Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Beyond Borders: How Corporate Social Responsibility Can Protect Africa’s Wild Spaces Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is no longer just a marketing strategy—it’s a powerful tool for real-world impact. One of the most effective ways businesses can drive change is by investing in conservation, particularly in Africa, where climate change, habitat destruction, and poaching threaten biodiversity. Why It Matters Africa’s landscapes are home to some of the world’s most endangered species and serve as vital carbon sinks, helping to stabilise global climate patterns. Yet, human-wildlife conflict, deforestation, and illegal wildlife crime are putting ecosystems at risk. Without action, we risk losing not only iconic species but also the environmental benefits these wild spaces provide. The Business Case for Conservation Beyond ethical responsibility, conservation partnerships offer strategic advantages: • Brand Reputation: Consumers favour businesses that prioritise sustainability. • Employee Engagement: Purpose-driven initiatives improve workplace culture. • Supply Chain Security: Many industries depend on healthy ecosystems. • ESG Alignment: Conservation efforts directly support corporate sustainability goals. How Businesses Can Take Action Companies worldwide can drive conservation through partnerships with reputable organisations working on the ground. Partnering with Sheldrick Wildlife Trust For almost five decades, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) has been working at a field level to protect Kenya’s diverse wildlife and habitats through anti-poaching, aerial surveillance, mobile veterinary units, community outreach, and habitat preservation. Best known for rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants, the SWT’s work extends far beyond any singular species, safeguarding entire ecosystems and fostering human-wildlife coexistence. Corporate sponsorships directly fund: • Anti-poaching patrols & aerial surveillance operations to combat illegal wildlife crime. • Water projects that sustain wildlife during drought and mitigate human-wildlife conflict. • Habitat protection & restoration projects, critical for biodiversity and climate resilience. Employee Engagement & Carbon Offsetting Businesses can adopt orphaned elephants on behalf of employees, creating a personal link to conservation. Companies can also invest in habitat protection as a natural carbon offset, by supporting the SWT’s saving habitats initiative, securing landscapes that absorb emissions and sustain wildlife. A Lasting Impact CSR is more than philanthropy—it’s a long-term investment in the planet. By partnering with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, businesses can actively protect endangered species, secure critical habitats, and create a sustainable future for all. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dJyJaJs

At Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, we believe every child has a right to learn about the wonders of their country’s wildlife and the priceless value it holds for both the land and the people who call it home. In Kenya’s current school curriculum, wildlife and environmental education occupy only a minimal role. Yet, for communities bordering National Parks and protected areas, this knowledge is vital. When people understand the value of wildlife and the ecosystems they share, it fosters harmony and encourages coexistence. That’s why our mission is rooted in inspiring young people to appreciate and protect their natural heritage — for their future and the future of the planet. Children are the stewards of tomorrow. By empowering them with knowledge, we’re not just teaching facts about wildlife; we’re creating ambassadors for some of the world’s most endangered species. Communities living near wildlife often bear the brunt of human-wildlife conflict. When young people are informed about the nature of wildlife and the shared value of resources, they’re inspired to see solutions, not obstacles. Our goal is to turn knowledge into action — to create a generation that not only understands their country’s unique biodiversity but feels a deep connection to it and a responsibility to protect it. Through our educational initiatives, we’re addressing gaps in the curriculum and creating opportunities for young people to connect with their environment:             •          School Visits and Field Trips: We bring students face-to-face with the wildlife in their backyards, helping them appreciate their natural world through unforgettable experiences.             •          Inspiring Wildlife Ambassadors: By introducing environmental and conservation topics to young learners, we’re fostering a sense of pride and ownership in their country’s natural heritage.             •          Community-Centred Learning: We work closely with schools in communities bordering National Parks, helping them build infrastructure, improve educational standards, and host events that showcase the importance of conservation.             •          Scholarships and Opportunities: We’re empowering students to pursue careers in their field of choice, including conservation, equipping them to become the guardians of their country’s natural resources. Education is the cornerstone of change. With continued funding and partnerships, this model can be replicated globally, bringing conservation education to schools around the world. By weaving environmental topics into school curriculums and creating opportunities for hands-on learning, we can inspire young people everywhere to stand up for wildlife and protect nature. If your school or education institution is ready to be part of this movement, we’d love to collaborate with you. Let’s inspire the next generation to live in harmony with nature, for the benefit of all. Contact us to learn more about our educational programmes.

