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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.

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Lenny is not yet two but he's already been given the honour of leading the herd. Previously, that was a role earned by his mother, orphan Lima Lima, who became known as the scout of our Umani herd of orphans. Trunk high in the air, she'd intercept the scent of any wild animals in the forest, and then raise the alarm if she felt they posed a threat to her orphan-human family. Today, she leads a herd of ex-orphans and their babies, including her own – little Lenny – in the wild. Fittingly, his name means 'brave as a lion', perfect for the son of such a courageous elephant. Discover Lenny's birth story:

Lenny is not yet two but he's already been given the honour of leading the herd. Previously, that was a role earned by his mother, orphan Lima Lima, who became known as the scout of our Umani herd of orphans. Trunk high in the air, she'd intercept the scent of any wild animals in the forest, and then raise the alarm if she felt they posed a threat to her orphan-human family. Today, she leads a herd of ex-orphans and their babies, including her own – little Lenny – in the wild. Fittingly, his name means 'brave as a lion', perfect for the son of such a courageous elephant. Discover Lenny's birth story:

17,232 views

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 views

It's hard to believe Chamboi was once so small our team could easily carry him in their arms. He used to squeak constantly for reassurance and comfort, but today - he's a teenager with a strut that is full of confidence! Why was he so small? Well Chamboi was rescued as a newborn in September 2023 – found alone by rangers near a waterhole in Tsavo West at barely a day old, his mother nowhere to be found. We brought him to Kaluku, so he could grow up and reintegrate back into the same ecosystem he was rescued from. He's still on that journey, growing up among orphaned elephants, Pips the giraffe and an assortment of other orphaned animals. But as black rhinos are want to be, Chamboi keeps to his own beat. He likes long walks, unhurried mud baths, a midday sleep, and afternoon play. Nearly always in that order. Around 6,788 black rhino remain in the wild, so every animal saved (and rewilded) counts. Become a part of his story by adopting him, and your adoption can help fund his milk, care and Keepers:

It's hard to believe Chamboi was once so small our team could easily carry him in their arms. He used to squeak constantly for reassurance and comfort, but today - he's a teenager with a strut that is full of confidence! Why was he so small? Well Chamboi was rescued as a newborn in September 2023 – found alone by rangers near a waterhole in Tsavo West at barely a day old, his mother nowhere to be found. We brought him to Kaluku, so he could grow up and reintegrate back into the same ecosystem he was rescued from. He's still on that journey, growing up among orphaned elephants, Pips the giraffe and an assortment of other orphaned animals. But as black rhinos are want to be, Chamboi keeps to his own beat. He likes long walks, unhurried mud baths, a midday sleep, and afternoon play. Nearly always in that order. Around 6,788 black rhino remain in the wild, so every animal saved (and rewilded) counts. Become a part of his story by adopting him, and your adoption can help fund his milk, care and Keepers:

23,918 views

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.

89,221 views

Welcome to the Umani crèche, and today Enkesha's in charge. When wild bulls come courting, our ex-orphan mums hand their little ones to the nannies – and Enkesha is reliably among the first to step up. The three in her care are Lenny, Zigi and Sulwe, wild-born calves born to ex-orphans Lima Lima, Zongoloni and Sonje. Since they've no tusks of their own yet, Enkesha breaks up mineral-rich soil for them, and when baboons block Lenny's path and he trumpets for help, she's among the first to him. In elephant society, the young belong to everyone, and the whole herd has a hand in raising them. The same is true for our ex-orphans too.

Welcome to the Umani crèche, and today Enkesha's in charge. When wild bulls come courting, our ex-orphan mums hand their little ones to the nannies – and Enkesha is reliably among the first to step up. The three in her care are Lenny, Zigi and Sulwe, wild-born calves born to ex-orphans Lima Lima, Zongoloni and Sonje. Since they've no tusks of their own yet, Enkesha breaks up mineral-rich soil for them, and when baboons block Lenny's path and he trumpets for help, she's among the first to him. In elephant society, the young belong to everyone, and the whole herd has a hand in raising them. The same is true for our ex-orphans too.

