SheldrickTrust

For months, this elephant lived with a snare cutting deep into his trunk. He’d taken refuge on community land, so our helicopter was deployed to guide him back to Tsavo East, where our Vet Unit could step in. The wound had healed over—but the snare would never have come off without intervention. Thanks to your support, he got the help he needed. Just like Enkesha, an orphan we rescued with a similar injury, he can go on to live a full, wild life. These are your donations at work—rescuing, protecting, and healing Kenya’s elephants. Read Enkesha’s story: swt.bio/enkesha #SavingWildLives #sheldrick #sheldricktrust #conservation #animalrescue #veterinary #snaring #poaching #rescue #animal #elephants #nature

This poor giraffe was speared in the leg, likely in a case of human-wildlife conflict. He was struck between his tibia bone and Achilles tendon, where the spear remained precariously lodged. Fortunately, he was spotted by an off-duty Big Life ranger who raised the alarm. Our helicopter mobilised to the scene and with the giraffe in sight, Dr Limo of the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit darted him from the air, while ground teams moved in to rope him down. As soon as the patient was recumbent, we reversed the anaesthetic. This is necessary because of the species’ high blood pressure and towering anatomy, which makes full sedation very risky. Then came the small matter of treating a lucid, full-grown giraffe. The team managed to hold down the patient’s leg, which was doing its best to kick everyone in the vicinity, and cleaned the wound in record time. As the spear hadn’t caused permanent damage to the bone or tendon, Dr Limo is optimistic that the giraffe will make a full recovery. Watch the giraffe spring to his feet at the end, and you’ll see just how much pent up power we were contending with! We’re grateful we could help him in his hour of need. Learn more about our mission for wildlife at: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org #sheldricktrust #giraffe #vet #veterinary #spear #injury #wildlife #nature #animals #hwc #veterinarian #kenya #treatment #helicopter #sheldrickwildlifetrust

All of Earth’s creatures are connected. Every day, we have the power to be a positive force for our planet — a voice for the voiceless and a guardian to all. For us, this isn’t the work of a moment, but a mission that guides everything we do. Above is one example of our mission in action. In fact, this bull was among three elephants our teams helped in a single day. He had been struck by a poisoned arrow — a favoured tactic of poachers. Left untreated, the would could have had lethal consequences. Fortunately, help arrived in time. Our pilot spotted the bull during an aerial patrol, and the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit immediately mobilised to the scene. They anaesthetised the patient, helped him safely to the ground, and cleaned the wound. Thanks to swift intervention, he is expected to make a full recovery. And the team’s work didn’t end there: We went on to treat two more elephants that afternoon — and the very next day, we were back at it again. Your support empowers us to step up for nature. If you are able, please make a contribution this Earth Day, so we can continue to fight for our natural world. Sheldrickwildlifetrust.org (link in profile) #sheldricktrust #earthday #elephant #veterinary #vet #nature #animals #wildlife #kenya #treatment #earth #conservation #bull #poison #tsavo #sheldrickwildlifetrust

Over the years, we have attended to more than 3,820 elephants, but this bull’s injuries posed a big question mark. It unfolded on Earth Day — just another day at the office for our team. During his morning patrol, our pilot spotted a bull with an arrow wound. The injury didn’t appear too serious, but his poor body condition was cause for concern. We mobilised a treatment to investigate and it became clear there was more to his situation than we realised. Two large chunks had been hacked out of his trunk, and he had several more arrow wounds on his body — including one, unusually, beneath his chin. The nature and location of the injuries painted a confusing picture. Only the elephant knows what unfolded, but here’s what we think: The bull was likely struck with an arrow during conflict on community land. Angry and frightened, he then charged the person holding the bow, who escaped by climbing a tree. As the bull reached up to pursue his attacker, his trunk was slashed by a sharp blade or farm tool, and then he was arrowed again, this time beneath the chin. Although the bull was in a bad way when we found him, treatment was straightforward. Now that he’s had proper veterinary care, KWS vet Dr Limo is confident that he will make a full recovery. Your donations make these essential interventions possible: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/donate #sheldricktrust #elephant #earthday #veterinary #bull #animals #wildlife #kenya #treatment #arrow #hwc #trunk #vet #conservation #sheldrickwildlifetrust #aerial #helicopter

