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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

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

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

89,955 views

Breakfast for Bumpy. He's one of our newest orphans, at our Kaluku Neonate Unit in Tsavo. His mother was killed – likely defending him in a territorial fight – and he spent at least a day alone beside her before the Kenya Wildlife Service brought him in. He's a baby hippo. Hippos start their lives in water and learn to nurse beneath the surface, diving and resurfacing for breath between sips. Bumpy's bottle feeds are easier – no diving required. He has a long road ahead. Adopting Bumpy helps fund his milk, his Keepers, and the years of care between now and his return to the wild. Adopt Bumpy:

Breakfast for Bumpy. He's one of our newest orphans, at our Kaluku Neonate Unit in Tsavo. His mother was killed – likely defending him in a territorial fight – and he spent at least a day alone beside her before the Kenya Wildlife Service brought him in. He's a baby hippo. Hippos start their lives in water and learn to nurse beneath the surface, diving and resurfacing for breath between sips. Bumpy's bottle feeds are easier – no diving required. He has a long road ahead. Adopting Bumpy helps fund his milk, his Keepers, and the years of care between now and his return to the wild. Adopt Bumpy:

15,599 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:

300,856 views

When an orphaned elephant loses their mother, we step in to offer them hope and a family. Kaikai, rescued as a newborn, wanted constant physical touch and to know she was at the centre of her Keepers’ universe – which she was! The care they receive today helps ensure they can return to the wild when they are ready. Alongside comfort, we provide three-hourly milk feeds, specialist care and a nurturing environment where they can thrive. Help provide the care that gives these orphans a second chance. Become an adopter and follow an orphan’s journey right from the very beginning:

When an orphaned elephant loses their mother, we step in to offer them hope and a family. Kaikai, rescued as a newborn, wanted constant physical touch and to know she was at the centre of her Keepers’ universe – which she was! The care they receive today helps ensure they can return to the wild when they are ready. Alongside comfort, we provide three-hourly milk feeds, specialist care and a nurturing environment where they can thrive. Help provide the care that gives these orphans a second chance. Become an adopter and follow an orphan’s journey right from the very beginning:

27,700 views

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:

34,763 views

Wangalla has joined a flock. Our newest orphan, at our Kaluku Neonate Unit in Tsavo, has fallen in with the resident vulturine guineafowl. She's not the first, although her predecessors preferred chasing them into an explosion of blue feathers. Wangalla's approach is much more companionable. She stands among them, plucking blades of grass with her trunk while they peck and poke around her. The birds have completely embraced her as one of their own. An unconventional chick, but a chick nonetheless. Discover how you can join Wangalla's offbeat family by adopting her today:

Wangalla has joined a flock. Our newest orphan, at our Kaluku Neonate Unit in Tsavo, has fallen in with the resident vulturine guineafowl. She's not the first, although her predecessors preferred chasing them into an explosion of blue feathers. Wangalla's approach is much more companionable. She stands among them, plucking blades of grass with her trunk while they peck and poke around her. The birds have completely embraced her as one of their own. An unconventional chick, but a chick nonetheless. Discover how you can join Wangalla's offbeat family by adopting her today:

21,195 views

Wangalla is in her happy place – fresh greens, hand-picked by Keeper Misheck. How can we tell? Her crossed-back leg is a pose we see when orphans are relaxed. Seeing her enjoy such simple pleasures brings a smile to our faces. Follow Wangalla's journey right from the beginning by adopting her:

Wangalla is in her happy place – fresh greens, hand-picked by Keeper Misheck. How can we tell? Her crossed-back leg is a pose we see when orphans are relaxed. Seeing her enjoy such simple pleasures brings a smile to our faces. Follow Wangalla's journey right from the beginning by adopting her:

22,258 views

After a long day, here's your moment of peace and calm, courtesy of Latika and Lenny amid the lily pads. Take it with us for a second. Lenny has only ever known the stillness of the forest. Latika’s start in life was more tumultuous: a dry season, a snare around her neck and a rescue that brought her into our orbit. Today she is growing up amid a loving human-elephant family and learning what it means to love and be loved with her adoptive nephew Lenny. Click the link in our bio to discover how we're giving orphaned elephants like Latika a second chance at life.

After a long day, here's your moment of peace and calm, courtesy of Latika and Lenny amid the lily pads. Take it with us for a second. Lenny has only ever known the stillness of the forest. Latika’s start in life was more tumultuous: a dry season, a snare around her neck and a rescue that brought her into our orbit. Today she is growing up amid a loving human-elephant family and learning what it means to love and be loved with her adoptive nephew Lenny. Click the link in our bio to discover how we're giving orphaned elephants like Latika a second chance at life.