14,959 views

It has been a year of romance at Umani Springs. Last week (and much to our surprise) Kiasa was at the heart of the drama. Several big bulls swept through, each intent upon winning her heart. Keep watching for a peek of the winning suitor – looking mighty pleased with himself, we might add. We will have to wait 22 months to see if another Umani grandcalf comes from this courtship – and if our suspicions are correct, we have several expectant ex-orphan mothers in our midst: Murera, Enkesha, Zongoloni, Lima Lima, and maybe soon, Kiasa. For more orphans' news, check out our Keepers' Diaries:

It has been a year of romance at Umani Springs. Last week (and much to our surprise) Kiasa was at the heart of the drama. Several big bulls swept through, each intent upon winning her heart. Keep watching for a peek of the winning suitor – looking mighty pleased with himself, we might add. We will have to wait 22 months to see if another Umani grandcalf comes from this courtship – and if our suspicions are correct, we have several expectant ex-orphan mothers in our midst: Murera, Enkesha, Zongoloni, Lima Lima, and maybe soon, Kiasa. For more orphans' news, check out our Keepers' Diaries:

17,979 views

Enkesha's job interview to be Lenny's Chief Nanny began in this moment. Ever since his birth in December 2024, our ex-orphan, whose trunk was nearly severed by a snare, has consistently been one of his most dedicated caregivers. This is saying something, given how many older females compete for the job. Nowadays that trunk is working harder than ever, shepherding him about the forest and breaking up the compacted mineral-rich soil with her tusks so Lenny can access it. When baboons blocked his path and he trumpeted for help, she was among the first to arrive. Earlier this year, Keepers witnessed Enkesha mating with a wild bull so in less than two years' time, she might have her own baby to look after. Given what she's like with Lenny, she'll be a natural.

Enkesha's job interview to be Lenny's Chief Nanny began in this moment. Ever since his birth in December 2024, our ex-orphan, whose trunk was nearly severed by a snare, has consistently been one of his most dedicated caregivers. This is saying something, given how many older females compete for the job. Nowadays that trunk is working harder than ever, shepherding him about the forest and breaking up the compacted mineral-rich soil with her tusks so Lenny can access it. When baboons blocked his path and he trumpeted for help, she was among the first to arrive. Earlier this year, Keepers witnessed Enkesha mating with a wild bull so in less than two years' time, she might have her own baby to look after. Given what she's like with Lenny, she'll be a natural.

26,910 views

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."

29,545 views

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:

92,105 views

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.

38,765 views

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.

26,537 views

It's been a week of romantic intrigue at Umani Springs. Predictably, Lima Lima was at the heart of it — she was in season, but she has also always enjoyed the attention of bulls! The team kept well out of the way, but managed to watch all the drama unfold. As Head Keeper Philip reported: "Since last week, Lima Lima has been attracting many wild bulls eager to win her affection. Today eight bulls arrived, each hoping to be the one she would choose. The competition quickly turned into conflict. The bulls refused to back down and fierce battle broke out as rivals fought for the chance to be with Lima Lima. In one dramatic clash, a determined bull forced his strongest competitor, and the fight ended with one of them breaking a tusk. Love in the wild can be beautiful, but it can also come at a heavy cost. Today one bull paid that price, losing a tusk while fighting for his sweetheart Lima Lima.’ Once dominance was established, all was well and Lima Lima headed back to the herd and calm was restored. Lima Lima is an orphan rescued and raised through our Orphans’ Project, and now living wild. She is a mother of one — though it looks like another sibling may be on the horizon! Revisit her story:

It's been a week of romantic intrigue at Umani Springs. Predictably, Lima Lima was at the heart of it — she was in season, but she has also always enjoyed the attention of bulls! The team kept well out of the way, but managed to watch all the drama unfold. As Head Keeper Philip reported: "Since last week, Lima Lima has been attracting many wild bulls eager to win her affection. Today eight bulls arrived, each hoping to be the one she would choose. The competition quickly turned into conflict. The bulls refused to back down and fierce battle broke out as rivals fought for the chance to be with Lima Lima. In one dramatic clash, a determined bull forced his strongest competitor, and the fight ended with one of them breaking a tusk. Love in the wild can be beautiful, but it can also come at a heavy cost. Today one bull paid that price, losing a tusk while fighting for his sweetheart Lima Lima.’ Once dominance was established, all was well and Lima Lima headed back to the herd and calm was restored. Lima Lima is an orphan rescued and raised through our Orphans’ Project, and now living wild. She is a mother of one — though it looks like another sibling may be on the horizon! Revisit her story:

17,835 views

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:

32,583 views

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.