Where Peter goes, a flock of animals follows! He now regularly dons a special zebra coat, which the Keepers have worn since we rescued little zebra foal 'Bombi', after her mother was killed by lions (Bombi was wounded in the attack, but with treatment she is healing well). Bombi has imprinted on the coat, so she follows it everywhere, but just like Izera the eland, Bibi the buffalo, and Mr Bean the warthog, we suspect she'd now follow Peter anyway, as that seems to be the name of the game in Kaluku. Discover more about our work to rescue, raise, and rewild orphaned animals at: Sheldrickwildlifetrust.org #sheldricktrust #wildlife #animals #zebra #eland #buffalo #warthog #mrbean #nature #animalrescue #kenya #sheldrickwildlifetrust

After emerging from her ‘flawless’ hiding place (watch to the end to see), Sulwe put both ears and all her heart into defending her precious shrub! Little Lenny was too busy playing with nanny Quanza to pose much of a threat, but Sulwe wasn’t about to let Keeper Evans get within a metre of it! Baby elephants can be so delightfully covetous over the most improbable objects! Sulwe and Lenny are both born to orphans rescued, raised, and rewilded through our Orphans’ Project! Read - and watch a lovely video - about them at: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/news #sheldricktrust #elephants #babyelephant #animal #wildlife #mine #bigears #nature #sheldrickwildlifetrust #conservation #playful #animalsoftiktok

As another rain storm sweeps through Kaluku, Keeper Peter whisks his eclectic herd of rescued orphans into an empty parking bay for shelter! Buffaloes Bibi and Gruff, Izera the eland, and Bombi the zebra mingle among themselves waiting for the rain to stop. Mr Bean has other ideas, sensing an opportunity to dig a mini burrow in the soft sand, where he can enjoy a power nap! With the 'flood waters' rising, he soon has to shift back and dig another, happy to be high and dry on his second attempt. #sheldricktrust #animal #wild #animals #rain #animalrescue #conservation #zebra #eland #warthog #kenya #nature #wildlife #sheldrickwildlifetrust

Today, we celebrate motherhood in all its forms: mothers two-footed and four, and those who take on a mothering role. A special nod goes to our ex-orphans who are now mums. We have met 76 calves born to the orphaned elephants we rescued, raised, and rewilded — each a beautiful testament to the enduring power of maternal love. In the past two months alone, we have welcomed six ‘grandbabies’ to our extended elephant family. Zigi, seen here with his mum, ex-orphan Zongoloni, is one of our latest additions. Zongoloni’s own mother was killed by poachers, and she was found guarding her body. However, she found sanctuary with us and blossomed into a nurturing yet no-nonsense leader. Motherhood may be new to Zongoloni, but she is already thriving in the role. To all our mothers, material figures, and matriarchs: Thank you for being you, and for giving so much of yourself to those around you. #HappyMothersDay #animal #mother #mum #elephant #matriach #matriarchy #sheldricktrust #wildlife #nature #babyelephant #newmum #mothersday #sheldrickwildlifetrust #motherslove

Toto’s rescue was unforgettable—but so is his personality. Three years ago, a tiny calf appeared at our Ithumba Reintegration Unit, escorted by a group of ex-orphans who had somehow found him alone in the bush. Knowing he needed help, they brought him to the one place they trusted. Since that day, Toto has brought joy and chaos in equal measure — like the moment he kept purposefully collapsing on the mattress and his Keeper Joseph. From a mystery rescue to a little elephant with big bravado, Toto’s story is only just beginning. Become a part of his story: swt.bio/toto #sheldricktrust #elephant #calf #babyelephant #nature #wildlife #animals #trunk #play #animalrescue #toto #sheldrickwildlifetrust #kenya #joy #milkbottle #secondchance