14,322 views

Tytan is a rhino. Notty is a zebra. Together, they are inseparable. Both are orphans at our Nairobi Nursery and both were rescued in infancy. In their sheltered corner of Kenya, this peas-in-a-pod duo are growing fast: Tytan is already sharpening his horn against tree stumps. Notty met some wild zebra recently, but she wasn't ready to join them, preferring her human caregivers. We rescue and raise orphans across many species – not just elephants. Their family at the Nursery is whichever animals are growing up alongside them. Follow us Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for more interspecies friendships and family.

Tytan is a rhino. Notty is a zebra. Together, they are inseparable. Both are orphans at our Nairobi Nursery and both were rescued in infancy. In their sheltered corner of Kenya, this peas-in-a-pod duo are growing fast: Tytan is already sharpening his horn against tree stumps. Notty met some wild zebra recently, but she wasn't ready to join them, preferring her human caregivers. We rescue and raise orphans across many species – not just elephants. Their family at the Nursery is whichever animals are growing up alongside them. Follow us Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for more interspecies friendships and family.

33,114 views

Naptime for Bumpy, with no detail spared: a soft bean bag, a cosy blanket, and a special nanny to watch him as he sleeps! Pips the giraffe loves to look after the little orphans – so naturally she was very excited to meet the small, stout hippo who just entered the fold. Bumpy is our newest rescue. After his mother died, the little orphan spent at least a day huddled by her body before the Kenya Wildlife Service found him and brought him into our care. Now at our Kaluku Unit, he is really settling in – and sleeping in! You can become part of Bumpy’s journey – read his full rescue story and support him through an adoption:

Naptime for Bumpy, with no detail spared: a soft bean bag, a cosy blanket, and a special nanny to watch him as he sleeps! Pips the giraffe loves to look after the little orphans – so naturally she was very excited to meet the small, stout hippo who just entered the fold. Bumpy is our newest rescue. After his mother died, the little orphan spent at least a day huddled by her body before the Kenya Wildlife Service found him and brought him into our care. Now at our Kaluku Unit, he is really settling in – and sleeping in! You can become part of Bumpy’s journey – read his full rescue story and support him through an adoption:

29,644 views

Let's play Keeper. Our orphan caregivers can recognise the orphaned elephants by their physical differences, ear notches, tusk shape and all. Now it's your turn. This orphan's trunk is shorter than you'd expect. She lost the tip to a poacher's snare and then, to compound matters, was found alone, stuck in the mud. Do you recognise her? Drop your guess below.

Let's play Keeper. Our orphan caregivers can recognise the orphaned elephants by their physical differences, ear notches, tusk shape and all. Now it's your turn. This orphan's trunk is shorter than you'd expect. She lost the tip to a poacher's snare and then, to compound matters, was found alone, stuck in the mud. Do you recognise her? Drop your guess below.

12,908 views

Lenny and Sulwe must feel so cool right about now! Ex-orphan Ziwa, who has been living wild for many years now, popped by to visit our Umani herd. The 14-year-old bull has real gravitas, but Lenny and Sulwe were unfazed. The little babies toddled over to join him in the mud and tried their very best to impress, before beating a hasty exit. We'll let you decide how that went.

Lenny and Sulwe must feel so cool right about now! Ex-orphan Ziwa, who has been living wild for many years now, popped by to visit our Umani herd. The 14-year-old bull has real gravitas, but Lenny and Sulwe were unfazed. The little babies toddled over to join him in the mud and tried their very best to impress, before beating a hasty exit. We'll let you decide how that went.

16,715 views

Throwback to Tytan's first 24 hours in our care. His rescue was something of an endurance race – after his mother fell off a cliff and died, Tytan somehow survived, making his way down to her lifeless body. Then, he disappeared. Rangers, aircraft, even drones, went out in search of him, knowing that the seven-month-old would not survive long on his own. When Tytan arrived at the Nursery after his rescue, he was wild-eyed and wary. Our Keepers sat with him in shifts, day and night. It turns out scratches are the way in with a young black rhino – ours soon stopped flinching at the contact and started leaning into it. Hands up – which rescue stories have stayed with you, even to this day?

