SheldrickTrust

Valentine’s Day is approaching, and - in times of plenty post good rains - love is in the air in the elephant world! But there can be a flip side: When female elephants are in season, competition can be high among bulls who will even fight over the rights to mate. Last week, Big Life rangers raised the alarm about a bull with infected, tusk-inflicted wounds on his rear end. Watch to see the SWT Aerial Unit and SWT/KWS Amboseli Mobile Vet Team answer the call, helping him become fighting fit once more. To read all the details about the treatment — and watch the video in full landscape format — visit https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/news (link in bio) #elephant #vets #wildlife #animals #veterinary #aerial #aviation #wild #rescue #kenya #SheldrickTrust #nature #animalrescue #bull

Kilulu isn’t shy about his love of milk. As if the taste as he guzzles it down isn’t enough, he likes to pop his trunk into his mouth to enjoy it even more (elephants have incredibly sensitive trunks, with an excellent sense of smell!) It’s no real surprise: Kilulu was orphaned during the brutal drought experienced in Tsavo in 2022. Rescuers found him alone, emaciated and starving. In his weakened condition, he’d have soon been a meal for predators, or would have become another victim of the drought itself. Brought to our Voi Reintegration Unit, he’s thrived in the nurturing environment we’ve been able to provide. The once skinny calf now sporting a rotund belly and full cheeks. You can watch Kilulu’s rescue and support his ongoing journey - and love of milk - at: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/orphans/kilulu (link in profile) #elephant #elephants #kenya #milk #SheldrickTrust #wild #wildlife #animalrescue #animalrescue #drought #rescue #sheldrickwildlifetrust

Baby Elephant Bedtime! From dawn, the rescued orphaned elephants at our Nairobi Nursery are up and out. Browsing in the National Park, rolling in mud, and playing games with each other - and their Keepers. Come 5pm, it’s hometime. We’re currently caring for 21 calves in Nairobi, rescued from across Kenya after being orphaned due to drought, human-elephant conflict, poaching, and other causes. Along with their individual stories, they each have their own approach to bedtime, where they’ll find bottles of milk waiting for them in their rooms. Tonight, Mzinga led the way. We love how she stopped to announce her arrival to the keepers, heralding a wave of 20 other elephants trailing in her wake! After Mzinga it’s: Pardamat, Nyambeni, Weka, Mageno, Talek, Loldaiga, Muwingu, Taroha, Mokogodo, Sileita, Shujaa, Choka (skirted off to his right), Sholumai, Latika, Kerrio, Muridjo, Mushuru, Mukutan, Kitich (Kamili flanked off to the right at the start!) Thanks to your support, these elephants all have a future, which will see them return to the wild when grown. Visit our website to learn more - where can even adopt an orphan - sheldrickwildlifetrust.org (link in profile) #elephants #kenya #SheldrickTrust #SWT #elephant #animals #nature #wildlife #orphans #rescue #Home #bedtime #run #walk #bumble #sheldrickwildlifetrust #rumble

Time for a dust bath! Baby elephants are susceptible to sun burn, especially on their fragile ears. In the wild, an infant elephant’s mother and nannies help keep babies protected by throwing dust onto them! For the rescued orphans in our care, our Keepers ensure everyone is dusted from trunk to tail. These pampering sessions have other benefits too. They help build trust between the Keepers and their tiny charges, and the dust helps stop biting insects too! Learn more about our field conservation work and the orphans in our care — tap our link in bio or visit: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org #SheldrickTrust #SWT #elephant #kenya #adopt #conservation #family #baby #dust #bath #sun #sunburn #sheldrickwildlifetrust #animals #wildlife #animalrescue

We caught up with critically endangered black rhino Chamboi this evening, out for an evening stroll with his Keepers. His leisurely bumbling evolved into a trot when his Keepers picked up the pace, encouraging their little charge to expend a little more energy before bedtime. Chamboi was rescued as an orphan on 6th September 2023, after rangers discovered him all alone. Just days old, he was prone to predator attack. Our SWT helicopter was brought in to try and locate his mother, but after several hours of searching yielded no results the Kenya Wildlife Services greenlit a rescue. He was brought to our Kaluku Unit, whereby he remains in the Tsavo ecosystem from where he originates. Just as with the elephant orphans in their care, our Keepers are with Chamboi 24/7. Providing him the nurturing and nutritional environment he needs to heal and grow. Chamboi is a real character, who loves his blanket and naps. You can discover more about his story with us, and even support his future through an adoption, at Sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/orphans/chamboi #rhino #blackrhino #wildlife #tsavo #orphan #animals #animalrescue #wild #Running #run #kenya #trot #sheldricktrust #endangered #sheldrickwildlifetrust

“Yesterday evening, Barsilinga arrived at the Ithumba stockades. I had not seen him for more than one month. I realised that he had a small wound, probably from an arrow or a spear.” Head Keeper Benjamin immediately understood this was not an evening social call from ex-orphan Barsilinga – it was a call for help. He alerted the SWT Field Headquarters, who prepared for an early morning treatment. Accompanied by some of his fellow ex-orphans, Barsilinga appeared at first light on 12th February and with that our teams kicked into gear.