A deep spear wound to the leg had already put this bull in a bad position. But when he fell on his sternum from the effects of the anaesthetic, that took on a new meaning. One of our fixed-wing pilots had spotted the injured elephant — a distinctive bull with a single tusk — during a routine aerial patrol. He was in a remote area on the far reaches of Galana Ranch, four hours from the nearest SWT/KWS Mobile Vet Unit. So, we brought the team to him. Our SWT helicopter flew in the Vet Team and Dr. Limo darted the patient from the air. Luck plays a role when determining on what side an elephant falls once the anaesthetic takes effect, or as in this case, whether it slides into the sternal position. While helpful for access to the wound, this puts excessive pressure on an elephant’s organs, risking breathing complications — so the team had to work quickly. The spear wound — likely a result of human-wildlife conflict — was deep and, left untreated, could have had serious implications. The team rapidly cleaned and treated the wound, then administered medication to aid healing. Once revived, he rose to his feet and lumbered off to rejoin his two bull friends, who were waiting nearby. These lifesaving interventions are only made possible through donor support, if you can, please make a donation at: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/donate #sheldricktrust #elephant #vet #veterinary #spear #wound #bull #elephants #treatment #animalrescue #wildlife #tsavo #nature #conservation #aerial #aviation #kenya #veterinarian #sheldrickwildlifetrust

Yatta shows off her perfect new baby, Yara, to the Keepers who raised her. She knows this is also a proud moment for us honorary ‘grandparents’! Yatta was a similar size to Yara when her own mother was killed by poachers. We rescued the little orphan and spent the next decade-plus raising her. Today, Yatta is a matriarch, a mother of four, and a grandmother. She leads a fully wild life, but chooses to visit home periodically and includes us in her biggest milestones — like the birth of a new baby. Read more: swt.bio/yatta #sheldricktrust #calf #baby #babyelephant #mum #mumanddaughter #rescue #wildlife #kenya #elephant #conservation #newbaby #proudmum #animalrescue #sheldrickwildlifetrust

It’s a boy! This picture perfect pairing is Zongoloni with her newborn calf, Zigi. Born on Tuesday, 24th April, 5 day old Zigi is the fourth calf born to one of our Umani orphan elephants. Join the celebrations and read the full story at: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/news #sheldricktrust #babyelephant #animal #animals #baby #conservation #newborn #kenya #nature #wildlife #mum #newmum #newbaby #babyboy #elephants #zigi #sheldrickwildlifetrust

One week, four babies! Witnessing the generational impact of our Orphans’ Project, as four ex-orphans in Ithumba and Umani start a family, or add to one, in the space of a week! 
The first baby, named Zigi, arrived on 24th April, after what felt like a never-ending pregnancy for Zongoloni, an ex-orphan from our Umani herd. The new life celebrations then moved to our Ithumba Reintegration Unit, where over the next days we were introduced to not one, not two, but three new babies. Wild-living mum Lualeni was first, making the pilgrimage home with daughters Lulu and Lexi, to show-off her newborn son, Luki. Then it was the turn of Sunyei, who like Lualeni returned with her daughters - Siku and Saba - but for Sunyei, her new addition was a third daughter, Subiri. Last - for now! - was Makireti, who has become a first-time mum, bringing her male calf ‘home’, so that we might share in her joy. We have named him Makimaki.

By supporting our work to save an orphan, you are helping give life to generations of elephants. Discover more, and get involved through an adoption, at: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org #sheldricktrust #elephants #baby #babyelephant #calf #newborn #future #babies #motherhood #birth #life #motherdaughter #motherson #motherlove #conservation #wildlife #animals #nature #sheldrickwildlifetrust

Our Umani family grew again recently, when Zongoloni (finally!) gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. Little Zigi has been part of the herd for less than two weeks, but he’s already slotted right in. You’ll spot him and mum towards the end — he’s the middle baby! In order of appearance: Beautiful Quanza in the lead, Mwashoti, Enkesha, Kiombo, baby Lenny, Lima Lima, tiny Zigi walking under Zongoloni, Kiasa, baby Sulwe, Amali, and Sonje, with Mwana and Murera bringing up the rear. More about Umani’s latest arrival: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/news/updates/zongoloni-zigi #sheldricktrust #elephants #babyelephant #rescued #orphans #calf #newborn #elephant #kibwezi #nature #conservation #saveelephants #wildlife #animals #kenya #sheldrickwildlifetrust

