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Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

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

Shorts

Our Keepers move between units as elephants grow — Nursery, Voi, Kaluku, and Umani. When Mzinga arrived at our Nairobi Nursery, Sammy was there to shepherd her through her earliest, most vulnerable days. But rewind a few years, and he was in Voi, bonding with an elephant who still holds a special place in his heart: Murit. "I looked after him and he became very attached to me. We were both new to Voi, so we created a bond and leaned on each other.Whenever he heard my voice, he started shouting to get my attention. Even when I would take a few steps away from him, he would be right there, following me. It was hard to leave him when I returned to the Nursery after a few years, but by that time he was strong and didn’t need me. It makes me happy to know that he is big and independent and even starting to find his way in the wild."

Our Keepers move between units as elephants grow — Nursery, Voi, Kaluku, and Umani. When Mzinga arrived at our Nairobi Nursery, Sammy was there to shepherd her through her earliest, most vulnerable days. But rewind a few years, and he was in Voi, bonding with an elephant who still holds a special place in his heart: Murit. "I looked after him and he became very attached to me. We were both new to Voi, so we created a bond and leaned on each other.Whenever he heard my voice, he started shouting to get my attention. Even when I would take a few steps away from him, he would be right there, following me. It was hard to leave him when I returned to the Nursery after a few years, but by that time he was strong and didn’t need me. It makes me happy to know that he is big and independent and even starting to find his way in the wild."

14,265 Aufrufe

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.

89,075 Aufrufe

In elephant society, it’s the mothers who raise the babies and everyone, from auties to cousins pitches in. But when young adolescent bulls leave their natal herd, it is patriarchal older bulls who help keep their behaviour in check and pass on their learned wisdom to the brash young bachelors. We see this at our Reintegration Units all the time. Huge wild bulls have played a vital role in socialising with our orphaned males (and sired many a baby among our ex-orphan females too). Now our own orphans are taking on the mantle of mentor. Rapsu- a 23 year-old ex-orphan - is one such male who the younger bulls hero-worship. With good reason too as he will take the younger orphans under his wing and help shepherd them to a wild life.

In elephant society, it’s the mothers who raise the babies and everyone, from auties to cousins pitches in. But when young adolescent bulls leave their natal herd, it is patriarchal older bulls who help keep their behaviour in check and pass on their learned wisdom to the brash young bachelors. We see this at our Reintegration Units all the time. Huge wild bulls have played a vital role in socialising with our orphaned males (and sired many a baby among our ex-orphan females too). Now our own orphans are taking on the mantle of mentor. Rapsu- a 23 year-old ex-orphan - is one such male who the younger bulls hero-worship. With good reason too as he will take the younger orphans under his wing and help shepherd them to a wild life.

26,165 Aufrufe

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:

301,841 Aufrufe

How long do elephants nurse in the wild? Years. Wild elephant calves are milk-dependent for the first four years or so, and many will suckle from their mums for as long as they're permitted – often until a younger sibling arrives. A wild mum's milk also changes in composition as her calf grows. Our bottle-fed orphans follow a similar timeline. The formula we use isn't a perfect match for what an elephant mother produces – it can't be – but it's the closest available, and we tailor it to each age group. Without it, these babies wouldn't survive. Weaning happens slowly, at the orphan's own pace. We help it along by gradually diluting their formula and reducing feeds when the conditions are right – plenty of rains, plenty of browse. Some orphans are still drinking some milk at five or six, even as solid food makes up the bulk of their diet. For a hand-raised calf, milk is more than nutrition. It's comfort. It's part of the slower pace we deliberately take to make sure each orphan reaches reintegration ready and equipped to live wild – the call of nature always wins in the end.

How long do elephants nurse in the wild? Years. Wild elephant calves are milk-dependent for the first four years or so, and many will suckle from their mums for as long as they're permitted – often until a younger sibling arrives. A wild mum's milk also changes in composition as her calf grows. Our bottle-fed orphans follow a similar timeline. The formula we use isn't a perfect match for what an elephant mother produces – it can't be – but it's the closest available, and we tailor it to each age group. Without it, these babies wouldn't survive. Weaning happens slowly, at the orphan's own pace. We help it along by gradually diluting their formula and reducing feeds when the conditions are right – plenty of rains, plenty of browse. Some orphans are still drinking some milk at five or six, even as solid food makes up the bulk of their diet. For a hand-raised calf, milk is more than nutrition. It's comfort. It's part of the slower pace we deliberately take to make sure each orphan reaches reintegration ready and equipped to live wild – the call of nature always wins in the end.

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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.