At the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, we believe conservation is a collective effort — and businesses have a unique opportunity to inspire change. By aligning with a cause that resonates globally, your organisation can rally your team, foster a sense of purpose, and make a lasting impact for Kenya’s wildlife and wild spaces. Imagine this: your staff coming together to organise a fundraiser, participate in events, or simply champion a shared mission. Community fundraising isn’t just about raising money; it’s about creating a culture of connection, teamwork, and passion. It’s a chance to channel corporate energy into something meaningful, allowing your employees to unite around a cause they feel passionate about – while doing measurable good for wildlife. When you partner with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, you’re not just supporting the rescue, care, and rewilding of orphaned elephants, rhinos, giraffes and other animals. You’re helping secure wild habitats, protect ecosystems, and contribute to a legacy of hope for future generations. Together, we can show how business has the power to create positive change — and that starts with inspiring your team. Here’s how you can get involved: ✅ Organise team challenges, like charity runs or bake sales, to fundraise for our work. ✅ Schedule a company-wide virtual event, where we’ll share stories about our projects and how your support directly impacts lives. ✅ Inspire and reward your employees with a unique connection to conservation. Consider gifting orphaned elephant, rhino, or giraffe adoptions to mark special occasions—whether it’s celebrating a birthday, welcoming a new baby, or recognising outstanding achievements. ✅ Looking for an engaging incentive? Host a company-wide competition where employees can win gifted adoptions from the organisation. It’s more than just a reward—it’s a life-changing impact for Kenya’s wildlife and a heartfelt gesture your team will cherish. ✅ Consider corporate sponsorship opportunities that directly support our initiatives and put your organisation at the heart of wildlife protection. Every effort, no matter how big or small, makes a difference. By choosing to partner with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, your business can unite around a mission that matters — one that’s transforming lives and landscapes in Kenya every day – and has a global impact. Let’s create an environment where giving back is not just an action to achieve CSR goals, but a value that drives us and your business forward. Together, we can ensure that the world’s most extraordinary wildlife has the future it deserves. Reach out to us today to explore how your company can get involved. 

Have you ever wondered what elephants are saying when they rumble, roar, or trumpet? These majestic creatures have a language of their own — rich, intricate, and ancient. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and ElephantVoices wanted to capture this richness and collaborated in creating a unique online tool to do just that.   Hello in Elephant, was created so that anyone around the globe can step into their world and speak in their vernacular. This is not just about words; it’s about preserving a language that holds the key to understanding one of nature’s most remarkable species. Elephants communicate using a vast range of sounds and gestures. From low-frequency rumbles that travel kilometres to excited trumpets shared among family members, their expressions convey everything from warnings and calls for help, to joy, affection, and even playfulness. These vocalisations, combined with their expressive body language, form a living, breathing language that has evolved over millennia.   Every sound featured in the tool is drawn from recordings of real, wild African elephants. It’s a fascinating insight into a language that bridges the gap between human curiosity and elephant communication. As elephant populations decline, their language faces a perilous future. In 2021, the African forest elephant was declared ‘Critically Endangered’ and the African savanna elephant ‘Endangered’. The threat of extinction doesn’t just mean the loss of a species; it also means the silencing of their unique voices — a language rich with knowledge of the environment, social structures, and survival.   Just as we work to protect human languages from extinction, it is our duty to preserve the languages of nature. By exploring and sharing Hello in Elephant, you help bring awareness to the plight of elephants and underscore the critical importance of conservation.   Speak Elephant, Share Hope Learning a language is about connection, and elephants are no exception. Their calls are filled with emotion, just like ours. When you use Hello in Elephant, you’re not only saying something in their vernacular — you’re joining a global effort to save it. Whether you share a message of love, hope, or curiosity, you become a part of the story to protect their voices for generations to come.   Our hope is that this tool goes beyond it's online novelty, becoming a practical and engaging way to promote elephant conservation and awareness in educational settings like classrooms or interactive exhibits in museums, science centres, or public spaces. It as an opportunity to champion the preservation of not only the species but also its “language”, drawing parallels to human cultural preservation efforts.   Together, let’s give this language the attention it deserves. After all, languages are meant to be shared, spoken, and celebrated.   Explore the tool: Hello in Elephant (https://lnkd.in/eXYqxuRh), or get in touch with us to uncover how we can bring the language of elephants to you.

