Visiting the Elephant Orphans of Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi, Kenya

July 9, 2019

While in Kenya, I visited Sheldrick Wildlife Trust‘s Nairobi Nursery to raise awareness by photographing the herd. Deemed the most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world, SWT embraces all measures that complement the conservation, preservation and protection of wildlife including anti-poaching, safeguarding the natural environment, enhancing community awareness and providing veterinary assistance to animals in need. SWT was founded in memory of David Sheldrick in 1977, by his wife Daphne. David stands out, even today, as one of Africa’s most famous and proficient Pioneer National Park Wardens of all time.

Elephant Keepers

Orphan elephants arrive into SWT’s care traumatized, often injured, and grieving. For baby elephants, losing their mother and family is like losing life itself. They need milk, food, and security as well as time, space, and a loving presence. They receive all this from the incredible “Keepers,” who are meant to replace the baby elephant’s lost family. These Keepers, or elephant guardians, spend 24 hours a day with the babies and are responsible for constant companionship, endless patience, heartfelt empathy, and gentle guidance to impart reassurance and persuade each emotionally fragile creature to make an effort to try and live.

Artist Statement

My photography is an intimate portrayal of my travels and a chance to suspend a scene that touched me in some way. Whether it’s a magnificent landscape or the smile of a stranger, I aim to capture what makes the destination unique in our world. I’ve seen natural and man-made wonders, tried new foods, learned from people of other cultures, and observed spectacular wildlife. This thirst for adventure, knowledge, and understanding is why I take photographs. It’s also why I share them.

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July 9, 2019

While in Kenya, I visited Sheldrick Wildlife Trust‘s Nairobi Nursery to raise awareness by photographing the herd. Deemed the most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world, SWT embraces all measures that complement the conservation, preservation and protection of wildlife including anti-poaching, safeguarding the natural environment, enhancing community awareness and providing veterinary assistance to animals in need. SWT was founded in memory of David Sheldrick in 1977, by his wife Daphne. David stands out, even today, as one of Africa’s most famous and proficient Pioneer National Park Wardens of all time.

Elephant Keepers

Orphan elephants arrive into SWT’s care traumatized, often injured, and grieving. For baby elephants, losing their mother and family is like losing life itself. They need milk, food, and security as well as time, space, and a loving presence. They receive all this from the incredible “Keepers,” who are meant to replace the baby elephant’s lost family. These Keepers, or elephant guardians, spend 24 hours a day with the babies and are responsible for constant companionship, endless patience, heartfelt empathy, and gentle guidance to impart reassurance and persuade each emotionally fragile creature to make an effort to try and live.

Mud Playtime

The daily routine of the orphaned elephants includes epic playtime in a big field of mud. I will never forget the overwhelming joy that washed over me when the herd trotted towards the mud bath, their huge ears swinging from side to side, snorting and trumpeting exuberantly. I have since learned that this is referred to as a “floppy run,” which is surely aptly named.

While some scuffed and kicked their feet against the ground to playfully kick up dust, others gleefully plunged their bodies into the mud, rolling back and forth in obvious bliss. The buckets of water were used for quenching thirst and surprising the neighboring orphans with a cooling spray.

It was clear to me that though elephants may be known for their incredible memory, emotional intelligence, and immense stature, they are truly free spirits at heart.

Visiting the Nairobi Nursery

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust hosts an event daily from 11am-12pm. You’ll join the orphaned elephants in Nairobi National Park and witness their midday mud bath and milk feed. You must book this special experience in advance of your travels. Funds from your visit help support the rescue and rehabilitation of the orphaned elephants in SWT’s care.

Bottle Feeding

Even after the play had escalated into high-energy rough and tumble, each of the orphans calmed down when it was their turn to gently suck from the bottle of milk. This sweet orphan girl (pictured below) locked eyes with me as she fed, and I could not look away from those kind, happy eyes.

