriarchs – but today, it was a big wild bull, with plenty of swagger to spare. He knew the routine and was eager to take charge! Every elephant seen here is living wild in Tsavo East, Kenya’s largest national park. The bull is totally wild; the females are ex-orphans, rescued and raised through our Orphans’ Project, along with their offspring. They pop by our Ithumba stockades for the fresh drinking water we provide – a lifeline during the dry season. Learn more about how we rescue, raise and rewild orphaned elephants:

We had a surprising leader of the dawn patrol this morning. Usually, the ex-orphans are led by one of the ex-orphan matriarchs – but today, it was a big wild bull, with plenty of swagger to spare. He knew the routine and was eager to take charge! Every elephant seen here is living wild in Tsavo East, Kenya’s largest national park. The bull is totally wild; the females are ex-orphans, rescued and raised through our Orphans’ Project, along with their offspring. They pop by our Ithumba stockades for the fresh drinking water we provide – a lifeline during the dry season. Learn more about how we rescue, raise and rewild orphaned elephants:

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It is often said that good fathers lead by example. That is certainly true with elephants – older bulls are mentors, guardians, and founts of wisdom. They teach younger bulls how to behave and help them navigate the wild. Far from the solitary figures they’re often made out to be, bulls form strong friendships and show great loyalty. Many of our orphans, such as Kiasa and Talek, were taken under the wings of benevolent bulls until help arrived. Bulls can even step in as ‘honorary nannies,’ as this scene shows. Baby Saba (ex-orphan Sunyei’s daughter) got sleepy and settled at the feet of a visiting bull. He happily stood guard over the little girl until she was done with her nap! Follow us at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for more stories of elephant empathy.

It is often said that good fathers lead by example. That is certainly true with elephants – older bulls are mentors, guardians, and founts of wisdom. They teach younger bulls how to behave and help them navigate the wild. Far from the solitary figures they’re often made out to be, bulls form strong friendships and show great loyalty. Many of our orphans, such as Kiasa and Talek, were taken under the wings of benevolent bulls until help arrived. Bulls can even step in as ‘honorary nannies,’ as this scene shows. Baby Saba (ex-orphan Sunyei’s daughter) got sleepy and settled at the feet of a visiting bull. He happily stood guard over the little girl until she was done with her nap! Follow us at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for more stories of elephant empathy.

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Territorial fights are a normal part of rhino life – but rarely does one end with a combatant wandering down a busy road! After bursting through the fence, this huge male found himself stranded outside Solio Rhino Sanctuary. Our SWT/KWS Mount Kenya Mobile Vet Unit raced to the scene, where they worked with the Solio Conservancy team to dart him, guide him into a crate and safely return him home. Another wild life protected, thanks to our Mobile Vet Units and the Kenya Wildlife Service. Learn more about their vital work:

Territorial fights are a normal part of rhino life – but rarely does one end with a combatant wandering down a busy road! After bursting through the fence, this huge male found himself stranded outside Solio Rhino Sanctuary. Our SWT/KWS Mount Kenya Mobile Vet Unit raced to the scene, where they worked with the Solio Conservancy team to dart him, guide him into a crate and safely return him home. Another wild life protected, thanks to our Mobile Vet Units and the Kenya Wildlife Service. Learn more about their vital work:

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With your support, our teams are patrolling every day — on foot and by air — to help ensure elephants like this aspiring tusker are protected and have a safe home in which to roam. Donate at:

With your support, our teams are patrolling every day — on foot and by air — to help ensure elephants like this aspiring tusker are protected and have a safe home in which to roam. Donate at:

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Mzinga has a low opinion of baboons, and she is not shy about sharing it – head down, ears out, and a determined charge to move them along. When she is not on baboon duty, she's the Nursery's great nanny: she walks tiny Zuri to her stable every night, opens her door each morning, and lets the youngest members of the herd clamber over her while she rests. Rescued as a tiny calf, she has grown into a caring – and protective – big sister. Adopt Mzinga today and support the family she helps hold together:

Mzinga has a low opinion of baboons, and she is not shy about sharing it – head down, ears out, and a determined charge to move them along. When she is not on baboon duty, she's the Nursery's great nanny: she walks tiny Zuri to her stable every night, opens her door each morning, and lets the youngest members of the herd clamber over her while she rests. Rescued as a tiny calf, she has grown into a caring – and protective – big sister. Adopt Mzinga today and support the family she helps hold together:

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A lovely little peek into elephant devotion: While Lodo took a nap, ‘big brother’ Sattao stood protectively over him, almost soothing him to sleep. (An even sweeter detail: Sattao is now living wild; he popped by for a visit and took it upon himself to babysit!) This is common behaviour among elephants. More often than not, it is females giving the care – but as you see here, males also have a strong nurturing streak. Growing up in our care, these little survivors have found a loving family – one that will support them for the rest of their lives. Meet the orphans we've rescued and raised: https://

A lovely little peek into elephant devotion: While Lodo took a nap, ‘big brother’ Sattao stood protectively over him, almost soothing him to sleep. (An even sweeter detail: Sattao is now living wild; he popped by for a visit and took it upon himself to babysit!) This is common behaviour among elephants. More often than not, it is females giving the care – but as you see here, males also have a strong nurturing streak. Growing up in our care, these little survivors have found a loving family – one that will support them for the rest of their lives. Meet the orphans we've rescued and raised: https://

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Sneaky, spoiled Mwana has unlocked a whole new level of relaxation: nursing and napping, in one fell swoop. Now that Murera is progressing in her pregnancy, she is less generous about breastfeeding, but Mwana still manages to sneak in sips here and there. It’s as if she thinks that Murera won’t even notice she’s there! Mwana is one of our grandkids: wild calves born to an orphan we rescued, raised, and rewilded - and the greatest testament to the success of our work. Meet our grandcalves:

Sneaky, spoiled Mwana has unlocked a whole new level of relaxation: nursing and napping, in one fell swoop. Now that Murera is progressing in her pregnancy, she is less generous about breastfeeding, but Mwana still manages to sneak in sips here and there. It’s as if she thinks that Murera won’t even notice she’s there! Mwana is one of our grandkids: wild calves born to an orphan we rescued, raised, and rewilded - and the greatest testament to the success of our work. Meet our grandcalves:

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Hey there Bumpy. Hippos spend most of their day in water – it's where they cool off, where they sleep, where calves are born. It's also where Bumpy feels calmest and most comfortable, bobbing around in his own personal pool at our Kaluku Neonate Unit. His family is a tad eclectic, made up of buffalo, elephants and their human caregivers. The thread that binds them all? Every animal is an orphan, on their own path back to the wild. Find out how you can support Bumpy through an adoption:

Hey there Bumpy. Hippos spend most of their day in water – it's where they cool off, where they sleep, where calves are born. It's also where Bumpy feels calmest and most comfortable, bobbing around in his own personal pool at our Kaluku Neonate Unit. His family is a tad eclectic, made up of buffalo, elephants and their human caregivers. The thread that binds them all? Every animal is an orphan, on their own path back to the wild. Find out how you can support Bumpy through an adoption:

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Kenze was two years old when he became an orphan of poaching in 2006. Today, he's a wild-living bull, roaming Tsavo on his own terms. Fortunately for us, he still chooses to circle back to the Ithumba stockades every now and then – checking in on the family that raised him, and taking full advantage of the lucerne he knows he'll be offered! Every visit is a quiet reminder of the difference we can make: an orphan who lost everything, given a second chance, now living fully wild in a vast, protected wilderness. To every adopter, monthly donor, fundraiser, and friend who stands with us — thank you 🙏 Read Kenze's full story:

Kenze was two years old when he became an orphan of poaching in 2006. Today, he's a wild-living bull, roaming Tsavo on his own terms. Fortunately for us, he still chooses to circle back to the Ithumba stockades every now and then – checking in on the family that raised him, and taking full advantage of the lucerne he knows he'll be offered! Every visit is a quiet reminder of the difference we can make: an orphan who lost everything, given a second chance, now living fully wild in a vast, protected wilderness. To every adopter, monthly donor, fundraiser, and friend who stands with us — thank you 🙏 Read Kenze's full story:

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