As we herald a New Year, we invite you to reflect with us on 2024 — a year filled with triumphs, challenges, and incredible moments of connection, all powerfully captured in Angela Sheldrick’s year-end letter. Angela’s reflections are not just a chronicle of the year’s highlights; they’re a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Every orphan rescued, every wild space protected, and every community reached with conservation education represents a step toward a brighter future for Kenya’s wildlife.   This year, we celebrated some truly momentous milestones: Generations of Hope: 70 wild-born calves now roam the savannas, each a living testament to the lasting impact of our Orphans’ Project. These are the children — and grandchildren — of orphans rescued decades ago. Their existence proves how saving one life can ripple across generations.   Protecting Wild Spaces: Our commitment to preserving Kenya’s iconic landscapes remained steadfast. From Tsavo’s vast plains to the Chyulu Hills, we’ve worked tirelessly to secure habitats that are vital for wildlife to thrive.   Life-Saving Interventions: With our veterinary and aerial units in constant motion, 2024 saw countless rescues and treatments — from elephants and rhinos to giraffes and cheetahs. These operations remind us of the vital role we play in addressing wildlife emergencies.   Angela’s letter also reflects on the enduring partnerships and support that make this work possible. Every achievement is a shared triumph made possible by a global community that believes in the importance of conservation. As Angela writes, “Together, we are proving that hope is a powerful force — for individual animals, for ecosystems, and for the future of our planet.”   We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished this year, but we know there’s much more to be done. As we step fully into 2025, our mission remains clear: to protect, nurture, and defend Kenya’s wildlife and wild spaces.   If you haven’t yet, we encourage you to read Angela’s year-end letter, so that you might discover the collective impact we’ve made this year: https://lnkd.in/emUSa-dw.   Thank you for standing with us every step of the way. Here’s to an even brighter future for Kenya’s wildlife in 2025 and beyond.

It's Officially a Baby Boom! At the core of our conservation work is the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants. This is a long-term endeavour, as those in our care rely on us for their day-to-day needs for upwards of 10 years before they choose to assimilate into Tsavo’s wild elephant population. But the commitment of our Orphans’ Project does not end there – far from it! Over the years, the success of our approach in raising and rewilding elephants has been demonstrated more than 60 times over, by those who have gone on to have their own wild-born calves. Most recently, in the space of just four weeks, we’ve welcomed a veritable flurry of babies born into our family, as we’ve been introduced to five precious new arrivals! Each has been brought ‘home’ by their wild-living orphan mother – in some cases giving birth right outside the stockades where they were once cared for! In returning to the fold to have their babies, they not only benefit from the extra sustenance we provide to all visiting elephants during the dry season, but they also include their Keepers – who raised them – in this celebration of new life. In September, we introduced you to Sid, who arrived hot on the heels of Chaimu’s first calf, Chapa, both born in Ithumba. In early October, ex-orphan Mudanda returned to the Voi stockades following five months away. After noticing changes in her body shape during her previous visits home, the Keepers suspicions were soon confirmed when she gave birth on the morning of 16th October. We named her calf Miale. Little more than a week later, we met baby Mwangaza – another calf born in Voi – as Mweya strolled up to the stockades with a tiny girl in tow. We have known Mweya for 23 years, since her rescue from Uganda in 2001. She reclaimed her place back in the wild over a decade ago and has become known for making an annual pilgrimage to Voi in late November. The Keepers were therefore surprised to see her arrive a month early, on 26th October, but all became clear when she proudly debuted her new daughter. On the very same day, back in the north of Tsavo, Mulika – one of Ithumba's founding orphans – gave birth to a little boy, named Moe. Unlike first-time mums Mudanda and Chaimu, Mulika is an experienced mother, and even a grandmother! From a tiny, traumatised calf rescued 24 years ago, Mulika has grown to became a magnificent matriarch and mentor, creating her own dynasty in the process. Motherhood is a momentous chapter for any elephant, but especially our ex-orphans who lost their families when they were just babies themselves. Their calves are a powerful symbol of the promise we make through our Orphans’ Project, offering a wild future and a family to each individual we rescue and raise. Thank you to all who stand with us on this journey. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for elephants and bringing hope to the species. Meet the wild-born babies: https://lnkd.in/ex2ZK8aV