SWT uses a fortified formula developed by the organization’s founder, Daphne Sheldrick. The exact formula depends on an orphan’s age and special needs and is freshly mixed to feed the orphans every three hours, day and night. A donation of just $6 is enough to provide SWT with two bottles of milk, which is enough for one milk feed for one orphan.

Joining the Herd

Each baby elephant has a unique story of why it was rescued from the wild to become part of the SWT family.

Luggard is one of the bravest souls we have had at the nursery as he had an extremely traumatic beginning, suffering two bullet wounds, one of which shattered his femur just above the knee joint, at just a few months old. All who have met Luggard have marveled at his determination and feisty spirit, despite his injuries. At the Nursery he received intensive medical care, but he became increasingly distressed at being incarcerated in a stockade. He missed the other orphans when they headed out into the forest so it was decided to let him join them, mindful that his happiness was an important part of the healing process.

Little stoic Luggard savored his freedom from the outset and over the ensuing months he improved enormously, with his indomitable spirit prevailing throughout. Luggard is now able to bear much more weight on his leg, and he does not let his condition inhibit him, determined to be an enthusiastic part of all activities. He certainly has made the most of every gifted day and absolutely loves his new family, relishing all the attention he attracts from orphans and humans alike.

— Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Reintegrating Into the Wild

After graduating from the nursery, an orphaned elephant moves to one of Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s three Reintegration Units (Voi, Ithumba and Umani). These serve as launchpads to a life in back in the wild.

The elephants spend time in communal nighttime stockades, which protect them from predators while also helping to acclimatize them to a wild sleeping environment. They spend their days at “bush school,” exploring the surrounding wilderness from sunup to sundown. Keepers continue to supervise the herd, but they begin to take more of a backseat role. Wild elephants and ex-orphans take center stage, acting as mentors and helping the orphans hone their wild instincts as they learn the ways of elephant society.

Staying at an SWT Eco Lodge

You can stay at one of SWT’s Eco Lodges for exclusive access to a Reintegration Unit. Voi and Ithumba are located in Tsavo East National Park, while Umani Springs sits in the Kibwezi Forest. Each thoughtfully designed and sustainably managed lodges supports conservation projects while offering a bespoke safari experience for the discerning traveler.

How You Can Help

You don’t have to travel to Kenya to make a difference.

Adopt an Orphan

You can support an elephant, rhino, or giraffe orphan’s journey back to the wild for as little as $50 a year. Learn more about the current orphans available for adoption.

Give a Gift

Make an online donation through SWT’s wishlist, which is made up of much-needed items and field equipment that allow the team to further its mission to protect and preserve wildlife. Gifts such as tree seedlings provide, food shelter, and shade; sturdy boots are essential for rangers constantly on the move through rough terrain; feeding blankets help mimic the feeling of a mother elephant’s body and provide comfort; and a pair of bolt cutters is a lifesaver for any animal that has become caught in a snare. Did you know that many Kenyan children have never seen an elephant before? The gift of a school field trip provides an opportunity for students to safely observe and learn about wildlife, inspiring a passion for preserving the environment that will stay with them for a lifetime. Wish list donations like these make a lasting difference for conservation projects and enable SWT to continue providing vital help to wild animals in distress.

My Work with SWT

Since photographing at the orphanage in Nairobi National Park, I have continued working with Sheldrick Wildlife Trust on additional projects.

Habari Magazine

I provided creative direction and graphic design for the December 2020 issue of SWT’s Habari Magazine. Sent annually to the top UK donors, this beautiful full-color publication offers an insight into recent achievements of SWT, as well as news from closer to home and details on how supporters’ donations are being put to use to protect wildlife.

Herd of Hope

From the plains of Kenya to the heart of London, the Herd of Hope is a family of 21 life-sized bronze elephants embarking on the journey of a lifetime as they migrate across London, starting at the iconic Spitalfields Market from December 2020 to Summer 2022. Visitors walked amongst the elephant sculptures and used the website and interactive map I designed to find a sculpture and learn the story of the real-life orphan it was based upon. This inspired public art installation was created by internationally acclaimed artists Gillie and Marc.