Throwback to Tytan's first 24 hours in our care. His rescue was something of an endurance race – after his mother fell off a cliff and died, Tytan somehow survived, making his way down to her lifeless body. Then, he disappeared. Rangers, aircraft, even drones, went out in search of him, knowing that the seven-month-old would not survive long on his own. When Tytan arrived at the Nursery after his rescue, he was wild-eyed and wary. Our Keepers sat with him in shifts, day and night. It turns out scratches are the way in with a young black rhino – ours soon stopped flinching at the contact and started leaning into it. Hands up – which rescue stories have stayed with you, even to this day?

26,161 views

Meet Sulwe. You met her mum, Sonje, earlier this week. Sulwe was born wild on Christmas morning 2024, in the Kibwezi Forest just outside our Umani Springs Reintegration Unit. Sonje was once one of our most seriously wounded rescues – she arrived in 2012, nine months old, with a fractured leg – a victim of the poaching crisis. Thirteen years later, Sonje is wild, and Sulwe is the proof. She turned one in December. Earlier this year she tried to pull the tail of another wild-born calf, found out he was stronger than she expected, and ran back to her mother. Human or elephant, the kids all have to learn how to get along, it seems. Every calf like Sulwe is a bright light of hope for elephants. Meet some of the others, alive today because years ago we rescued their orphaned mothers:

Meet Sulwe. You met her mum, Sonje, earlier this week. Sulwe was born wild on Christmas morning 2024, in the Kibwezi Forest just outside our Umani Springs Reintegration Unit. Sonje was once one of our most seriously wounded rescues – she arrived in 2012, nine months old, with a fractured leg – a victim of the poaching crisis. Thirteen years later, Sonje is wild, and Sulwe is the proof. She turned one in December. Earlier this year she tried to pull the tail of another wild-born calf, found out he was stronger than she expected, and ran back to her mother. Human or elephant, the kids all have to learn how to get along, it seems. Every calf like Sulwe is a bright light of hope for elephants. Meet some of the others, alive today because years ago we rescued their orphaned mothers:

14,623 views

Raising orphaned elephants takes a community – Keepers on the ground, and people like you thousands of miles away, united by the belief that every wild animal matters. From quiet bonding moments to milk feeds, night-time cuddles to mud baths and graduations, adopters ensure we have what it takes to remain by their sides at every stage. Find your orphan and begin play your part in an orphans’ story through an adoption:

Raising orphaned elephants takes a community – Keepers on the ground, and people like you thousands of miles away, united by the belief that every wild animal matters. From quiet bonding moments to milk feeds, night-time cuddles to mud baths and graduations, adopters ensure we have what it takes to remain by their sides at every stage. Find your orphan and begin play your part in an orphans’ story through an adoption:

13,641 views

Four years ago this week, a group of ex-orphans arrived at our Ithumba stockades with something very small trailing behind them – a calf just days old, too weak to nurse, with no mother anywhere to be found. The ex-orphans had found him on their wild wanderings and brought him somewhere they knew help could be found. Today, Toto turns four years old. He is gentle, patient, and quietly confident – and still as devoted to his Keepers. Join us in wishing Toto a happy birthday in the comments, then watch his rescue story at:

Four years ago this week, a group of ex-orphans arrived at our Ithumba stockades with something very small trailing behind them – a calf just days old, too weak to nurse, with no mother anywhere to be found. The ex-orphans had found him on their wild wanderings and brought him somewhere they knew help could be found. Today, Toto turns four years old. He is gentle, patient, and quietly confident – and still as devoted to his Keepers. Join us in wishing Toto a happy birthday in the comments, then watch his rescue story at:

43,473 views

This week's treatment in the Mara was an interesting one: A sizeable bull was spotted with a spear wound. To make matters more complicated, he was in musth, a testosterone-fuelled period in which bulls are particularly set on breeding. Hormone levels are high and bulls can be aggressive. Darting animals can present a risk - there's a 50% chance the patient can fall down on the 'wrong' side. That's exactly what happened here, but he was in the best hands: Using special straps and two Land Cruisers, the team carefully turned the bull, who weighed several tonnes, over, then set to work treating this likely victim of human-wildlife conflict. Post-op, we weren't sure how he would behave. But he spent quite some time gazing at the treatment party before heading off into the bush. Thanks to treatment from the SWT/KWS Mara Vet Unit, with assistance from the Olare Motorogi Conservancy team, he should make a full and speedy recovery. Our SWT/KWS Mobile Vet Units are an important part of our conservation footprint, providing emergency treatment to wildlife across Kenya. See more life-saving rescue missions:

This week's treatment in the Mara was an interesting one: A sizeable bull was spotted with a spear wound. To make matters more complicated, he was in musth, a testosterone-fuelled period in which bulls are particularly set on breeding. Hormone levels are high and bulls can be aggressive. Darting animals can present a risk - there's a 50% chance the patient can fall down on the 'wrong' side. That's exactly what happened here, but he was in the best hands: Using special straps and two Land Cruisers, the team carefully turned the bull, who weighed several tonnes, over, then set to work treating this likely victim of human-wildlife conflict. Post-op, we weren't sure how he would behave. But he spent quite some time gazing at the treatment party before heading off into the bush. Thanks to treatment from the SWT/KWS Mara Vet Unit, with assistance from the Olare Motorogi Conservancy team, he should make a full and speedy recovery. Our SWT/KWS Mobile Vet Units are an important part of our conservation footprint, providing emergency treatment to wildlife across Kenya. See more life-saving rescue missions:

40,883 views

A little window into how deeply elephants love each other: Today, Kinyei was tired – and Kindani was worried! Seeing her best friend lying down, Kindani rushed over to check on her. After a thorough inspection, she was relieved to find nothing amiss; Kinyei was just having a midday nap. Orphaned as infants and rescued three months apart in 2018, Kindani and Kinyei have grown up side by side. Together with their adopted ‘little brother,’ Bondeni, they form an inseparable unit. These girls are sisters by circumstance, not birth, but they have become family in every sense of the word. Adopt Kinyei and discover her rescue story: Adopt Kindani and discover her rescue story:

A little window into how deeply elephants love each other: Today, Kinyei was tired – and Kindani was worried! Seeing her best friend lying down, Kindani rushed over to check on her. After a thorough inspection, she was relieved to find nothing amiss; Kinyei was just having a midday nap. Orphaned as infants and rescued three months apart in 2018, Kindani and Kinyei have grown up side by side. Together with their adopted ‘little brother,’ Bondeni, they form an inseparable unit. These girls are sisters by circumstance, not birth, but they have become family in every sense of the word. Adopt Kinyei and discover her rescue story: Adopt Kindani and discover her rescue story:

46,545 views

The best part about being an elephant Keeper? The elephant snuggles are up there, sure. But watching an orphan that you have raised rejoin the wild, and then go on to start a family, is priceless. For our adopters, we hope the sentiment is just the same. Our foster family help fund the milk and specialist care the orphans need to survive and grow, and later help keep them safe in the wild too. Join the family and help us create new dynasties in the wild:

The best part about being an elephant Keeper? The elephant snuggles are up there, sure. But watching an orphan that you have raised rejoin the wild, and then go on to start a family, is priceless. For our adopters, we hope the sentiment is just the same. Our foster family help fund the milk and specialist care the orphans need to survive and grow, and later help keep them safe in the wild too. Join the family and help us create new dynasties in the wild:

25,015 views

Sulwe means ‘morning star’ in the Luo language. The name has special significance for our Umani Springs Head Keeper, Philip, who is of the Luo tribe. He has been by Sulwe's mother's side - an orphan named Sonje - since her earliest days with us, when she was recovering from a fractured leg. Now, with the other Umani Keepers, he gets to be the honorary grandfather to her daughter. For us, Sulwe is our guiding star too. A reminder that for every orphan we save, whole family trees can branch out. As our elephant family continues to grow, meet Philip and our Keepers’ other grandchildren - there's 92 of them!

Sulwe means ‘morning star’ in the Luo language. The name has special significance for our Umani Springs Head Keeper, Philip, who is of the Luo tribe. He has been by Sulwe's mother's side - an orphan named Sonje - since her earliest days with us, when she was recovering from a fractured leg. Now, with the other Umani Keepers, he gets to be the honorary grandfather to her daughter. For us, Sulwe is our guiding star too. A reminder that for every orphan we save, whole family trees can branch out. As our elephant family continues to grow, meet Philip and our Keepers’ other grandchildren - there's 92 of them!

15,320 views

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Tourists reported Wangalla alone — a tiny baby in a big wilderness, crying for her mum, seeking shelter among a herd of zebra. Today she has Misheck. When dusk falls and the other orphans settle, he prepares her freshly-cut branches while she paddles around — one bright eye always fixed on him. She waits for every leaf to be plucked before she tucks in. Should he gets up for a cup of tea, she follows as his little blanketed shadow. Discover how you can play a role in Wangalla's journey back to the wild by adopting her:
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Tourists reported Wangalla alone — a tiny baby in a big wilderness, crying for her mum, seeking shelter among a herd of zebra. Today she has Misheck. When dusk falls and the other orphans settle, he prepares her freshly-cut branches while she paddles around — one bright eye always fixed on him. She waits for every leaf to be plucked before she tucks in. Should he gets up for a cup of tea, she follows as his little blanketed shadow. Discover how you can play a role in Wangalla's journey back to the wild by adopting her:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