38,591 Aufrufe

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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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:

31,846 Aufrufe

Is Lenny going to be a big brother soon? Ex-orphan Lima Lima has always been a famous flirt: even as a younger elephant, she enjoyed meeting and flirting with wild bulls and, recently, she's been entertaining suitors. Over several days, she courted many bulls and poor Lenny was a little confused by the whole matter. Luckily Kiasa and Quanza stepped up and took on chief nanny duties, while Lima Lima was busy. And then, just like that, the courting was over and now we wait...

Is Lenny going to be a big brother soon? Ex-orphan Lima Lima has always been a famous flirt: even as a younger elephant, she enjoyed meeting and flirting with wild bulls and, recently, she's been entertaining suitors. Over several days, she courted many bulls and poor Lenny was a little confused by the whole matter. Luckily Kiasa and Quanza stepped up and took on chief nanny duties, while Lima Lima was busy. And then, just like that, the courting was over and now we wait...

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Our proverbial door is always left open for the ex-orphans to come visit. After eight months away, Chemi Chemi just sauntered in! We rescued Chemi Chemi in June 2009 from Loisaba Conservancy – a young bull, eight months old, in desperate need of food and company. Brought to Nairobi where we gave him one-to-one care from our Keepers and the comfort and company of a new herd, he recovered. When he outgrew the Nursery, he graduated to our Ithumba Reintegration Unit alongside his bull friends – and the rest, as they say, is history. Nineteen years on from his rescue, Chemi Chemi is wild. Those friendships from his Nursery days and the bonds forged with his Keepers are still going strong – he still drops by our Ithumba Unit every few months. Wondering how we know its him? Check out his raggedy, holey ears, all unique identifiers of our beloved bull.

Our proverbial door is always left open for the ex-orphans to come visit. After eight months away, Chemi Chemi just sauntered in! We rescued Chemi Chemi in June 2009 from Loisaba Conservancy – a young bull, eight months old, in desperate need of food and company. Brought to Nairobi where we gave him one-to-one care from our Keepers and the comfort and company of a new herd, he recovered. When he outgrew the Nursery, he graduated to our Ithumba Reintegration Unit alongside his bull friends – and the rest, as they say, is history. Nineteen years on from his rescue, Chemi Chemi is wild. Those friendships from his Nursery days and the bonds forged with his Keepers are still going strong – he still drops by our Ithumba Unit every few months. Wondering how we know its him? Check out his raggedy, holey ears, all unique identifiers of our beloved bull.

24,288 Aufrufe

Can you guess which of these is a wild elephant? Olsekki, one of our ex-orphans at our Ithumba Reintegration Unit, has been spending a lot of time with a wild bull. They have been browsing side by side this week, walking the same routes through Tsavo. Our Keepers can tell the difference, but to anyone else, we suspect it's impossible to tell who grew up in the wild and who was rescued from the Maasai Mara in 2014. After more than a decade in our care, lots of sleepless nights, fingers suckled on and many many bottles of milk, Olsekki has been accepted into the wild herds around him. It's everything we worked towards.

Can you guess which of these is a wild elephant? Olsekki, one of our ex-orphans at our Ithumba Reintegration Unit, has been spending a lot of time with a wild bull. They have been browsing side by side this week, walking the same routes through Tsavo. Our Keepers can tell the difference, but to anyone else, we suspect it's impossible to tell who grew up in the wild and who was rescued from the Maasai Mara in 2014. After more than a decade in our care, lots of sleepless nights, fingers suckled on and many many bottles of milk, Olsekki has been accepted into the wild herds around him. It's everything we worked towards.

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Grief impacts each orphan differently. For some, rescued within days or hours of birth with little memory of their lost mother or herd, it is fleeting. Instinctually, they follow any figure bigger than themselves, grateful for comfort. Others, rescued at an older age, with deeper memories, feel it more acutely. They retreat from the world and need lots of patience as they slowly begin to trust and come out of their shells. We rescued Alia last October. She arrived at our Nairobi Nursery deeply withdrawn after losing her mother and family. For months, she kept to herself and watched the other orphans play from a distance. This April, the Keepers noticed something change. She climbed into the mud wallow with the herd. She even invited Arthi to play. She is still our quietest girl but months later, she is starting to open up. Adopting Alia helps fund her milk, her Keepers, and the years of growing up ahead until she's ready to rejoin the wild. Adopt Alia:

Grief impacts each orphan differently. For some, rescued within days or hours of birth with little memory of their lost mother or herd, it is fleeting. Instinctually, they follow any figure bigger than themselves, grateful for comfort. Others, rescued at an older age, with deeper memories, feel it more acutely. They retreat from the world and need lots of patience as they slowly begin to trust and come out of their shells. We rescued Alia last October. She arrived at our Nairobi Nursery deeply withdrawn after losing her mother and family. For months, she kept to herself and watched the other orphans play from a distance. This April, the Keepers noticed something change. She climbed into the mud wallow with the herd. She even invited Arthi to play. She is still our quietest girl but months later, she is starting to open up. Adopting Alia helps fund her milk, her Keepers, and the years of growing up ahead until she's ready to rejoin the wild. Adopt Alia:

30,539 Aufrufe

It's #WorldGiraffeDay. Come for a walk through with Pips. She is nine months old, and the youngest giraffe orphan in our care. We rescued her in September 2025 after her mother was killed by lions. She had been hiding alone for days, slipping in to drink at a water trough and disappearing again. Pips is in esteemed company. The first giraffe we raised to the wild was Kiko, rescued in 2015 and now continuing his rewilding at Lewa. Twiggy, another, joined the wild around the time Pips turned up, and has been seen in the company of a boyfriend. Pips is still at the beginning of her journey. Read her story and help support Kenya's giraffe with an adoption:

It's #WorldGiraffeDay. Come for a walk through with Pips. She is nine months old, and the youngest giraffe orphan in our care. We rescued her in September 2025 after her mother was killed by lions. She had been hiding alone for days, slipping in to drink at a water trough and disappearing again. Pips is in esteemed company. The first giraffe we raised to the wild was Kiko, rescued in 2015 and now continuing his rewilding at Lewa. Twiggy, another, joined the wild around the time Pips turned up, and has been seen in the company of a boyfriend. Pips is still at the beginning of her journey. Read her story and help support Kenya's giraffe with an adoption:

18,759 Aufrufe

Hours after rescue, saved from a septic pit, Zuri already understood that she was finally safe. Just hours before, she'd been stuck in the depths of the dark tank, so deep rescuers had struggled to make out the tiny elephant inside. She was barely keeping her head above the water and would not have survived much longer. Hauled to safety, this was Zuri's first rest stop at our Voi Unit. The next day, she was flown to our Nairobi Nursery where she was welcomed into the trunks of her new orphan family. Now she is recovering and starting to trust her new caregivers. Adopt Zuri:

Hours after rescue, saved from a septic pit, Zuri already understood that she was finally safe. Just hours before, she'd been stuck in the depths of the dark tank, so deep rescuers had struggled to make out the tiny elephant inside. She was barely keeping her head above the water and would not have survived much longer. Hauled to safety, this was Zuri's first rest stop at our Voi Unit. The next day, she was flown to our Nairobi Nursery where she was welcomed into the trunks of her new orphan family. Now she is recovering and starting to trust her new caregivers. Adopt Zuri:

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Bumpy, interrupting his morning pirouetting to pop by with an important message for our foster family: Our latest monthly update was released yesterday! Inside, you’ll find news from our five orphan units. Check your inbox or your account: Happy reading! Our global family of foster parents makes our work possible. Want to join our herd? Meet the orphans and find your perfect match:

Bumpy, interrupting his morning pirouetting to pop by with an important message for our foster family: Our latest monthly update was released yesterday! Inside, you’ll find news from our five orphan units. Check your inbox or your account: Happy reading! Our global family of foster parents makes our work possible. Want to join our herd? Meet the orphans and find your perfect match:

20,806 Aufrufe

Meet Moon. She’s our 93rd known grand calf. Her mum, Melia, lost her own mother when she was a baby, but she learned nurturing in our care. Now Melia is roaming wild and proving herself to be a very able mum of two, supported by her village of elephant friends and human guardians. As for Moon, just days old here. The Keepers' word for her is curious – exploring trunks, exploring feet, exploring whatever's within reach. Right now she's working out the basics. Meet Moon:

Meet Moon. She’s our 93rd known grand calf. Her mum, Melia, lost her own mother when she was a baby, but she learned nurturing in our care. Now Melia is roaming wild and proving herself to be a very able mum of two, supported by her village of elephant friends and human guardians. As for Moon, just days old here. The Keepers' word for her is curious – exploring trunks, exploring feet, exploring whatever's within reach. Right now she's working out the basics. Meet Moon:

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Do elephants carry grudges? Generally, we find the orphans choose forgiveness over revenge. Mbegu here, for instance, was severely harmed by humans – speared and stoned before her rescue. But she chose forgiveness, embracing her Keeper family wholeheartedly. The orphans can be cautious about the things that hurt them, though. Calves rescued from wells can be wary of water at first. Orphans who lost their families to gunfire flinch at loud sounds. And after another orphan, Ndoria, endured a tail-biting spate from the herd, many gave her a wide berth. Time, patience, and love heal most wounds – even Ndoria was eventually embraced by the group too.

