Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

To visit, donate, or adopt an orphaned elephant or rhino from Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, please call +254 0-202-301-396 | +254 0-111-044 200 or email info@sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) works to protect elephants, rhinos, and other wildlife in Kenya. They operate several wildlife rehabilitation centers, including the Nairobi Nursery and Tsavo Conservation Area. In addition, they operate Mobile Veterinary Units which treats sick and injured wildlife across Kenya.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is located in Mbagathi, Nairobi.

Key Takeaways

* Runs six fully equipped Mobile Veterinary Units and a rapid response Sky Vet initiative.

* Offers Orphan Units to give refuge to orphaned and distressed young elephants and rhinos.

* Runs a fleet of aircraft for anti-poaching patrols, monitoring wildlife populations, and rapidly responding to emergencies across Africa.

Mobile Veterinary Unit helping a female rhino (Photo Courtesy of SWT)

How to Visit Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is Open Daily from 11:00am to 12 noon, except on the 25th of December. Booking is required through their Nairobi office. Funds from your visit help support the rescue and rehabilitation of the orphaned elephants in their care. Moreover, guests staying at SWT Eco Lodges have access to visit the orphaned elephants at the corresponding Reintegration Unit located nearby.

Helicopter dropping sniffer dogs and rangers at the most remote sites (Photo Courtesy of SWT)

Orphan’s Project

The Orphan Project has successfully raised over 320 orphaned elephants and rhinos. These young, vulnerable animals often find themselves alone and traumatized due to the devastating effects of poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.

New rescues are brought directly to this sheltered environment, where they receive individualized, round-the-clock care from a talented team of Keepers. For the babies, their journey begins at SWT Nursery in Nairobi, where they receive dedicated hands-on care and all the love and support.

Adorable baby rhino at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust — Check out that round belly (Photo Courtesy of SWT)

Want to learn more about rhinos? Check out my Top 20 Amazing Rhino Facts blog!

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Orphan Units

The Orphan Units offer refuge to orphaned and distressed young elephants and rhinos. In the arms of their dedicated keepers, these vulnerable orphans receive round-the-clock care, nurturing, and rehabilitation. Moreover, the devoted team at SWT’s Orphan Units serves as surrogate mothers for these young elephants and rhinos.

When baby elephants cry through the night after losing their mothers, the keepers stay beside them, comforting and feeding them every few hours. One caretaker shared,

“It feels the same as having my own babies in the same room, waking up all night to feed and comfort them.”

These bonds are deeply human. The keepers even sleep nearby so the little ones never feel abandoned. The elephants snore, dream, and sometimes tug playfully at their caretakers’ blankets, slowly learning to trust again.

Dedicated caretakers from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Bumpy the Orphaned Hippo at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

One of the most heartwarming wildlife rescue stories of 2026 is the story of Bumpy, a baby hippo rescued in Kenya after losing his mother near Lake Oloiden in Naivasha. The tiny calf was only days old when rescuers found him beside his mother’s body, still nudging her and calling out for her to respond.

Bumpy was brought into Sheldrick Wildlife Trust care on May 2, 2026, after the Kenya Wildlife Service completed a difficult rescue operation. His mother likely died during a territorial fight, something that can happen among wild hippos.

Today, Bumpy is being cared for at the Kaluku Unit near Tsavo East National Park. He spends his days swimming, napping beside his keepers, and following them everywhere “like a shadow.” The rescue team describes him as extremely chatty, constantly grunting and seeking comfort from the humans caring for him.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Projects

SWT stands at the forefront of wildlife conservation in Africa, spearheading a diverse range of projects. These projects safeguard Africa’s iconic species and ecosystems.

Raising orphaned elephants at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust — Raising orphaned elephants (Photo Courtesy of SWT)

Want to learn more about elephants? Check out my Top 39 Amazing Elephant Facts blog!

Aerial Surveillance

In the battle against poaching, SWT takes to the skies. Their fleet of aircraft conducts anti-poaching patrols, monitors wildlife populations, and rapidly responds to emergencies across Africa. Furthermore, this bird’s-eye view ensures that they can cover vast areas efficiently, helping protect Africa’s iconic species.

Aerial operation and surveillance unit (Photo Courtesy of SWT)

Mobile Veterinary Units

Africa’s remote wildernesses can be unforgiving, but SWT’s mobile veterinary units are always on the move. They operate six fully equipped Mobile Veterinary Units and a rapid response Sky Vet initiative headed by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust provides essential medical care to injured and sick wildlife, reaching the most isolated areas. Moreover, this swift response often makes the difference between life and death for animals in need.