41,422 views • 2 days ago

Family reunion, elephant style. Three ex-orphans came home to our Voi stockades in January, each with a wild-born calf (or two!) alongside her. Edie. Mweya. Arruba. All rescued from Tsavo years ago, all now mothers, raising families of their own in the wild. But like kids who've flown the nest, they're still popping round to raid the fridge and sneak in some childcare. Our elephant family tree has plenty of branches these days. Meet our wild-born grandkids:
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Family reunion, elephant style. Three ex-orphans came home to our Voi stockades in January, each with a wild-born calf (or two!) alongside her. Edie. Mweya. Arruba. All rescued from Tsavo years ago, all now mothers, raising families of their own in the wild. But like kids who've flown the nest, they're still popping round to raid the fridge and sneak in some childcare. Our elephant family tree has plenty of branches these days. Meet our wild-born grandkids:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

43,749 views • 4 days ago

Kaikai is 11 months old and nearly every one of those days has been spent at our Kaluku Neonate Unit. This tiny baby was rescued as a newborn from the Mara after rangers discovered her near the body of a dead female elephant. Since that fateful day, she's been raised by some of our most experienced Keepers — Misheck, Joseph and Simon — who shepherded her through the notorious teething stage and will continue to care for her through toddlerhood and beyond. No cardboard box is safe from her. No milk feed gets mixed without her say-so. Sound like the kind of character you'd like to support? Adoptions help fund the daily care, milk feeds and mud baths she needs to thrive. Adopt Kaikai:
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SheldrickTrust's profile picture

Kaikai is 11 months old and nearly every one of those days has been spent at our Kaluku Neonate Unit. This tiny baby was rescued as a newborn from the Mara after rangers discovered her near the body of a dead female elephant. Since that fateful day, she's been raised by some of our most experienced Keepers — Misheck, Joseph and Simon — who shepherded her through the notorious teething stage and will continue to care for her through toddlerhood and beyond. No cardboard box is safe from her. No milk feed gets mixed without her say-so. Sound like the kind of character you'd like to support? Adoptions help fund the daily care, milk feeds and mud baths she needs to thrive. Adopt Kaikai:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

14,141 views • 1 day ago

When we rescued Ndotto, we couldn’t believe our eyes: He was the tiniest elephant we had ever seen. In August 2014, herdsmen discovered a newborn calf sheltering amongst their goats and sheep. We’re not sure how Ndotto lost his mother, but the resourceful little orphan inserted himself into the nearest group of similarly sized creatures. Luckily, he found himself in sympathetic company, and the rest is history. Twelve years on, Ndotto is now leading a wild life in Tsavo East National Park. His transformation was made possible by more than a decade of day-and-night dedication – helping our tiniest orphan grow into the big, independent bull he is today. Follow us for more wildlife stories Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
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When we rescued Ndotto, we couldn’t believe our eyes: He was the tiniest elephant we had ever seen. In August 2014, herdsmen discovered a newborn calf sheltering amongst their goats and sheep. We’re not sure how Ndotto lost his mother, but the resourceful little orphan inserted himself into the nearest group of similarly sized creatures. Luckily, he found himself in sympathetic company, and the rest is history. Twelve years on, Ndotto is now leading a wild life in Tsavo East National Park. His transformation was made possible by more than a decade of day-and-night dedication – helping our tiniest orphan grow into the big, independent bull he is today. Follow us for more wildlife stories Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

88,600 views • 15 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:
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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 • 6 months ago

In the wild, grooming is an important bonding ritual among zebras. Little Notty lost her natal family – but the instinct remains. Here, she directs it towards her best friend: Tytan, an orphaned black rhino. Discover how their unlikely friendship came to be:
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In the wild, grooming is an important bonding ritual among zebras. Little Notty lost her natal family – but the instinct remains. Here, she directs it towards her best friend: Tytan, an orphaned black rhino. Discover how their unlikely friendship came to be:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

24,855 views • 4 days ago

Love isn't all about roses or grand gestures. At our Nursery in Kenya, it looks like a Keeper dragging a mattress onto the lawn so a sleepy (yet playful!) orphaned infant elephant can enjoy a rest. With over 300 orphans successfully raised to date, discover how we raise orphans with love (and lots of milk) so they can return to the wild:
1:10
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Love isn't all about roses or grand gestures. At our Nursery in Kenya, it looks like a Keeper dragging a mattress onto the lawn so a sleepy (yet playful!) orphaned infant elephant can enjoy a rest. With over 300 orphans successfully raised to date, discover how we raise orphans with love (and lots of milk) so they can return to the wild:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

