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Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

@sheldricktrust.bsky.social

World leaders in the rescue and rewilding of orphaned elephants and rhinos, working across Kenya to secure a future for all wildlife. https://links.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org @SheldrickTrust on Instagram, Facebook, X, TikTok, Threads & YouTube

created May 4, 2023

15,045 followers 1 following 861 posts

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Three-month-old Kipekee is our youngest orphan and newest foster addition. Rescued in June with sunken cheeks and no fat reserves after surviving days without milk or protection. With patience and plenty of milk, she's regaining strength. She's enjoying life at the Nursery where she's adored.

31/8/2025, 4:53:00 PM | 164 27 | View on Bluesky | view

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Caught applying the finishing touches to his post mud bath make-over! Hildana was rescued during the 2022/23 drought that devastated Tsavo. Three years on at Voi, he's showing all the signs of a Tsavo bull, keen to instigate pushing games with older males. Watch his rescue film: swt.bio/hildana

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31/8/2025, 12:50:00 PM | 174 15 | View on Bluesky | view

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Our SWT/KWS Canine Unit, established in 2016, has covered 7,588 km on patrol in five years - roughly the distance from Cape Town to Beijing, nose to the ground. Their dedication has led to 75 arrests. Our four-legged team members, like Bela, have become some of our greatest anti-poaching assets.

30/8/2025, 9:52:00 PM | 191 32 | View on Bluesky | view

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Every day is a new lesson for little Kipekee! Her Keepers and nannies are teaching her everything she needs to know. Today’s class, led by big girl Kamili, is dust bathing — and she’s already a pro! Read her full story and support her future at swt.bio/kipekee

30/8/2025, 5:52:00 PM | 230 35 | View on Bluesky | view

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These magnificent visitors arrive with purpose - our water points become essential lifelines as during drought. Dependable water can mean survival for wildlife. We deliver millions of litres annually through bowsers, boreholes, and troughs, supporting all life from birds to elephants.

30/8/2025, 1:49:00 PM | 225 36 | View on Bluesky | view

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Our remarkable girl Enkesha - who survived a horrific snare injury that nearly severed her trunk as a baby - is living proof that healing is possible. Those gentle rumbles you're hearing? That's the sound of pure contentment from an elephant who's found peace and happiness.

29/8/2025, 9:23:00 PM | 225 24 | View on Bluesky | view

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In case you missed her big debut, Kipekee is the latest addition to our foster programme. These photos are from just a few weeks after her rescue. Adopt Kipekee this #FosterFriday at: swt.bio/kipekee (later today, we’ll share a current video so you can see how far she’s already come!)

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29/8/2025, 5:22:00 PM | 204 35 | View on Bluesky | view

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Muridjo has found the perfect way to spend the afternoon hours - lying calmly as the rest of the Nairobi orphan herd eat, dust bath, and play games. A friend to all, Muridjo has started to show a more maternal side recently, spending time looking after little Wamata or our newest arrival Kipekee.

29/8/2025, 12:52:00 PM | 189 25 | View on Bluesky | view

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Tamiyoi appreciates her alone time! With Mbegu increasingly wild, Tamiyoi has stepped into the matriarch role for Voi's dependent herd. She's an excellent leader who likes carving out private moments. When others try joining her solo wallows, she makes it clear this is a private affair!

28/8/2025, 8:53:00 PM | 202 24 | View on Bluesky | view

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Our SWT/KWS Rift Valley Vet Unit responded to reports of a giraffe with a paint tin trapped on her leg. These situations require immediate intervention - metal tins prevent movement, cause infections, and cut circulation. Thanks to swift reporting, this gentle giant received expert care.

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28/8/2025, 5:27:00 PM | 156 21 | View on Bluesky | view

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Ex-orphan Zongoloni was desperate to be a mum! When Murera gave birth to Mwana in 2023, Zongoloni made unsuccessful attempts to kidnap the baby. After watching Lima Lima and Sonje become mums, it was finally her turn. In April 2025, she gave birth to Zigi - a wonderful moment for our ex-orphan.