Do elephants carry grudges? Generally, we find the orphans choose forgiveness over revenge. Mbegu here, for instance, was severely harmed by humans – speared and stoned before her rescue. But she chose forgiveness, embracing her Keeper family wholeheartedly. The orphans can be cautious about the things that hurt them, though. Calves rescued from wells can be wary of water at first. Orphans who lost their families to gunfire flinch at loud sounds. And after another orphan, Ndoria, endured a tail-biting spate from the herd, many gave her a wide berth. Time, patience, and love heal most wounds – even Ndoria was eventually embraced by the group too.

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Baby Moon might only be days old, but she's already got scratching down-pat. In case you missed the news: Earlier this week, ex-orphan Melia returned home to introduce us to her brand new baby girl. We rescued Melia 17 years ago, a likely orphan of poaching. Today, she is grown up and raising her family like any other wild elephant mum in Tsavo. It means the world that she chose to come back and share this milestone with us. Revisit Melia’s story:

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Pips spends her days out in the bush but the nights in her specially built stable, which keeps her safe from Tsavo’s predators. As she continues to grow older and explore her independence, she’ll start to enjoy wild nights out in the bush. But for now, led by a tasty bottle of formula milk, she’s quite happy to retire to her bedroom for the night promptly at 6pm and sleep under the stars. Night night Pips. Adopt Pips:

Pips spends her days out in the bush but the nights in her specially built stable, which keeps her safe from Tsavo’s predators. As she continues to grow older and explore her independence, she’ll start to enjoy wild nights out in the bush. But for now, led by a tasty bottle of formula milk, she’s quite happy to retire to her bedroom for the night promptly at 6pm and sleep under the stars. Night night Pips. Adopt Pips:

22,195 Aufrufe

These little moments speak volumes. After everything he went through, Bumpy is feeling safe, supported, and so full of joy. Earlier this month, Bumpy’s mother died, likely in a territorial fight defending her baby’s life. He spent at least a day huddled by her body before the Kenya Wildlife Service found him and brought him into our care. You can become part of Bumpy’s journey. Read his full rescue story and support him through an adoption:

These little moments speak volumes. After everything he went through, Bumpy is feeling safe, supported, and so full of joy. Earlier this month, Bumpy’s mother died, likely in a territorial fight defending her baby’s life. He spent at least a day huddled by her body before the Kenya Wildlife Service found him and brought him into our care. You can become part of Bumpy’s journey. Read his full rescue story and support him through an adoption:

34,926 Aufrufe

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Peter and Brutus are on a very special mission. They're giving new rescue Richard (an orphaned eland) his afternoon bottle – and helping him settle in the process! After rescuing an orphan, we typically give them a spell of 'stable rest' so they can recover in peace and learn to trust their new family. During this decompression time, Keepers slowly introduce them to fellow orphans – in Peter's words, 'that way, they'll already have friends when they're ready to join everyone out in the bush.' Since this was filmed, Richard has joined the herd out and about, and thriving. Find out how we rescue orphaned wildlife like Bombi and Richard and protect the habitats they call home:

Peter and Brutus are on a very special mission. They're giving new rescue Richard (an orphaned eland) his afternoon bottle – and helping him settle in the process! After rescuing an orphan, we typically give them a spell of 'stable rest' so they can recover in peace and learn to trust their new family. During this decompression time, Keepers slowly introduce them to fellow orphans – in Peter's words, 'that way, they'll already have friends when they're ready to join everyone out in the bush.' Since this was filmed, Richard has joined the herd out and about, and thriving. Find out how we rescue orphaned wildlife like Bombi and Richard and protect the habitats they call home:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

32,349 Aufrufe • vor 1 Tag

One orphan always leaves us laughing. We are, of course, referring to Lemeki. This is a classic manoeuvre of hers: She's been weaned off bottles, but she's always looking for opportunities to siphon off a sip or two. She also knows that the Keepers pour out a splash of leftover milk for the resident starlings. So, after the milk-dependent orphans have had their afternoon bottles, she saunters over, casual as can be – then makes a last-minute diversion to raid the birds' proverbial cupboard! Just like humans, elephants have unique personalities. Lemeki is clever, canny, and absolutely hilarious. Her story began in raging floodwaters, plucked to safety before she drowned. Today, she is eight years old – and an absolute pride to everyone who has been part of her story. You can become part of an orphan like Lemeki's story, as a gift for yourself or someone special. Adopt in a few simple steps:

One orphan always leaves us laughing. We are, of course, referring to Lemeki. This is a classic manoeuvre of hers: She's been weaned off bottles, but she's always looking for opportunities to siphon off a sip or two. She also knows that the Keepers pour out a splash of leftover milk for the resident starlings. So, after the milk-dependent orphans have had their afternoon bottles, she saunters over, casual as can be – then makes a last-minute diversion to raid the birds' proverbial cupboard! Just like humans, elephants have unique personalities. Lemeki is clever, canny, and absolutely hilarious. Her story began in raging floodwaters, plucked to safety before she drowned. Today, she is eight years old – and an absolute pride to everyone who has been part of her story. You can become part of an orphan like Lemeki's story, as a gift for yourself or someone special. Adopt in a few simple steps:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