129,137 views • 1 month ago

Kaikai loves her little rituals, and the roadside dust bath cannot be missed. It has to be this very specific spot; no other stretch of road will do! She approaches at a sprint, then sits back and enjoys as Keepers David and Jonas spare no dusty detail. Kaikai is here today because of supporters like you. Rescued as a newborn orphan, she will have a home with us until she is ready to reclaim her place in the wild — a process that may take upwards of a decade. Learn more about Kaikai and perhaps support her through an adoption:
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Kaikai loves her little rituals, and the roadside dust bath cannot be missed. It has to be this very specific spot; no other stretch of road will do! She approaches at a sprint, then sits back and enjoys as Keepers David and Jonas spare no dusty detail. Kaikai is here today because of supporters like you. Rescued as a newborn orphan, she will have a home with us until she is ready to reclaim her place in the wild — a process that may take upwards of a decade. Learn more about Kaikai and perhaps support her through an adoption:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

35,890 views • 8 days ago

Early on, Dame Daphne Sheldrick discovered that the mothering of an orphaned elephant needs to be shared. Elephants can form over-attachments to any one individual and if their presence is missed, and orphan can fall into a deep depression and rapidly lose condition. It's why we have a whole team of caregivers caring for the orphans (that and it takes many hands to feed the orphans). It gives our Keepers extended time at home with their own families, and it means every orphan comes to know every Keeper, so that any one Keeper's absence is understood as a break, not another loss. We believe if we work together, we can have a bigger impact for wildlife. Find out how you can play a role:
0:35
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Early on, Dame Daphne Sheldrick discovered that the mothering of an orphaned elephant needs to be shared. Elephants can form over-attachments to any one individual and if their presence is missed, and orphan can fall into a deep depression and rapidly lose condition. It's why we have a whole team of caregivers caring for the orphans (that and it takes many hands to feed the orphans). It gives our Keepers extended time at home with their own families, and it means every orphan comes to know every Keeper, so that any one Keeper's absence is understood as a break, not another loss. We believe if we work together, we can have a bigger impact for wildlife. Find out how you can play a role:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

22,159 views • 5 days ago

Taroha is four years old and has already taken up the mantle of protector of the herd. It's exhausting work: when Daba tried to push Kipekee for no reason, Taroha stepped in. When Olomunyak tried the same trick with Alia, Taroha came to the rescue again. So when we found him completely horizontal on the banks of a little pool with his trunk in the water, we knew he'd earned the break. An orphan, Taroha arrived via a JCB bucket and a flight from Tsavo West. He had a difficult start and a best friend named Mokogodo who helped him through it. Become part of his family too:
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Taroha is four years old and has already taken up the mantle of protector of the herd. It's exhausting work: when Daba tried to push Kipekee for no reason, Taroha stepped in. When Olomunyak tried the same trick with Alia, Taroha came to the rescue again. So when we found him completely horizontal on the banks of a little pool with his trunk in the water, we knew he'd earned the break. An orphan, Taroha arrived via a JCB bucket and a flight from Tsavo West. He had a difficult start and a best friend named Mokogodo who helped him through it. Become part of his family too:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

124,398 views • 1 month ago

Hands up anyone who's a grandparent? So are we. To 92 elephant calves. How? We've pioneered the rescue and reintegration of orphaned elephants – and our approach has been so successful, they've been fully accepted by wild herds, not to mention a number of wild bulls. Now we're watching family trees unfold before our very eyes – and since the door back home is always left open to any orphan that leaves our care, we get to witness playtimes like this all the time. Follow us for more elephant playtimes.
0:48
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Hands up anyone who's a grandparent? So are we. To 92 elephant calves. How? We've pioneered the rescue and reintegration of orphaned elephants – and our approach has been so successful, they've been fully accepted by wild herds, not to mention a number of wild bulls. Now we're watching family trees unfold before our very eyes – and since the door back home is always left open to any orphan that leaves our care, we get to witness playtimes like this all the time. Follow us for more elephant playtimes.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

26,255 views • 6 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:
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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

591,302 views • 5 months 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!
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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