22,457 views

Six weeks ago, Zuri was rescued in a harrowing nighttime operation after being found trapped inside a septic tank. Since then, she's had round-the-clock care from her Keepers – and a security detail all her own. Muridjo leads the way and clears her path while Mzinga brings up the rear, sweeping for any threats. This "nanny sandwich" mirrors wild elephant behaviour, where the youngest and most vulnerable are placed at the centre of the herd. Between her Keepers and her new herd, Zuri is quite literally surrounded by love and protection. She still has a long road ahead – milk feeds, veterinary care, and years of Keeper support before she's ready to return to the wild. By adopting Zuri, you become part of that journey with her:

Six weeks ago, Zuri was rescued in a harrowing nighttime operation after being found trapped inside a septic tank. Since then, she's had round-the-clock care from her Keepers – and a security detail all her own. Muridjo leads the way and clears her path while Mzinga brings up the rear, sweeping for any threats. This "nanny sandwich" mirrors wild elephant behaviour, where the youngest and most vulnerable are placed at the centre of the herd. Between her Keepers and her new herd, Zuri is quite literally surrounded by love and protection. She still has a long road ahead – milk feeds, veterinary care, and years of Keeper support before she's ready to return to the wild. By adopting Zuri, you become part of that journey with her:

13,206 views

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...

22,153 views

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 views

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:

30,550 views

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.

21,999 views

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:

30,340 views

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Eight months after she left with a wild boyfriend, Twiggy came back to say hello. She made straight for the stables, where she stooped her head to each of her former Keepers in turn. Then she was down at the mud bath with the orphaned elephants and loitering in the gardens with the smaller orphans, as though the past eight months spent roaming the wild had never happened. She is in impeccable condition and we're thrilled to have her around as long as she chooses to stay. Are you one of our giraffe adopters? Read her full update:

Eight months after she left with a wild boyfriend, Twiggy came back to say hello. She made straight for the stables, where she stooped her head to each of her former Keepers in turn. Then she was down at the mud bath with the orphaned elephants and loitering in the gardens with the smaller orphans, as though the past eight months spent roaming the wild had never happened. She is in impeccable condition and we're thrilled to have her around as long as she chooses to stay. Are you one of our giraffe adopters? Read her full update:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

43,841 views • 1 day ago

In 2021, a lone young giraffe was seen trying to pass itself off as a zebra. Twiggy, as she became known, arrived in our care at just a week-old. Soon, it wasn't just zebra she called friends. Over the next four years she grew up in our care, she forged unlikely friendships with buffalo and antelope too. Not to mention the strong bonds she built with her Keepers. Then, in November 2025, she left to fraternise with a wild bull and didn't come back – until last week. From the curious infant she was in this #throwback, Twiggy is today a towering gentle giant. What it took to get her there was many bottles of milk and daily Keeper care. Can you spot the bunkbed her Keeper slept in, night after night, to keep her company? Twiggy's update:

In 2021, a lone young giraffe was seen trying to pass itself off as a zebra. Twiggy, as she became known, arrived in our care at just a week-old. Soon, it wasn't just zebra she called friends. Over the next four years she grew up in our care, she forged unlikely friendships with buffalo and antelope too. Not to mention the strong bonds she built with her Keepers. Then, in November 2025, she left to fraternise with a wild bull and didn't come back – until last week. From the curious infant she was in this #throwback, Twiggy is today a towering gentle giant. What it took to get her there was many bottles of milk and daily Keeper care. Can you spot the bunkbed her Keeper slept in, night after night, to keep her company? Twiggy's update:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

40,454 views • 2 days ago

This handsome chap is proof that our orphans might be raised by humans, but in adulthood, this matters little to the wild elephants they encounter. Wild bulls have been arriving at our Umani Springs Reintegration Unit in recent months, drawn through the Kibwezi Forest by our ex-orphans Lima Lima and the other female elephants at Umani. During their flirtations, these bulls don't seem to mind or care about our orphans' more unusual route to the wild – the 94 wild-born calves we know of are testament to this! One of these offspring is Moon, delivered last month. Meet her:

This handsome chap is proof that our orphans might be raised by humans, but in adulthood, this matters little to the wild elephants they encounter. Wild bulls have been arriving at our Umani Springs Reintegration Unit in recent months, drawn through the Kibwezi Forest by our ex-orphans Lima Lima and the other female elephants at Umani. During their flirtations, these bulls don't seem to mind or care about our orphans' more unusual route to the wild – the 94 wild-born calves we know of are testament to this! One of these offspring is Moon, delivered last month. Meet her:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

22,840 views • 1 day ago

Ex-orphan Murera is now in the final half of her second pregnancy. Just like when she was expecting her firstborn, Mwana, there is a direct correlation between her expanding belly and her moodiness. Some days, Murera wakes up in a perfectly pleasant mood. Other days, everyone but Mwana is the enemy. She draws an invisible circle around her and woe betide anyone who dares to cross the boundary. Nurturing new life is no small feat, and we are happy to adjust our ways and our days to suit Murera’s mood. Want to learn more about our Umani orphan family? Read the latest Keepers’ Diaries:

Ex-orphan Murera is now in the final half of her second pregnancy. Just like when she was expecting her firstborn, Mwana, there is a direct correlation between her expanding belly and her moodiness. Some days, Murera wakes up in a perfectly pleasant mood. Other days, everyone but Mwana is the enemy. She draws an invisible circle around her and woe betide anyone who dares to cross the boundary. Nurturing new life is no small feat, and we are happy to adjust our ways and our days to suit Murera’s mood. Want to learn more about our Umani orphan family? Read the latest Keepers’ Diaries:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

15,890 views • 16 hours ago

Goodnight, Zuri. Our newest orphan elephant at our Nairobi Nursery, fast asleep at the end of a long day. Her trunk found its way into her mouth somewhere along the way and never came out. Some habits are transcend species. Whether its why orphans suck their trunks, or if orphaned elephants respond to their names, we'd like to know: what burning question would you like to ask us, or a member of our field teams? Put it in the comments below and, over the coming days and weeks, we'll endeavour to answer as many as we can on our main feed.

Goodnight, Zuri. Our newest orphan elephant at our Nairobi Nursery, fast asleep at the end of a long day. Her trunk found its way into her mouth somewhere along the way and never came out. Some habits are transcend species. Whether its why orphans suck their trunks, or if orphaned elephants respond to their names, we'd like to know: what burning question would you like to ask us, or a member of our field teams? Put it in the comments below and, over the coming days and weeks, we'll endeavour to answer as many as we can on our main feed.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

24,556 views • 3 days ago

For Sulwe and Zigi, sleeping is very much a one-way street. When they settled down for a midday nap, lovely Amali stood over them, guarding the babies as they slept. But a few minutes later, when Amali wanted to take a quick siesta, the babies did everything they could to disrupt her. They clambered and crawled, tussled and tumbled, using Amali as their personal jungle gym. She seemed totally unfazed — being a nanny is tiring work, and she needed the rest! Sulwe and Zigi are all SWT ‘grandkids’ — wild calves born to orphans we rescued, raised, and reintegrated back into the wild. Learn more about the next generation of elephants born to our Orphans’ Project:

For Sulwe and Zigi, sleeping is very much a one-way street. When they settled down for a midday nap, lovely Amali stood over them, guarding the babies as they slept. But a few minutes later, when Amali wanted to take a quick siesta, the babies did everything they could to disrupt her. They clambered and crawled, tussled and tumbled, using Amali as their personal jungle gym. She seemed totally unfazed — being a nanny is tiring work, and she needed the rest! Sulwe and Zigi are all SWT ‘grandkids’ — wild calves born to orphans we rescued, raised, and reintegrated back into the wild. Learn more about the next generation of elephants born to our Orphans’ Project:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

41,768 views • 6 days ago

She might only be four years old, and didn't know her own mother, but nurturing comes naturally to Muridjo: she's an excellent mini-matriarch and takes her responsibilities very seriously, especially when it comes to little Zuri. Case in point: each morning our mini-matriarch checks on the youngest orphans in their stables before the herd heads out. In June she kept our newest rescue, tiny Zuri, back from the mud wallow, standing guard at its edge – and when Pardamat knocked the little one over, Muridjo drove him off and his time-out lasted hours. Adopting Muridjo supports her care and the little herd she keeps in order:

She might only be four years old, and didn't know her own mother, but nurturing comes naturally to Muridjo: she's an excellent mini-matriarch and takes her responsibilities very seriously, especially when it comes to little Zuri. Case in point: each morning our mini-matriarch checks on the youngest orphans in their stables before the herd heads out. In June she kept our newest rescue, tiny Zuri, back from the mud wallow, standing guard at its edge – and when Pardamat knocked the little one over, Muridjo drove him off and his time-out lasted hours. Adopting Muridjo supports her care and the little herd she keeps in order:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

24,276 views • 4 days ago

When orphaned animals lose their mothers, we step in to care for them. We do everything we can to help an infant settle; that might look like sleeping under the stars on a mattress with them. Or offering a finger to suckle. For orphaned giraffe Pips, grooming did the trick. From providing comfort to milk, we guide them as their lost mothers would have done until they are ready to return to the wild. Adopt an orphaned animal 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 at:

When orphaned animals lose their mothers, we step in to care for them. We do everything we can to help an infant settle; that might look like sleeping under the stars on a mattress with them. Or offering a finger to suckle. For orphaned giraffe Pips, grooming did the trick. From providing comfort to milk, we guide them as their lost mothers would have done until they are ready to return to the wild. Adopt an orphaned animal 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 at:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

31,547 views • 6 days ago

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 views • 7 months ago

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

61,704 views • 17 days ago

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

63,940 views • 19 days ago

This is what an elephant's trunk looks like up close. Surprisingly hairy, as Natibu shows in our #throwback camera closeup! This little bull has survived extraordinary circumstances to be with us today, starting with a tumble into a pipeline:

This is what an elephant's trunk looks like up close. Surprisingly hairy, as Natibu shows in our #throwback camera closeup! This little bull has survived extraordinary circumstances to be with us today, starting with a tumble into a pipeline:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

31,217 views • 9 days ago

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

37,392 views • 11 days ago

When an elephant calf loses its mother, it loses everything – its family, its food source, its protection, its entire support system. That’s where our Keepers enter the picture: they spend every waking (and sleeping hour) with their charges, swaddling them in blankets when chilly, gently rubbing moisturising coconut oil onto their delicate skin, hand-picking favourite greens, scooping handfuls of mud and dust on their bodies, and gently helping them learn behaviours and habits – just as their mothers, nannies, and siblings would in the wild. Discover what it takes to be a neonate Keeper:

When an elephant calf loses its mother, it loses everything – its family, its food source, its protection, its entire support system. That’s where our Keepers enter the picture: they spend every waking (and sleeping hour) with their charges, swaddling them in blankets when chilly, gently rubbing moisturising coconut oil onto their delicate skin, hand-picking favourite greens, scooping handfuls of mud and dust on their bodies, and gently helping them learn behaviours and habits – just as their mothers, nannies, and siblings would in the wild. Discover what it takes to be a neonate Keeper:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

591,395 views • 7 months ago

It's Coconut Friday. Wangalla enjoys these weekly coconut pampering sessions enormously – so much so, in fact, that when Keeper Misheck pauses to roll up his sleeves (with an assist from Simon), she comes trundling over to see what the holdup is. Why coconut oil? It is full of healthy fats and helps condition the skin for the youngest orphans, though Korbessa, who has outgrown Coconut Friday still wheedles her way into the tradition! Little Wangalla just joined our foster program. Discover her incredible story and support her round-the-clock care through an adoption:

It's Coconut Friday. Wangalla enjoys these weekly coconut pampering sessions enormously – so much so, in fact, that when Keeper Misheck pauses to roll up his sleeves (with an assist from Simon), she comes trundling over to see what the holdup is. Why coconut oil? It is full of healthy fats and helps condition the skin for the youngest orphans, though Korbessa, who has outgrown Coconut Friday still wheedles her way into the tradition! Little Wangalla just joined our foster program. Discover her incredible story and support her round-the-clock care through an adoption:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

26,368 views • 8 days ago

Love isn't all about roses or grand gestures. At our Nursery in Kenya, it looks like a Keeper dragging a matress onto the lawn so a sleepy (yet playful!) orphaned infant elephant can enjoy a rest. In fact, elephants have a way of working themselves into your heart and this Valentine's Day, we'd love to help you find your orphan match – the orphaned elephant, rhino or giraffe whose story captures your heart. Visit to meet our herd and discover your perfect match!