28/8/2025, 1:17:00 PM | 237 37 | View on Bluesky | view

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Korbessa flew into our lives as a tiny calf and has blossomed into a confident lady! Keeper Joseph remains by her side every step. Raising newborn orphans requires years of hands-on care, providing love and guidance for their eventual wild lives. Korbessa has come so far already: swt.bio/korbessa

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27/8/2025, 9:33:00 PM | 280 38 | View on Bluesky | view

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This warrior was found with serious fight injuries at Keekorok. Our SWT/KWS Mara Vet Unit cleaned his wounds, applied healing clay, and administered antibiotics. After treatment, he walked straight to his two waiting brothers. With good body condition and plentiful prey, his prognosis is excellent.

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27/8/2025, 5:27:00 PM | 155 18 | View on Bluesky | view

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When milk bottles appear, determined Muwingu is first in line! Since graduating from Nursery in June, she's settled beautifully at Ithumba. She loves hanging with big boys and approaching wild bulls for mentorship. Muwingu's eagerness to learn will serve her well on her independence journey.

27/8/2025, 1:32:00 PM | 177 27 | View on Bluesky | view

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Introducing Kipekee, who joins our foster program! This brave little elephant has already survived so much, but now she is safe and surrounded by love, with a bright future ahead of her. You can find the full story on our website — and become one of her very first adopters: swt.bio/kipekee

27/8/2025, 8:25:16 AM | 275 50 | View on Bluesky | view

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Naleku's taking a well-deserved break from nannying duties with an Ithumba spa day! Rolling with pure contentment, she's covering herself in Tsavo's iron-rich red earth. Dust baths protect elephant skin from sun and insects, but Naleku's clearly enjoying more than skincare benefits.

26/8/2025, 9:30:00 PM | 183 18 | View on Bluesky | view

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Rangers reported a snared zebra at Taita Sanctuary. Our pilot spent hours scanning hundreds of zebras to find one 2mm wire strand, then the SWT/KWS Vet Unit moved in. After a 2.5-hour chase, the skittish zebra was darted and the snare removed - preventing what could have been a lethal injury.

26/8/2025, 5:35:00 PM | 162 24 | View on Bluesky | view

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Epiya's midday milk session - halfway through, no teat needed! This happy, feisty elephant is worlds away from the traumatised calf we rescued in 2022 after her mother succumbed to drought. Epiya has come so far, but has a long journey ahead towards wild life. Adopt her at swt.bio/epiya

26/8/2025, 1:37:00 PM | 155 18 | View on Bluesky | view

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Ndotto is starting his rewilding path - choosing wild nights over stockades as he expands his horizons. When we rescued newborn Ndotto 11 years ago, he was the smallest elephant we'd ever seen. Exciting to watch him spread his wings, but we're delighted he stays close during dry season.

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25/8/2025, 9:48:00 PM | 272 35 | View on Bluesky | view

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Someone special is ready to make your acquaintance. As you can see, she already has quite the following here at the Nursery — and we think you’ll fall in love with her, too! Stay tuned for her big debut tomorrow — we can’t wait for you to meet her then 💚 sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/o...

25/8/2025, 9:37:09 PM | 249 30 | View on Bluesky | view

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Talek is known for her independent nature - when she's not with best friend Pardamat. This likely comes from her rescue story. Found alone in the Maasai Mara, she'd latched onto a bull for protection. Rescued by our SWT/KWS Mara Vet Unit and flown to Nairobi Nursery, she immediately settled in.

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25/8/2025, 6:33:25 PM | 220 22 | View on Bluesky | view

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Found with serious fight injuries at Keekorok, this brave lion received immediate treatment from Dr Njoroge and his team. After the reversal, he walked to where his two brothers were waiting nearby. With his good body condition and the Mara's plentiful prey, his prognosis is excellent.