414,372 views • 3 months ago

When our orphans return to the wild, how do they find a herd? Slowly. Reintegration isn't a single moment – it happens over years. At our Reintegration Units in Tsavo and Umani Springs, orphans grow steadily more independent, spending days and then nights away, until the wild becomes home. Even then, many still choose return to the place and people that raised them every now and again. Most don't go it alone. They join herds of ex-orphans who went wild before them, or form their own, made up of other ex-orphans they grew up with – the friendships made at the unit become the family they live wild with. Suguta lives out in Tsavo with the same four friends she's had since the Nursery. As for who leads – matriarchy settles the way it does in any wild herd: through age, temperament, and the respect of the others. Herds aren’t one amorphous unit either, groups will splinter off and then rejoin, and these splinter herds will have their own mini-leaders. For more about how we reintegrate orphaned elephants to the wild, a process we’ve honed over nearly five decades, visit:
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When our orphans return to the wild, how do they find a herd? Slowly. Reintegration isn't a single moment – it happens over years. At our Reintegration Units in Tsavo and Umani Springs, orphans grow steadily more independent, spending days and then nights away, until the wild becomes home. Even then, many still choose return to the place and people that raised them every now and again. Most don't go it alone. They join herds of ex-orphans who went wild before them, or form their own, made up of other ex-orphans they grew up with – the friendships made at the unit become the family they live wild with. Suguta lives out in Tsavo with the same four friends she's had since the Nursery. As for who leads – matriarchy settles the way it does in any wild herd: through age, temperament, and the respect of the others. Herds aren’t one amorphous unit either, groups will splinter off and then rejoin, and these splinter herds will have their own mini-leaders. For more about how we reintegrate orphaned elephants to the wild, a process we’ve honed over nearly five decades, visit:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

15,351 views • 3 days ago

Korbessa has a new job. For a long time she was the only girl among a band of orphaned elephants, and the youngest to boot. Not that it stopped her acting like she was the boss – hence the nickname: little Queen. Now, with the arrival of three younger orphaned calves, she’s become a big sister, shepherding them about the bush. Our once-little firecracker is relishing the role, growing more maternal by the day. Adopt our Kaluku big sister and support her journey back to the wild:
0:33
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Korbessa has a new job. For a long time she was the only girl among a band of orphaned elephants, and the youngest to boot. Not that it stopped her acting like she was the boss – hence the nickname: little Queen. Now, with the arrival of three younger orphaned calves, she’s become a big sister, shepherding them about the bush. Our once-little firecracker is relishing the role, growing more maternal by the day. Adopt our Kaluku big sister and support her journey back to the wild:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

18,499 views • 4 days ago

All elephants celebrate a new baby with great fanfare, but our ex-orphans take it to the next level. Perhaps it is because they didn’t grow up in the wild, witnessing births within their natal herd. It has become a time-honoured tradition for ex-orphans to return ‘home’ to our stockades within days or even hours of giving birth, bursting with pride and eager to show off their new addition to the people who raised them. But, when an ex-orphan brings their new calf home, do they let our Keepers near? Some do, the choice is always theirs. Emily was the first of our Nursery-reared orphans to return with a wild-born calf, and she was confident enough to share her baby with the Keepers who had raised her. The most trusting examples are the ex-orphans who've returned to give birth at the Stockades - a miracle we've seen unfold twice. Emily is one of them. Melia is the other:
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All elephants celebrate a new baby with great fanfare, but our ex-orphans take it to the next level. Perhaps it is because they didn’t grow up in the wild, witnessing births within their natal herd. It has become a time-honoured tradition for ex-orphans to return ‘home’ to our stockades within days or even hours of giving birth, bursting with pride and eager to show off their new addition to the people who raised them. But, when an ex-orphan brings their new calf home, do they let our Keepers near? Some do, the choice is always theirs. Emily was the first of our Nursery-reared orphans to return with a wild-born calf, and she was confident enough to share her baby with the Keepers who had raised her. The most trusting examples are the ex-orphans who've returned to give birth at the Stockades - a miracle we've seen unfold twice. Emily is one of them. Melia is the other:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

33,862 views • 9 days ago

Although they aren’t related by blood, Sulwe and Zigi will grow up in the wild as siblings – not unlike their mothers, Sonje and Zongoloni, orphans who were raised side-by-side in our care. And just like sibkings, they bicker! The two spent spent most of April working out who outranks whom. Tail-pulling, pushing games, the occasional full overreaction. Zigi has been finding his strength, and Sulwe – four months older – is starting to realise he's catching up. Meet more members of our extended elephant family, each a little miracle in their own right:
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Although they aren’t related by blood, Sulwe and Zigi will grow up in the wild as siblings – not unlike their mothers, Sonje and Zongoloni, orphans who were raised side-by-side in our care. And just like sibkings, they bicker! The two spent spent most of April working out who outranks whom. Tail-pulling, pushing games, the occasional full overreaction. Zigi has been finding his strength, and Sulwe – four months older – is starting to realise he's catching up. Meet more members of our extended elephant family, each a little miracle in their own right:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