24,377 Aufrufe • vor 2 Tagen

How big is a baby hippo? Join Bumpy for his morning weigh-in and find out! This time, our solid little fellow logged a sturdy 46 kilograms / 101 pounds – he’s gaining about three kilograms a week. Bumpy is one of our newest arrivals. His mother died, likely in a territorial fight defending her baby’s life. He spent at least a day huddled by her body before the Kenya Wildlife Service rescued him and brought him into our care. You can become part of Bumpy’s journey — read his full rescue story and support him through an adoption:

How big is a baby hippo? Join Bumpy for his morning weigh-in and find out! This time, our solid little fellow logged a sturdy 46 kilograms / 101 pounds – he’s gaining about three kilograms a week. Bumpy is one of our newest arrivals. His mother died, likely in a territorial fight defending her baby’s life. He spent at least a day huddled by her body before the Kenya Wildlife Service rescued him and brought him into our care. You can become part of Bumpy’s journey — read his full rescue story and support him through an adoption:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

29,875 Aufrufe • vor 3 Tagen

Why do our ex-orphans bring their wild-born calves home to the Keepers? We can't know exactly what's in their heads. But after ex-orphan Yatta first made the pilgrimage many years ago, nearly every ex-orphan mother has followed suit, and walked her newborn to the stockades, often within hours of giving birth, and introduce the calf to the people who raised her. It's likely a mix of trust (the Keepers were her family for years), safety (the stockade compound is calm and predictable), and recognition (these are the people she knows). Whether she's actively imprinting her calf with that knowledge or just following her own instinct to come home, the calf grows up understanding that our Keepers and the dependent orphans are a part of their family too. Meet our newest wild-born calf, baby Moon:

Why do our ex-orphans bring their wild-born calves home to the Keepers? We can't know exactly what's in their heads. But after ex-orphan Yatta first made the pilgrimage many years ago, nearly every ex-orphan mother has followed suit, and walked her newborn to the stockades, often within hours of giving birth, and introduce the calf to the people who raised her. It's likely a mix of trust (the Keepers were her family for years), safety (the stockade compound is calm and predictable), and recognition (these are the people she knows). Whether she's actively imprinting her calf with that knowledge or just following her own instinct to come home, the calf grows up understanding that our Keepers and the dependent orphans are a part of their family too. Meet our newest wild-born calf, baby Moon:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

61,388 Aufrufe • vor 7 Tagen

Milk Monday, and Kenderi isn't waiting around. Watch him hurry in the moment the bottles appear – our Voi orphan wants his milk, and he wants it now. Kenderi is one of our older orphans, well on his way through weaning. His main diet is browse now, but milk feeds offer extra sustenance (and a moment of bonding with the Keepers he still relies on) as he continues to learn how to live wild. Milk carries him through this in-between stage. Milk carries him through this in-between stage, until the day he no longer needs a bottle at all. That milk is one of the biggest costs of raising an orphan through to independence. You can help keep it coming – take a look at our wishlist:

Milk Monday, and Kenderi isn't waiting around. Watch him hurry in the moment the bottles appear – our Voi orphan wants his milk, and he wants it now. Kenderi is one of our older orphans, well on his way through weaning. His main diet is browse now, but milk feeds offer extra sustenance (and a moment of bonding with the Keepers he still relies on) as he continues to learn how to live wild. Milk carries him through this in-between stage. Milk carries him through this in-between stage, until the day he no longer needs a bottle at all. That milk is one of the biggest costs of raising an orphan through to independence. You can help keep it coming – take a look at our wishlist:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

19,255 Aufrufe • vor 2 Tagen

Nursery Head Keeper Edwin calls Nyambeni a "nanny by force" – she is so eager to look after the babies that she often resorts to pushing the other nannies away. This has the opposite of her desired effect, as all her barging around can be a bit off-putting to the little ones! On this day, however, she was on her best behaviour – and it was little Daba (right) who did the barging! He was jealous of the attention that littler Zuri (left) was getting and couldn't resist a well-placed shove. Nyambeni prudently positioned herself between the toddlers and peace was restored. Every elephant seen here is an orphan. Rescued as babies, they will grow up in our care until they are ready to reclaim their place in the wild. Learn more about our conservation work by following us Sheldrick Wildlife Trust .

Nursery Head Keeper Edwin calls Nyambeni a "nanny by force" – she is so eager to look after the babies that she often resorts to pushing the other nannies away. This has the opposite of her desired effect, as all her barging around can be a bit off-putting to the little ones! On this day, however, she was on her best behaviour – and it was little Daba (right) who did the barging! He was jealous of the attention that littler Zuri (left) was getting and couldn't resist a well-placed shove. Nyambeni prudently positioned herself between the toddlers and peace was restored. Every elephant seen here is an orphan. Rescued as babies, they will grow up in our care until they are ready to reclaim their place in the wild. Learn more about our conservation work by following us Sheldrick Wildlife Trust .