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25/8/2025, 12:48:00 PM | 144 12 | View on Bluesky | view

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Sulwe is a bit of a bruiser! She may be the only girl in Umani three elephant crèche, but she is more than capable of holding her own. Here, Sulwe none-too-subtly reminds little Zigi of her top status — a reminder he accepts with great grace!

24/8/2025, 5:13:00 PM | 222 23 | View on Bluesky | view

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Our tree planting initiatives are creating change across Kenya. From restoring degraded habitats to providing vital corridors for wildlife movement, every sapling we plant represents hope for the future. Trees and mangroves aren't just beautiful, they're essential for wildlife and marine survival.

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24/8/2025, 12:53:00 PM | 193 28 | View on Bluesky | view

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Benjamin and Rapsu have known each other for more than two decades. Benjamin, who is Head Keeper of our Ithumba Reintegration Unit, has been with us for 25 years. Rapsu was rescued 20 years ago from Meru National Park. He grew up in our care before reclaiming his place in the wild.

23/8/2025, 9:51:00 PM | 271 38 | View on Bluesky | view

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This magnificent mum and ex-orphan — rescued from Meru National Park 25 years ago — is now leading her own thriving family. From little Kama to newest arrival Kito, watching Kinna guide her three daughters shows the incredible success of our Orphans' Project.

23/8/2025, 5:33:00 PM | 272 42 | View on Bluesky | view

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Rescued orphan rhino Chamboi is getting bigger by the day, at 23 months old he's still very much a youngster, which he reminds us daily with his playful nature. From charging around the midday mud bath to investigating every corner of Kaluku, Chamboi brings boundless energy to everything he does.

23/8/2025, 12:50:00 PM | 252 32 | View on Bluesky | view

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Suguta has come so far in the 17 years since her rescue and we're predicting a special year ahead, as she's pregnant! Suguta has been living wild for many years. Thanks to supporters like you, we are able to rescue orphans like Suguta and pave the way for generations of elephants in the process.

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22/8/2025, 9:00:00 PM | 211 29 | View on Bluesky | view

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Pardamat, our naughty boy has clearly appointed himself instructor whilst attentive Olomunyak watches every move. Learning how to uproot shrubs is an essential elephant skill - perfect for accessing those hard-to-reach roots and branches that needed to survive in drier months.

22/8/2025, 5:00:01 PM | 168 19 | View on Bluesky | view

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Chamboi has a very efficient clean-up crew! When the black rhino leaves his stable in the morning, the other orphans zip inside and help themselves to his leftovers. Bibi invites her fellow buffalos in before the day has even started, while Izera the eland politely waits his turn.

22/8/2025, 1:00:07 PM | 174 25 | View on Bluesky | view

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Born to ex-orphan Kalama, Kapuki represents the incredible success of our Orphans' Project. What makes it even more special? These wild mothers choose to bring their babies back to introduce them to the people who raised them.

21/8/2025, 4:59:19 PM | 222 36 | View on Bluesky | view

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As the leader of our Umani Springs family, Murera's soft rumbles guide and comfort the orphans in her care. Each sound carries meaning — from reassuring calls to gentle guidance. Want to understand what Murera and other elephants are saying? Explore our Hello in Elephant!

21/8/2025, 12:58:29 PM | 209 25 | View on Bluesky | view

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‘Come on, I’ve got lots to show you!’ That seemed to be Mageno’s message as he steered Ithumba’s newest graduates (and his old Nursery friends) Weka and Shujaa into the bush. In fact, our self-appointed team leader appeared to be quite annoyed when the other orphans held up proceedings!

19/8/2025, 9:30:00 PM | 233 37 | View on Bluesky | view

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Even our resident tree climber needs to relax sometimes! Mzinga — who has recently been developing a talent for rising up on her back legs to reach succulent leaves high in the trees — has found the perfect horizontal way to unwind after all that vertical exploration: swt.bio/mzinga

19/8/2025, 5:29:00 PM | 173 20 | View on Bluesky | view

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Little Olomunyak wrapping up his dust bath when nanny Nyambeni whizzes over to give him a quick clean-up!! Meanwhile, Muridjo is enjoying her own bliss in the background. Meet Olomunyak, Nyambeni, Muridjo, and the other orphaned elephants in our care: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/o...

