Located in Nairobi National Park, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is one of Africa’s most inspiring conservation success stories. The trust was founded by Dame Daphne Sheldrick in 1977 to honor the legacy and conservation work of her husband. It is widely known for its pioneering work in rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants and rhinos.

The Orphanage Experience

The trust’s most famous attraction is the elephant orphanage, where visitors can observe the day-to-day lives of these magnificent creatures, for example, the morning feeding sessions. Elephant keepers bottle-feed the young elephants, some of whom were rescued from poaching incidents, drought, or human-wildlife conflict. Visitors observe these moments and also get to learn about each orphan’s story, the devastating impact of poaching and habitat loss, and the incredible rehabilitation process that will eventually allow these elephants to return to the wild. The sight of young elephants playfully splashing in mud baths and learning to use their trunks is both delightful and deeply moving.
The Conservation Mission

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust successfully registered one of the world’s conservation success stories, where over 300 elephants were hand-reared, and many were released back into the wild. They also carry out anti-poaching patrols, veterinary support for injured wildlife, and community outreach programs that harmonize and promote coexistence between humans and wildlife, reducing human-wildlife conflicts.
How to Get There
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is located within Nairobi National Park, approximately a 30-minute drive from Nairobi’s city centre to the Mbagathi Gate entrance.
The orphanage is open daily until noon, with the public feeding and viewing session at 11:00am.  Advance booking is recommended, particularly during the peak season (July-October).
A visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is so rewarding emotionally and educationally. Visitors gain a deeper insight into the challenges facing Africa’s elephants. These include: poaching for ivory, habitat fragmentation, and human-wildlife conflict.