29,774 views • 9 days ago

Sssh, after catching her forty winks, sleepy Aura stretches and wakes up from her nap. She was just a newborn when we filmed this, still wobbly-footed. Notice the herd standing around her: they waited until she woke up, before they moved on! Aura is the offspring of an orphan we rescued and raised. Aura and her mum, Arruba, live wild but regularly visit us; a privilege we never take for granted. More little miracles that make all our hard work worth it:
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Sssh, after catching her forty winks, sleepy Aura stretches and wakes up from her nap. She was just a newborn when we filmed this, still wobbly-footed. Notice the herd standing around her: they waited until she woke up, before they moved on! Aura is the offspring of an orphan we rescued and raised. Aura and her mum, Arruba, live wild but regularly visit us; a privilege we never take for granted. More little miracles that make all our hard work worth it:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

78,880 views • 27 days ago

She arrived at just one week old – traumatised, crying, pacing her stable through the night. Today, Kaikai turns one. And if you've followed her story, you'll know she's been running Kaluku ever since she arrived. Mud baths are among her favourite, as is marching ahead with the confidence of an elephant ten times her age. She's extremely intelligent, and utterly convinced she's the centre of the universe. And she's not wrong. It's Kaikai's world – we merely exist in it. Happy birthday, little princess. Adopt Kaikai:
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She arrived at just one week old – traumatised, crying, pacing her stable through the night. Today, Kaikai turns one. And if you've followed her story, you'll know she's been running Kaluku ever since she arrived. Mud baths are among her favourite, as is marching ahead with the confidence of an elephant ten times her age. She's extremely intelligent, and utterly convinced she's the centre of the universe. And she's not wrong. It's Kaikai's world – we merely exist in it. Happy birthday, little princess. Adopt Kaikai:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

42,215 views • 14 days ago

Earlier this year, a speared tusker took us on a true Tsavo odyssey: it took a month and a hundred kilometres of tracking to find him, plus the coordinated efforts of multiple SWT teams, in order to treat him. In pursuit of alleviating wildlife suffering, our teams do not give up! The initial report came in late at night. Our pilot took off at first light to locate him, but he had evaporated into the wilderness. For the next two weeks, we extensively patrolled the area, but he was nowhere to be found – no small feat for huge elephant. We had a breakthrough a month later when another SWT/KWS Anti-Poaching Team spotted a bull with the same injury. Comparing photos of the two, we knew it had to be the same elephant. Incredibly, he had walked more than 95 kilometres (60 miles) from the initial sighting. Again, it was late in the evening, so we organised a treatment for the following morning. From there, we left nothing to chance. The SWT/KWS Mobile Vet Unit mobilised to the scene – and not a moment too soon. The wound was serious – more than 18 inches deep and dangerously infected. Watch the successful treatment unfold, one of 3,918 elephant cases our SWT/KWS Veterinary Units have attended thanks to donations, which make life-saving interventions like this possible. (Catch a full write up of the operation here: )
1:21
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Earlier this year, a speared tusker took us on a true Tsavo odyssey: it took a month and a hundred kilometres of tracking to find him, plus the coordinated efforts of multiple SWT teams, in order to treat him. In pursuit of alleviating wildlife suffering, our teams do not give up! The initial report came in late at night. Our pilot took off at first light to locate him, but he had evaporated into the wilderness. For the next two weeks, we extensively patrolled the area, but he was nowhere to be found – no small feat for huge elephant. We had a breakthrough a month later when another SWT/KWS Anti-Poaching Team spotted a bull with the same injury. Comparing photos of the two, we knew it had to be the same elephant. Incredibly, he had walked more than 95 kilometres (60 miles) from the initial sighting. Again, it was late in the evening, so we organised a treatment for the following morning. From there, we left nothing to chance. The SWT/KWS Mobile Vet Unit mobilised to the scene – and not a moment too soon. The wound was serious – more than 18 inches deep and dangerously infected. Watch the successful treatment unfold, one of 3,918 elephant cases our SWT/KWS Veterinary Units have attended thanks to donations, which make life-saving interventions like this possible. (Catch a full write up of the operation here: )

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

412,971 views • 6 months ago