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

15,044 Aufrufe • vor 1 Tag

When orphaned elephants lose their mothers, they lose everything. That’s where we step in. Our Keepers guide them, as their lost mothers would have done, hand-feed bottles of milk and even sleep bedside them. Walking, side by side, until the orphans are ready to return to the wild. Adopt an orphaned elephant in our care and you can become a part of their family, helping us to provide care, comfort and protection to wildlife in need. Adopt for yourself at:

When orphaned elephants lose their mothers, they lose everything. That’s where we step in. Our Keepers guide them, as their lost mothers would have done, hand-feed bottles of milk and even sleep bedside them. Walking, side by side, until the orphans are ready to return to the wild. Adopt an orphaned elephant in our care and you can become a part of their family, helping us to provide care, comfort and protection to wildlife in need. Adopt for yourself at:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

23,037 Aufrufe • vor 3 Tagen

Are male elephants really loners? What unfolds at Ithumba suggests not! Our Keepers often see large congregations of mature bulls hanging out together by the water hole, or moving through with a retinue of younger males trailing in their wake – learning from the older, more experienced animals as they go. In fact, when a young male leaves his family, he doesn't strike out entirely alone. He'll fall in with other bachelors, or attach himself to a female herd for a while, before eventually finding a more independent life. Our orphaned bulls follow the same path. Sattao, here, got his first taste of the wild when much older ex-orphans Challa and Zurura took him under their wing. Today he's living wild too. Discover how we're raising orphaned elephants back to the wild Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Are male elephants really loners? What unfolds at Ithumba suggests not! Our Keepers often see large congregations of mature bulls hanging out together by the water hole, or moving through with a retinue of younger males trailing in their wake – learning from the older, more experienced animals as they go. In fact, when a young male leaves his family, he doesn't strike out entirely alone. He'll fall in with other bachelors, or attach himself to a female herd for a while, before eventually finding a more independent life. Our orphaned bulls follow the same path. Sattao, here, got his first taste of the wild when much older ex-orphans Challa and Zurura took him under their wing. Today he's living wild too. Discover how we're raising orphaned elephants back to the wild Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

20,480 Aufrufe • vor 2 Tagen

Bedtime for Bumpy! Before Festus has even finished tucking him in, our little hippo is already fast asleep. Being a baby hippo is tiring work, and he’s more than ready for a restful night with his favourite Keeper by his side. Bumpy is one of our newest arrivals. His mother died, likely in a territorial fight defending her baby’s life. He spent at least a day huddled by her body before the Kenya Wildlife Service rescued him and brought him into our care. You can become part of Bumpy’s journey. Read his full rescue story and support him through an adoption:

Bedtime for Bumpy! Before Festus has even finished tucking him in, our little hippo is already fast asleep. Being a baby hippo is tiring work, and he’s more than ready for a restful night with his favourite Keeper by his side. Bumpy is one of our newest arrivals. His mother died, likely in a territorial fight defending her baby’s life. He spent at least a day huddled by her body before the Kenya Wildlife Service rescued him and brought him into our care. You can become part of Bumpy’s journey. Read his full rescue story and support him through an adoption:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

41,656 Aufrufe • vor 5 Tagen

Mermaiding with the sweetest hippo in all the land, water, and world! Now being cared for at our Kaluku Nursery, orphaned hippo Bumpy's story could have ended very differently. He was rescued in May, after his mother died – likely in a territorial fight defending her baby's life. He spent at least a day huddled by her body before the Kenya Wildlife Service found him and brought him into our care. You can become part of Bumpy's journey. Read his full rescue story and support him through an adoption:

Mermaiding with the sweetest hippo in all the land, water, and world! Now being cared for at our Kaluku Nursery, orphaned hippo Bumpy's story could have ended very differently. He was rescued in May, after his mother died – likely in a territorial fight defending her baby's life. He spent at least a day huddled by her body before the Kenya Wildlife Service found him and brought him into our care. You can become part of Bumpy's journey. Read his full rescue story and support him through an adoption:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

28,209 Aufrufe • vor 4 Tagen

Bumpy hasn't been in our care long, but he has already bonded quickly with his Keepers, Festus and Jackson. He peeks above the water to watch their comings and goings and loves to nestle between their feet. A forehead scratch is always well received too, thank you very much. In time, as with all the orphaned animals in our care, this dependence on his human caregivers for comfort will lessen. For now, while he's only just a month old, its vital to his progress. Discover Bumpy's story with us and find out how you can adopt him:

Bumpy hasn't been in our care long, but he has already bonded quickly with his Keepers, Festus and Jackson. He peeks above the water to watch their comings and goings and loves to nestle between their feet. A forehead scratch is always well received too, thank you very much. In time, as with all the orphaned animals in our care, this dependence on his human caregivers for comfort will lessen. For now, while he's only just a month old, its vital to his progress. Discover Bumpy's story with us and find out how you can adopt him:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

41,742 Aufrufe • vor 6 Tagen

One month after her rescue, Zuri is firmly part of the family. When she wakes up each morning, Wamata knocks on her stable door. By the time the Keepers let her out, a queue of older girls has formed, waiting to take her out to the forest each morning. This show of love has been pivotal to Zuri's recovery: orphans rescued from wells or pits often have long grieving periods, and the acceptance from the herd from the get-go has helped lessen the psychological blow she suffered at such a young age. Zuri is an abandoned elephant calf who we rescued from a septic tank. Adopting Zuri helps fund her milk, her Keepers, and her journey back to the wild:

One month after her rescue, Zuri is firmly part of the family. When she wakes up each morning, Wamata knocks on her stable door. By the time the Keepers let her out, a queue of older girls has formed, waiting to take her out to the forest each morning. This show of love has been pivotal to Zuri's recovery: orphans rescued from wells or pits often have long grieving periods, and the acceptance from the herd from the get-go has helped lessen the psychological blow she suffered at such a young age. Zuri is an abandoned elephant calf who we rescued from a septic tank. Adopting Zuri helps fund her milk, her Keepers, and her journey back to the wild:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

60,989 Aufrufe • vor 9 Tagen

It had been four months since Nsimba's last visit to Voi and everyone was excited: deep rumbles started up around our Voi Reintegration Unit, heralding his arrival. Little did we know we were in for such a treat, getting a front-row seat at the water trough. Here's the thing about seven-month-old Nsimba: he isn't your usual elephant calf. He's alive today because, many years ago, we rescued an orphaned elephant calf – then raised them so they could return to the wild and start a family. Who? Find out:

It had been four months since Nsimba's last visit to Voi and everyone was excited: deep rumbles started up around our Voi Reintegration Unit, heralding his arrival. Little did we know we were in for such a treat, getting a front-row seat at the water trough. Here's the thing about seven-month-old Nsimba: he isn't your usual elephant calf. He's alive today because, many years ago, we rescued an orphaned elephant calf – then raised them so they could return to the wild and start a family. Who? Find out:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

20,645 Aufrufe • vor 3 Tagen

Newborn rhinos are extremely vulnerable. They need to be shielded from even the slightest chill in the air, hence Chamboi's woollen, cherry red blanket. It was such a favourite when he first came into our care, that he flatly refused to wear anything else! Careful temperature regulation is just one aspect of raising orphaned black rhinos – a skill we've honed over decades of hand-raising orphaned black rhinos. Every detail matters when you're caring for one of the world's most critically endangered species. Meet the rhinos currently in our care:

Newborn rhinos are extremely vulnerable. They need to be shielded from even the slightest chill in the air, hence Chamboi's woollen, cherry red blanket. It was such a favourite when he first came into our care, that he flatly refused to wear anything else! Careful temperature regulation is just one aspect of raising orphaned black rhinos – a skill we've honed over decades of hand-raising orphaned black rhinos. Every detail matters when you're caring for one of the world's most critically endangered species. Meet the rhinos currently in our care:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

988,052 Aufrufe • vor 7 Monaten

Scenes from one of our most recent field trips into Tsavo West National Park, including a thrilling sighting of a large elephant herd! Many of these students from Silanga Comprehensive School had never visited Tsavo before or seen the wonderful wildlife who live on their doorstep. As Samuel, our Community Officer reports, “We had a lot of fun and unforgettable memories were made!” Every year, we lead thousands of Tsavo-area students on fully subsidised field trips into national parks and protected areas to change perceptions of elephants and other wildlife. Your support helps make all this possible. Learn more about donating:

Scenes from one of our most recent field trips into Tsavo West National Park, including a thrilling sighting of a large elephant herd! Many of these students from Silanga Comprehensive School had never visited Tsavo before or seen the wonderful wildlife who live on their doorstep. As Samuel, our Community Officer reports, “We had a lot of fun and unforgettable memories were made!” Every year, we lead thousands of Tsavo-area students on fully subsidised field trips into national parks and protected areas to change perceptions of elephants and other wildlife. Your support helps make all this possible. Learn more about donating:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