It started during a routine aerial patrol, in an area we’re concentrating on due to human-elephant conflict. Our pilot spotted a bull limping — but only once the SWT/KWS Vet Unit was on the ground did the extent of his injuries reveal themselves. The bull had trodden on spikes, which some farmers put around their land to deter elephants and other wildlife. A spike had pierced through his front right and back left foot, along with three more wounds on his legs. The injuries fortunately didn’t cause serious bone or joint damage, but the pain caused must have been significant. KWS Vet Dr Limo is optimistic that he will recover. Learn more and support our lifesaving work: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org #sheldricktrust #wildlife #vet #animals #spikes #veterinarian #veterinary #treatment #aerial #sheldrickwildlifetrust #kenya #hwc #coexistence #kws #animalrescue #elephant #bull

Little Lenny turns the mud bath into his personal slip ’n slide! Loving every second under the watchful eyes of mum and his many nannies, who swing in their trunks to offer him a lift on exit. Another fun-filled activity for this wild-born calf of our Umani herd. Read about the moment mum, Lima Lima, introduced us to her baby boy: swt.bio/lima-lima #sheldricktrust #babyelephant #elephant #animals #wildlife #calf #kenya #water #playing #slipnslide #slippery #trunks #support #conservation #umani #sheldrickwildlifetrust

It’s hard to claim innocence when caught with your hand in the cookie jar, or in this case, trunk in the milk powder! That didn’t stop cheeky Korbessa trying to brush off events. She cut a relaxed figure when her Keepers found her in this state, having found her way into a tin of powdered milk, which she’d not only sampled, but dusted herself in! ‘Who, me?’ For more behind the scenes revelations from our Orphans' Project, focused on rescuing, raising, and rewilding orphaned wildlife, delve into our Keepers' Diaries. The latest edition’s just been published: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/keepers-diaries #sheldricktrust #elephants #animals #animalantics #milk #innocent #cheeky #kenya #animalsoftiktok #wildlife #sheldrickwildlifetrust #africa #elephant #babyelephant #redhanded #whome

BREAKING NEWS: Our Umani herd just got a little bit bigger! After a pregnancy that kept us all waiting — Zongoloni’s baby was finally ready to make his debut. Zongoloni gave birth yesterday morning, amidst her human-elephant family, safely delivering a beautiful little boy. Much more to come, but we couldn’t wait to share the news with this video, taken just moments after the birth (🔉 sound on)! #sheldricktrust #elephant #baby #babyelephant #calf #newborn #newbornbaby #kenya #animals #wildlife #conservation #newlife #babyanimals #generations #sheldrickwildlifetrust

Blessed with babies! Last night brought another wonderful addition to our extended elephant family. Just days after Zongoloni gave birth to Zigi in Umani Springs, ex-orphan Lualeni introduced us to her newest arrival in Ithumba. This is Lualeni’s third calf — and her first boy — following in the footsteps of big sisters Lulu and Lexi. We have named him Luki. (Pictured here are Lualeni, Luki, and Lulu, while middle child Lexi is just out of frame.) As is a time honoured tradition among our ex-orphan mums, Lualeni made the journey home after giving birth, so she could share her new joy with the people who raised her. More to come, but we couldn’t wait to share Lualeni’s joy with you! Discover Lualeni’s story so far: swt.bio/lualeni #sheldricktrust #elephant #babyelephant #baby #calf #newborn #newbornbaby #kenya #animals #wildlife #newlife #babyanimals #generations #sheldrickwildlifetrust #celebrate

A special treat for some wild neighbours at our Kaluku Field HQ. This gang on banded mongooses - we assure you it’s not mongeese - do not mess about! Whether it’s a 6,900kg male elephant in need, or a 1.3kg banded mongoose chancing its luck, with your support we can be there for wildlife of all shapes and sizes.. #mongoose #SnackTime #saveanimals #nomanners #sheldricktrust #animal #animals #kenya #wildlife #mealprep #meal #ready