Our fixed-wing pilot collected the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit from Voi and flew them to the scene. There was no drama or fuss from Barsilinga or his elephant friends as KWS veterinarian Dr Limo walked up to him and darted him. As Barsilinga succumbed to the anaesthetic and treatment commenced, the other elephants remained calm. They clearly knew that we were there to help. Barsilinga’s injury is the result of a spear wound – he’s been sighted since treatment took place and is recovering well from the operation. 

Being orphaned - as Barsilinga was when only weeks old, after poachers killed his mother - is just the beginning for the animals we rescue. Our commitment to each and every elephant lasts a lifetime, and with your support we can respond in times of need and enhance elephant protection projects to prevent incidents from occurring in the first place.

Find out more and read the full story of Barsilinga’s treatment at sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/news (link in profile)

#elephants #veterinary #wildlife #animals #animalrescue #wild #sheldricktrust #kenya #spear #protection #treatment #sheldrickwildlifetrust #callforhelp #family

Voi’s welcomed it’s second pair of graduating elephants from Kaluku – and what a welcome! 🔊 Lemeki was beyond excited by the new arrivals, two of our older orphans from the Kaluku Neonate Unit. Lemeki loves ‘events’, so she was always going to be front and centre on a day which was really about graduates Rokka and Manda, as they take the next step in their journey back to a fully wild life. Lemeki’s enthusiasm will have been heightened by her sense of smell, as there can be little doubt she will have smelled the familiar scent of Kaluku, where she herself was first raised as a rescued orphan before her own graduation to Voi. Female elephants love to nurture young ones, so much so that the Keepers had their work cut out holding the Voi females back to allow Rokka and Manda space t disembark their vehicle! Once off, they were swamped in loving trunk touches, caresses, and cuddles. It understandably could have been a little too much love all at once, but Manda and Rokka took it in their stride. Since their graduation last week, the duo have been delighting in all the vegetation for them to eat in Voi and forging friendships within their now much larger herd. It’s been a joy to see them settle so quickly. You can read the full story of their move to Voi, and watch a video of their journey and arrival, at sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/news (link in profile) #graduation #RokkaSWT #MandaSWT #sheldricktrust

Sprite had babies! This morning, the proud mother trotted up to our Kaluku stables with three mini Sprites in tow. Three perfect piglets — two girls and a boy. Sprite’s babies are about two months old. We’ve caught glimpses of them, but this is the first time for a proper introduction. Sprite is a cautious mother — which is a good thing — but she felt comfortable bringing her piglets over to Peter, the Keeper who raised her. In honour of the special occasion, Peter treated everyone to a chapati breakfast. Although we are best known for rescuing and raising orphaned elephants, we open our doors to any wildlife in need. Sprite, who was orphaned as a newborn, grew up in our care, until she was ready to reclaim her place in the wild. This scene shows our Orphans’ Project at work — saving one life and paving the way for so many more in the process. P.S. Watch to the end to meet Sprite’s boyfriend — a handsome male who frequents the Kaluku orphaned elephants’ mud bath! #SheldrickTrust #SWT #warthog #kenya #family #piglets #animals #wildlife #wild #friendships #sheldrickwildlifetrust

Unlike the elephant and rhino orphans in our care, Twiggy makes her own schedule… But if anyone wants to track her down, they need only follow the Hansel-and-Gretel trail she helpfully drops behind! Rescued when she was just a week old, Twiggy will remain in our care until she is grown and ready to reclaim her place in the wild. (She may look tall, but she actually still has a lot of growing left to do!) You can become part of this gentle giraffe’s journey by adopting her. To learn more, visit: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/orphans/twiggy (link in profile) #giraffe #kenya #SheldrickTrust #SWT #animals #wildlife #rescue #orphan #breadcrumbs #walk #sheldrickwildlifetrust