19/8/2025, 12:58:00 PM | 208 29 | View on Bluesky | view

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Rescued as a days old orphan, Kinyei spent a night at our Nairobi Nursery before being whisked to our Kaluku Neonate Unit. A combination of her plucky character, Keeper support, and her friend Kindani got her through. She’s blossomed into a healthy, confident young calf: swt.bio/kinyei

18/8/2025, 9:34:00 PM | 260 41 | View on Bluesky | view

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Dame Daphne pioneered rhino care in Tsavo. Rufus was among the first - a playful orphan inseparable from elephant Samson. Later came Stroppie and Pushmi and Reudi became the breeding bull who sired many of Kenya's current rhinos. With today's Maxwell, Apollo and Chamboi, we continue the legacy.

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18/8/2025, 5:08:00 PM | 178 33 | View on Bluesky | view

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Mentorship is vital in elephant society. Our Reintegration Units provide a bridge where orphans learn from wild elders whilst receiving Keeper care. Muwingu and Mageno seek mentorship at every turn. Most junior orphans are awestruck by big wild bulls, but these two show no hesitation.

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18/8/2025, 1:04:00 PM | 198 23 | View on Bluesky | view

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This brave bull was speared and stranded in lion country, his ankle joint heavily infected when we rescued him. The injury left him barely able to walk, but four months of dedicated care at Voi has made all the difference. Read Chapeyu's rescue story: swt.bio/chapeyu

17/8/2025, 5:25:00 PM | 290 39 | View on Bluesky | view

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Shujaa is making herself quite at home in Ithumba! Shujaa has discovered the joy of rock climbing - a perfect way to build strength and confidence in her new environment! From Nursery babies to Ithumba adventurers - every step takes them closer to their wild future! Support Shujaa: swt.bio/shujaa

16/8/2025, 12:50:00 PM | 242 23 | View on Bluesky | view

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Unleash your inner artist at our Sip & Paint Session for elephants in London, UK! Join our friends from Art Play London at their studio — at 4pm on Saturday 16th August for a two hour guided painting workshop, where creativity flows as freely as the refreshments. t.co/N5xUJcqJN3

15/8/2025, 6:01:11 PM | 95 17 | View on Bluesky | view

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Our Herd of Hope bronze elephants have been captivating visitors all week, with thousands discovering the remarkable rescue stories behind each sculpture. From QR code adventures to interactive workshops, the response has been overwhelming. Visit us until Sunday at Spitalfields Market.

14/8/2025, 4:41:51 PM | 154 25 | View on Bluesky | view

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Chapeyu has a dinner guest! This curious baboon has joined him for an evening meal — many elephants wouldn't tolerate such an interloper, but Chapeyu is an exemplary host. If you're in a position to help, you can support Chapeyu through an adoption. Visit www.swt.bio/chapeyu

14/8/2025, 12:44:36 PM | 207 29 | View on Bluesky | view

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Over 3.7 million kilometres patrolled! With 58,727 kilometres walked on foot last year alone, during which 14,326 snares were removed and 642 arrests were made. These numbers tell just part of the story of our 29 SWT/KWS Anti-Poaching Teams.

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13/8/2025, 9:27:14 PM | 229 35 | View on Bluesky | view

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This handsome bull knows how to work the camera, with that confident stride and perfect timing. From his dramatic rescue as a tiny calf to becoming one of our Ithumba herd’s most loved characters — Choka has always had that special something. You can support Choka's star quality by adopting him.

13/8/2025, 5:11:02 PM | 221 26 | View on Bluesky | view

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There's no such thing as a 'slow week' in elephant conservation. Habitats need constant protection, our herd of 80+ dependent elephants requires round-the-clock care, and emergencies are simply part of the work. But even by our standards, last week was exceptional.