14,528 Aufrufe • vor 3 Tagen

An orphaned elephant, now grown and living wild, with the father figure who shepherded him into adulthood. Tomboi, seen here, was orphaned as a newborn in 2002. Keepers like Benjamin raised him like one of their own, from a tiny calf in a stable to the wilds of Tsavo. Today, the little elephant we rescued is older, wiser, and entirely wild — but still, Benjamin stands by his side like a proud parent. Join our family and become a proud parent yourself. You'll follow the journey of your chosen orphaned elephant back to the wild, and know you've helped play a vital role in it:

An orphaned elephant, now grown and living wild, with the father figure who shepherded him into adulthood. Tomboi, seen here, was orphaned as a newborn in 2002. Keepers like Benjamin raised him like one of their own, from a tiny calf in a stable to the wilds of Tsavo. Today, the little elephant we rescued is older, wiser, and entirely wild — but still, Benjamin stands by his side like a proud parent. Join our family and become a proud parent yourself. You'll follow the journey of your chosen orphaned elephant back to the wild, and know you've helped play a vital role in it:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

28,570 Aufrufe • vor 7 Tagen

Raising newborn orphaned elephants like Wangalla is not for the faint hearted. Our Keepers are highly attuned to the slightest shift in weight, behaviour, appetite, sleeping patterns, or stool — and equally important, to the intangible signs that indicate what might be going on within. They require constant supervision. We record every stool, measure out every milk feed, track weight gain or loss, take photos to monitor daily progress. Thanks to this level of dedication, Wangalla has come through the most difficult side of the recovery period. But she still has a long journey ahead of her before she is ready to return to the wild. One you can support through an adoption:

Raising newborn orphaned elephants like Wangalla is not for the faint hearted. Our Keepers are highly attuned to the slightest shift in weight, behaviour, appetite, sleeping patterns, or stool — and equally important, to the intangible signs that indicate what might be going on within. They require constant supervision. We record every stool, measure out every milk feed, track weight gain or loss, take photos to monitor daily progress. Thanks to this level of dedication, Wangalla has come through the most difficult side of the recovery period. But she still has a long journey ahead of her before she is ready to return to the wild. One you can support through an adoption:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

31,697 Aufrufe • vor 8 Tagen

Exactly one month ago today, we rescued little Zuri from a septic tank. While she’s settled marvellously into Nursery life, she’s still quite feisty and prone to overreacting. Nannies like Muridjo (seen here) have been a wonderful balm, helping Zuri calm down when she gets in a bit of a tizzy. See her work her magic here! If haven’t yet met Zuri, read her rescue story – and perhaps become part of her journey through an adoption:

Exactly one month ago today, we rescued little Zuri from a septic tank. While she’s settled marvellously into Nursery life, she’s still quite feisty and prone to overreacting. Nannies like Muridjo (seen here) have been a wonderful balm, helping Zuri calm down when she gets in a bit of a tizzy. See her work her magic here! If haven’t yet met Zuri, read her rescue story – and perhaps become part of her journey through an adoption:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

25,888 Aufrufe • vor 7 Tagen

A dramatic rescue led our teams to roll up their trousers and jump into the water to save a snared waterbuck who had gotten trapped and couldn’t get himself out. Our Rift Valley Mobile Vet Unit — operated in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service — was able to save the waterbuck from both traps. The team bravely swam out and pulled him from the water, then removed the winch snare from his neck. He was relocated to Crater Lake area where he can safely recover from his ordeal. Every day, these lifesaving operations unfold in the field. Learn more about our conservation work, supported by donors like you:

A dramatic rescue led our teams to roll up their trousers and jump into the water to save a snared waterbuck who had gotten trapped and couldn’t get himself out. Our Rift Valley Mobile Vet Unit — operated in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service — was able to save the waterbuck from both traps. The team bravely swam out and pulled him from the water, then removed the winch snare from his neck. He was relocated to Crater Lake area where he can safely recover from his ordeal. Every day, these lifesaving operations unfold in the field. Learn more about our conservation work, supported by donors like you:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

34,168 Aufrufe • vor 9 Tagen

When an elephant calf loses its mother, it loses everything – its family, food, protection, an entire support system. That’s where our Keepers step in: they gently rub moisturising coconut oil onto their delicate skin and scoop handfuls of mud and dust on their bodies. They even sleep with them at night, providing comfort just as their mothers would in the wild. For Wangalla, it's made the difference between life and death. Adoptions help fund every minute of this dedicated care. Adopt Wangalla today:

When an elephant calf loses its mother, it loses everything – its family, food, protection, an entire support system. That’s where our Keepers step in: they gently rub moisturising coconut oil onto their delicate skin and scoop handfuls of mud and dust on their bodies. They even sleep with them at night, providing comfort just as their mothers would in the wild. For Wangalla, it's made the difference between life and death. Adoptions help fund every minute of this dedicated care. Adopt Wangalla today:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

31,764 Aufrufe • vor 10 Tagen