As the clock nears 5pm here in Nairobi, our herd of rescued orphan elephants head back to their bedrooms with their Keepers. We’re currently looking after 22 elephants at the Nursery, each is being afforded a second chance that will see them return to a fully wild life when grown. Our foster parents and supporters make those new beginnings possible - thank you. If you want to meet the elephants or join our herd through an adoption, please visit Sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/orphans (link in profile) #elephants #SheldrickTrust #kenya #nairobi #Home #bedtime #animals #wildlife #sheldrickwildlifetrust #animalrescue #babyelephant #rescue #secondchance

Today is a very special day for our extended orphan elephant family. Baby Mwana - Murera’s miracle daughter - turns one! It’s been a journey - discover for yourself at: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/news/updates/mwana-turns-one (link in profile) #oneyear #birthday #kenya #MwanaSWT #SheldrickTrust #animals #elephants #wild #wildlife #baby #elephant #happybirthday #sheldrickwildlifetrust

Special greens delivery for a special baby black rhino. For a long time, Raha was reluctant to eat solids, but that’s all changed recently and with it our girl is filing out. Raha’s perfected her technique with the bundles of greens her Keepers hang in her bedroom — chomping around the perimeter, working inwards, to ensure she doesn’t miss a single, delicious bite. Raha was rescued Raha in September 2022, after Ol Pejeta scouts discovered her on her own and in a very bad way. Predators (likely jackals) had attacked her, causing extensive internal and external injuries to her rear end. Emergency veterinary intervention rebuilt Raha’s nether regions, but the healing process has come with inevitable digestive challenges. We had to tread very carefully with her diet, and understandably, she was reluctant to eat solids. Thus, Raha’s expanded diet is an excellent development. She has discovered a voracious appetite and is constantly munching away — sound up to hear for yourself! To learn more about Raha and perhaps support her through an adoption, please tap our link in profile or visit: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/orphans/raha —— #SheldrickTrust #SWT #blackrhino #rhino #kenya #adopt #greens #diet #sheldrickwildlifetrust #animals #wildlife #animalrescue #wild #nairobi

Elephants Inbound! At 11am everyday, the milk dependent orphaned elephants in our care enjoy a bottle (or two) of milk. At our Voi Reintegration Unit, in Tsavo East National Park, 20 of the 29 elephants that compile the dependent herd are still on milk. It could - would - be chaotic to feed so many at once, so they come down in smaller groups. Running, ambling or slow walking down the slopes of Msinga Hill to the car that brought their milk. Today, Epiya, Hildama, Ashanti and Baraka swoop down in one group, with Rokka leading the next and Akina bringing up the rear. Discover more about our Orphans’ Project and what it takes to rescue, raise, and rewild an elephant at sheldrickwildlifetrust.org #elephant #milk #feeding #kenya #tsavo #sheldricktrust #animals #wildlife #sheldrickwildlifetrust #Running #animalrescue #africa #nature

Umani has seen its first rains of 2024. An afternoon storm yesterday and a two-hour downpour today. It’s cause for celebration, but as Enkesha reminds us, it’s good to tread carefully on a slippery surface! In her haste to get back to her bedroom and a bottle of milk, Enkesha led the herd home. All credit to her for catching her full and endeavouring to style it out. You’ll note Kapei, Kiasa, Kiombo, Maktao, Keeper Adan and Mwashoti all wisely slowed down to avoid repeating Enkesha slip slide antics! That wasn’t the case earlier for they herd, as Zongoloni, Amali and Mwashoti enjoyed some serious muddy play in the forest. Discover the characters who make up our special Umani Springs herd at sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/umani-springs-herd #rain #rains #elephants #kenya #sheldricktrust #animalrescue #Home #slip #slide #play #animals #wildlife #sheldrickwildlifetrust #lookaway

How do you eat yours?! Stepping out with our Nairobi Nursery herd in the morning, it quickly becomes apparent that each of the elephants has their own preferred technique when it comes to eating grass. We joined Kitich, Sholumai, Mageno, and Mwunigu as they offered a demonstration of styles. There’s the tried-and-tested ‘trunk twist and pull’. For more stubborn grasses, some excavation work can be helpful, kicking loose the roots. In serious cases, where an elephant has deemed a piece of grass must be consumed – irrespective of how firmly set it is in the ground – getting down to ground level is an option. That’s what Muwingu decided to do this morning – it’s rather like the elephant equivalent of licking the plate! You can learn more about each of these rescued orphaned elephants, why they came to be in our care, and how you can help them, at sheldrickwildlifetrust.org (link in profile) #elephants #eating #wildlife #kenya #nairobi #animals #sheldricktrust #wildanimals #sheldrickwildlifetrust #grass #diet #trunks #elephant #swt