We’re thrilled to welcome Wamata, the newest member of our Nairobi Nursery herd! Her rescue story is truly remarkable: what began as a routine aerial patrol along the Tiva River in Tsavo East National Park led to the discovery of this little one, hidden and alone in the riverine forest. Our pilot, spotted her, and after an extensive search revealed no trace of her family, we made the decision to bring her to safety. Wamata arrived weak and quite introverted, but the support of our Keepers and the other orphans has allowed her to grow stronger and more confident each day. It's been inspiring to watch her transformation as she builds connections, both with her fellow orphans and with the dedicated team caring for her. One of her favourite activities? Wallowing in the mud—where her shy personality really starts to shine through! Although she’s still a bit reserved and prefers vegetation to milk (quite impressive for her age!), Wamata is thriving, showing just how resilient these incredible animals can be when given the chance. Her story is a reminder of the impact that compassion, care, and community can have on an animal’s recovery and rehabilitation. Here’s to Wamata’s bright future and the continued success of our conservation efforts! #ElephantRescue #WildlifeConservation #AnimalRehabilitation #Teamwork #NewBeginnings #ThrivingInTheWild

As the dry season reaches its peak, our SWT/KWS Anti-Poaching Teams have been working tirelessly to protect Kenya’s wildlife and ecosystems. In September alone, they made 48 arrests, including 13 for poaching activities (11 bushmeat poachers, 1 ivory poacher), while also confiscating 897 snares set by poachers. The teams’ efforts don't stop there— they helped rescue 3 orphaned elephants (including Wamata, now at our Nairobi Nursery), freed a live duiker from a snare, and saved several elephants from wells.   Our teams also played a crucial role in responding to numerous bushfires, extinguishing flames that threatened habitats and wildlife. This vital work ensures the protection of Kenya’s most vulnerable ecosystems during this high-risk season.   We currently operate 28 Anti-Poaching Teams with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) across Kenya, with 22 teams securing the greater Tsavo Conservation Area, Kenya’s largest national park. Each team works within a designated region, often on a rotating, mobile basis, to maintain constant vigilance in protecting wildlife from poaching and illegal activities.   Thank you to our dedicated teams on the frontlines, ensuring that both wildlife and habitats are given the protection they deserve.

A Remarkable August for Our Aerial Unit. August proved to be an incredibly busy and impactful month for our Aerial Unit at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Covering a vast 27,214 kilometres, over 219 hours of flight time, our eyes in the sky again demonstrated its lifesaving value; as a deterrent to wildlife crime, a tool for the identification of injured wildlife, and a unit for the provision of a rapid response to all manner of incidents. Some notable highlights include:   ✅ 8 critical veterinary treatments for injured elephants   ✅ A challenging animal relocation operation   ✅ Support to anti-poaching initiatives   ✅ The rescue of a lost person   ✅ Battling 4 intense bushfires    Every hour in the air - only made possible through donor support - contributed to the protection of Kenya’s wildlife and ecosystems. Our full Aerial report can be found here: https://lnkd.in/eZqZcMVK   #Conservation #WildlifeProtection #AerialUnit #SheldrickWildlifeTrust #WildlifeConservation

Exciting news from the field! Join us in welcoming baby Sid to our elephant family. We are thrilled to announce the birth of yet another baby to our extended family tree. This time, it was wild-living orphaned elephant Sidai, who surprised us with the birth of her third calf – a healthy, bouncing baby boy who we’ve named Sid. Unlike many of our graduated orphans who make the pilgrimage back “home” to introduce their newborns, Sidai has always done things her own way. Just like with her previous calves, Sita (2019) and Silas (2021), she kept her latest arrival a secret, until the Keepers spotted Sid nursing amongst the herd. Sidai’s own story is one of resilience and strength – and a shining example of the difference we can make when we rescue just one orphan. Our teams were called to rescue her back in 2006 when she was just 19-months-old; a drought victim, she had been deprived of milk for days, possibly longer, and was on death’s door. She was understandably deeply traumatised and fearful, but with time, patience, and tender-loving care from our Keepers, she transformed into the beautiful, gentle elephant we know today! Her name means “beautiful thing” in Maa, and reflects her inner strength and beautiful spirit. Fast-forward to today, and Sidai is successfully roaming Tsavo, raising her three calves in the wild as nature intended. Her latest addition brings the total to 63 babies born to orphans we rescued and raised; each birth is testament to the dedication and efforts of our teams, and the tireless work they do day in, day out to safeguard Kenyan wildlife. For Africa’s endangered elephants, which have seen their numbers plummet over the past fifty years, Sid’s birth is a success worth celebrating. Every calf that is born offers a ray of hope for the species: Sid joins the ranks of a whole new generation of elephants birthed to orphaned elephants we’ve raised – a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Read all about Sidai’s journey from orphan to mother at: https://lnkd.in/eg7dm_gE