Love isn't all about roses or grand gestures. At our Nursery in Kenya, it looks like a Keeper dragging a matress onto the lawn so a sleepy (yet playful!) orphaned infant elephant can enjoy a rest. In fact, elephants have a way of working themselves into your heart and this Valentine's Day, we'd love to help you find your orphan match – the orphaned elephant, rhino or giraffe whose story captures your heart. Visit to meet our herd and discover your perfect match!

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

415,004 views • 5 months ago

An orphan never graduates alone. Around age three, our orphaned elephants leave the Nursery for one of three Reintegration Units – and their closest friends make the journey with them. The destination comes down to an orphan's physical condition, the herd dynamics at each unit and conditions in the field. Most head to Voi or Ithumba in Tsavo East. Those unable to cover Tsavo's dry-season distances – like Murera and Sonje, whose injuries would have made that life untenable – graduate to Umani Springs, where the Kibwezi Forest's underground springs keep food and water within reach all year. Here is a flash back to our dependent herd welcoming graduates Toto, Mwinzo and Natibu earlier this year. More on how orphans reclaim their place in the wild:

An orphan never graduates alone. Around age three, our orphaned elephants leave the Nursery for one of three Reintegration Units – and their closest friends make the journey with them. The destination comes down to an orphan's physical condition, the herd dynamics at each unit and conditions in the field. Most head to Voi or Ithumba in Tsavo East. Those unable to cover Tsavo's dry-season distances – like Murera and Sonje, whose injuries would have made that life untenable – graduate to Umani Springs, where the Kibwezi Forest's underground springs keep food and water within reach all year. Here is a flash back to our dependent herd welcoming graduates Toto, Mwinzo and Natibu earlier this year. More on how orphans reclaim their place in the wild:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

22,027 views • 7 days ago

Korbessa is rarely seen without her mini-me, Wangalla. She has well and truly adopted the younger elephant as a little sister – but sisterly love only goes so far! One area where Korbessa refuses to budge is hose possession. As much as she adores Wangalla, she covets her personal water fountain even more. Little Wangalla doesn’t mind; she knows there’s plenty of water for everyone and the hose (which we know, we know, needs some patching!) is of little consequence. Little Wangalla just joined our foster program. Discover her incredible story and support her round-the-clock care through an adoption:

Korbessa is rarely seen without her mini-me, Wangalla. She has well and truly adopted the younger elephant as a little sister – but sisterly love only goes so far! One area where Korbessa refuses to budge is hose possession. As much as she adores Wangalla, she covets her personal water fountain even more. Little Wangalla doesn’t mind; she knows there’s plenty of water for everyone and the hose (which we know, we know, needs some patching!) is of little consequence. Little Wangalla just joined our foster program. Discover her incredible story and support her round-the-clock care through an adoption:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

14,431 views • 4 days ago

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

42,204 views • 16 days ago

It's often the loudest orphans that get heard first. But there are some fascinating, albeit quieter, orphans that make up our herd too. They might not lead, trumpeting and rumbling from the front, but their presence is just as important. Alia, rescued late last year, plays and mud-bathes with the others on some days; on others she keeps to the fringes, a Keeper staying close. In June she stood up to the pestering bulls, shoving Pardamat away, tried to climb on Olomunyak (pictured here), and kept up her habit of sneaking back to the stockades for leftover pellets. Quiet elephants need just as much care as the loud ones. Support our shyest elephant through an adoption, and help fund her milk, care and Keepers:

It's often the loudest orphans that get heard first. But there are some fascinating, albeit quieter, orphans that make up our herd too. They might not lead, trumpeting and rumbling from the front, but their presence is just as important. Alia, rescued late last year, plays and mud-bathes with the others on some days; on others she keeps to the fringes, a Keeper staying close. In June she stood up to the pestering bulls, shoving Pardamat away, tried to climb on Olomunyak (pictured here), and kept up her habit of sneaking back to the stockades for leftover pellets. Quiet elephants need just as much care as the loud ones. Support our shyest elephant through an adoption, and help fund her milk, care and Keepers:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

15,618 views • 5 days ago