Suguroi Pool Party! Elephants are excellent swimmers and, using their trunks as snorkels, we will often find our biggest water babies moving through the mud bath like little submarines! (Clearly Suguroi’s tail is her propeller!) Suguroi loves the water and with temperatures soaring in Tsavo, often tapping 40 degrees at the moment, she’s smart enough to know that her great love can also help keep her cool. Rescued as an orphan in September 2021, Suguroi has graduated from our Nursery to our Ithumba Reintegration Unit. Here she is regularly mixing with ex-orphans and wild elephants, learning the ways of her species and the dynamics of elephant society. In time, when she is ready, she’ll return to a fully wild life – until then, she’ll be unmissable at the mud bath! Discover her story and be a part of her ongoing journey at sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/orphans/suguroi #elephants #animals #fosterfriday #fridayfeeling #poolparty #pool #swimming #sheldricktrust #kenya #wild #animalrescue #wildlife #sheldrickwildlifetrust #funtimes #waterbaby #snorkel #splash #tails

Raha is not an early riser on the best of days! As the mornings get cooler in Nairobi - we are entering the rainy season - she’s in even less of a hurry to get up and out of her bedroom! This morning, her Keepers wrapped her in a thick duvet before encouraging her out. She stood almost motionless for 20 minutes as she dozed and let the sun’s rays warm her face as they peaked in and out of the clouds. Once ‘recharged’ she walked with her two-legged, green-clad family members into the bush. Raha has come so far from the injured and debilitated calf who came to us last year. Her tail bitten off and rear-end torn up by predators prior to rescue, she was in a bad way. Lots of veterinary intervention, specialist care, and patience - as well as her own survival instinct - have helped our little black rhino overcome the worst. With your help, we’ll continue to provide Raha with all she needs to keep moving forward and growing upward! Find out more at sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/raha #rhino #blackrhino #babyrhino #kenya #nairobi #sheldricktrust #animalrescue #wildlife #vets #animals #nature #healing #blankets #duvetday #sleepy #sheldrickwildlifetrust

Chamboi and his chicks! We have seen many fascinating inter-species friendships over the years, and we might be witnessing another right now. Orphaned ostrich chicks, Bam and Boozle, are the newest and smallest members of our Kaluku herd. They’ve taken an interest in black rhino orphan Chamboi and can often be found hot footing it along in his company. It’s amusing to see that even as a baby, a rhino is capable of creating a ‘wide-load’ traffic jam! But, keep watching to see persistence pay off, as our feathered friend turns on that famous ostrich speed to sneak through a gap and catch up with his sibling to lead this trio of rescued infants. You can enjoy more stories from our Orphans’ Project by adopting Chamboi and receiving our monthly Keepers’ update – importantly, you’ll be supporting the care of all the orphans reliant on us too. Visit sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/orphans #rhino #ostrich #chicks #babyrhino #sheldricktrust #blackrhino #rescuedanimals #animalrescue #orphans #friendship #wildlife #kenya #sheldrickwildlifetrust #animals #babyostrich

“In the presence of elephants, time stands still, and the world becomes a magical place.” Dame Daphne Sheldrick. Founder and first matriarch of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. #elephants #majesty#magical #time #nature #wisdom #wild #SheldrickTrust #kenya #swt #animals #spirit #eyes #quotes

Look who sauntered back onto the scene last week! In August, we moved Ngasha from our Umani Springs Reintegration Unit to Ithumba. He’d become a bit too big for his boots, and oft troublesome for the rest of the herd. He needed bigger elephants to cut him down to size, and the space to roam if he wanted to. That’s just what he did: within days of his move, he went wandering. Seven months later, a friendly elephant was loitering near Kanziku Gate in Tsavo East. Ithumba Head Keeper Benjamin went to investigate — and came face to face with Ngasha! Benjamin tried to coax him in the direction of the stockades, but the 12-year-old bull refused to budge. We left the gate open in the hopes that he would return of his own accord. That he did! As Benjamin headed to the area the next day he encountered a handsome young elephant — Ngasha again! Benjamin treated him to a bale of lucerne, which he happily tucked into. After a brief meeting, Ngasha continued on his way, heading towards Ithumba Hill. (It didn’t escape our notice that he took some lucerne for the road!) It was wonderful to see Ngasha looking so content and healthy. We can only imagine what adventures he’s had, but one thing is clear: He is thriving in his new home. Learn more about Ngasha at sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/orphans/ngasha #SheldrickTrust #elephant #kenya #wildlife #animals #nature #wild #sheldrickwildlifetrust #swt #Home