David Shedrick's Elephant Orphanage

In an effort to save the baby elephants that are orphaned due to poacher’s attacks, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust takes charge of being their “adoptive mother” and taking care of them 24/7 – feeding them, making sure they are warm enough, or cold enough if it is too warm, playing with them, and giving them lots of love!

The only time that is possible to see the elephants is from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm (noon). This is the time when the keepers bring the elephants to a cordoned area to play, feed, and to show the public how well they are doing. If you’re an active adopter (Yes, you can adopt them!) you can also visit by appointment at 5:00 pm when the elephants return to the stockades for the night.

Established in 1977, the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is located near Nairobi National Park. This orphanage, for elephant calves and rhinos from all over Kenya was founded and still managed by Daphne Sheldrick, the widow of one of Kenya’s best known Game Wardens David Sheldrick, who was at the centre of the 1970’s ivory poaching wars in Tsavo National Park.