Mobile Veterinary Unit treating a giraffe — Mobile Veterinary Unit (Photo Courtesy of SWT)

Community Outreach

Conservation is not just about animals; it’s about people too. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust engages with local communities to nurture a sense of stewardship for the environment and promote peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife. By fostering understanding and respect, they create a safer environment for both.

Infant orphaned elephant (Photo Courtesy of SWT)

Anti-Poaching Efforts

Poaching remains a grave threat to Africa’s wildlife. SWT’s highly trained anti-poaching teams are on the frontlines, safeguarding iconic species from ruthless hunters. They currently operate twenty-three Anti-Poaching Teams in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS). Their dedication and expertise have resulted in countless lives saved.

Injured elephant with mobile vet team — The mobile vet team extracted two arrowheads from the bull (Photo Courtesy of SWT)

Conservation Education

To secure the future of wildlife, SWT educates the next generation. They run school and community programs that teach the importance of wildlife conservation. Through these initiatives, they inspire young minds to become stewards of Africa’s natural wonders.

Infant orphaned rhino (Photo Courtesy of SWT)

Saving Habitats

Conservation is not just about individual animals; it’s about preserving entire ecosystems. SWT actively participates in reforestation projects and habitat restoration, ensuring a safe haven for wildlife to thrive.

Elephants in green field — Saving habitats (Photo Courtesy of SWT)

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Canine Unit

SWT’s canine unit plays a crucial role in anti-poaching efforts. These highly trained dogs assist in tracking poachers and detecting contraband, contributing significantly to wildlife protection. Their dog unit is situated in the Tsavo Conservation Area and is fully secured by an electric fence.

Eco Lodges

Eco-friendly tourism can be a force for good. SWT operates six eco-lodges that not only offer travelers a unique and immersive experience but also contribute to the trust’s conservation efforts. Moreover, funds from their Eco Lodges directly contribute to the protection and conservation of the surrounding areas.

Elephants taking mud bath at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust — Everything is more fun with a friend (Photo Courtesy of SWT)

Water for Wildlife

Access to clean water is essential for wildlife survival. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust ensures that permanent and temporary water sources are available for animals, especially during dry seasons when water is scarce.

Be a Part of Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

For businesses and organizations committed to conservation, partnering with SWT can be a powerful way to make a lasting impact. Collaborate on projects, sponsor initiatives, or engage in corporate social responsibility programs. Here are several ways you can become involved:

Anti-poaching team at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust — Anti-poaching team (Photo Courtesy of SWT)

Donate to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Your generous contributions directly support SWT’s vital conservation projects, ensuring the welfare of orphaned elephants, rhinos, and other wildlife. Every donation makes a significant impact.

It’s elephant’s favourite time — teatime! — It’s the elephant’s favorite time — teatime! (Photo Courtesy of SWT)

Adopt an Orphan

SWT has many orphans in their care and available for adoption. Experience the joy of fostering an orphaned elephant or rhino. Adopt an orphan elephant, rhino, or giraffe for yourself or as a gift – offering life and hope to an animal in need.

Infant orphaned elephant drinking milk from bottle at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust — Infant orphaned elephant (Photo Courtesy of SWT)

Join an Event

Participate in SWT’s events and fundraisers. Whether it’s a charity run, a virtual gathering, or a wildlife-themed event, your involvement helps raise awareness and funds for their conservation efforts.

Injured baby elephant — Mobile Vet Units saved a baby elephant (Photo Courtesy of SWT)

Fundraise for Wildlife

Take the initiative to organize your own fundraising campaign for SWT. Rally your friends, family, or community to support a cause you’re passionate about. Every effort counts.

Man carrying milk bottles — Milk for the infant orphaned elephants (Photo Courtesy of SWT)

Become a Partner

Elephants at Nairobi Nursery mud bath in Sheldrick Wildlife Trust — Nairobi Nursery mud bath (Photo Courtesy of SWT)

Shop

Explore SWT’s merchandise, including clothing, accessories, and wildlife-themed gifts. When you shop, a portion of the proceeds goes towards their conservation work. It’s a stylish way to show your support.

Mobile Vet Units saved two lions at opposite ends of Kenya (Photo Courtesy of SWT)

Follow Sheldrick Wildlife Trust on Social Media

Website: https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SheldrickTrust/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sheldricktrust/

X: https://x.com/SheldrickTrust

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sheldricktrust

$ Donate: https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/donate

Key Takeaways

How to Visit Sheldrick Wildlife Trust