13/8/2025, 1:37:38 PM | 174 28 | View on Bluesky | view

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Explore Kaluku's multi-species family in our latest Field Notes. From Mr Bean, the bossy warthog, to gentle giant Twiggy providing sanctuary for a wild dik-dik. Discover how Lemeki's legacy lives on through her adopted guinea fowl flock, and why Chamboi the rhino is best friends with ostriches.

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12/8/2025, 9:01:53 PM | 183 29 | View on Bluesky | view

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From tiny orphans in need to wild-living families, we support elephants every step of their lives. Elephant conservation is not the work of a moment, but a multi-generational commitment. To date, we have rescued over 300 elephants and welcomed 77 wild grandbabies of our Orphans' Project.

12/8/2025, 5:58:41 PM | 222 58 | View on Bluesky | view

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Whatever your age, get down to @spitalfieldse1 today and become an SWT Elephant Keeper. ‘Wamata’ was delighted to get a tummy full of milk thanks to seven year old Lacie: what a natural! Thank you Lacie 🐘 Find out more and come find our popup on Lamb Street, E1 at

12/8/2025, 12:41:44 PM | 148 18 | View on Bluesky | view

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Our SWT/KWS Mobile Veterinary Unit came to the aid of this zebra in Manyani, Tsavo West, which had become entangled in a snare. They were able to cut away the wire using a bolt cutter: the stallion is expected to make a full recovery.

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11/8/2025, 9:16:00 PM | 208 24 | View on Bluesky | view

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Mwana deserves an award for auntie of the year! Little Lenny delivered a serious head butt, then realised the error in his ways as nannies Kiasa, Sonje, and even baby Sulwe thundered over. Lenny is a precocious chap, but he is also learning that bad manners won’t be tolerated amongst his family!

11/8/2025, 5:15:00 PM | 212 29 | View on Bluesky | view

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Ever wanted to be an SWT Elephant Keeper? Come find us at our pop-up in London’s Spitalfields and you can! Find out more about our Spitalfields event at: www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.o...

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11/8/2025, 1:14:00 PM | 112 21 | View on Bluesky | view

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Our orphans get through A LOT of milk! With the Nursery babies drinking every three hours — 24/7 — and older orphans at our Reintegration Units getting their feeds three hourly during the day, hundreds of litres are drunk daily, and hundreds of thousands every year. That means plenty of big bottles!

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10/8/2025, 8:57:00 PM | 184 16 | View on Bluesky | view

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When elephants leave protected areas searching for food, conflict with communities can turn dangerous. Our teams shepherd them back to safety by ground and air. In 2024 our Aerial Unit helped over 400 elephants find safe passage home, including a herd of 50 and a family stuck on community land.

10/8/2025, 5:53:00 PM | 209 30 | View on Bluesky | view

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Our Herd of Hope are getting ready for #WorldElephantDay on 12th August. You can find them - and our first ever Sheldrick Wildlife Trust pop-up - at 30a Spital Square, open Sunday 10th through Sunday 17th! Find out more: www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.o...

10/8/2025, 12:52:00 PM | 203 34 | View on Bluesky | view

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This week Shujaa and Weka graduated to Ithumba, where they will continue their journey back to the wild. It was high time for our Nursery’s rascals to broaden their horizons in a bigger, wilder environment — and perhaps even learn some humility from older elephant friends in the process!

9/8/2025, 9:33:00 PM | 234 36 | View on Bluesky | view

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Juni poses gracefully in the mud, Dabida proudly displays her beautiful butterfly ears, and Tamiyoi delivers the most elegant bow with a little trunk wave — her own perfect curtain call! Each day the personalities of the rescued orphans in our care shine through.

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9/8/2025, 5:32:00 PM | 215 20 | View on Bluesky | view

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Our pilot spotted this bull limping during an aerial patrol. On the ground, Dr Limo's team discovered he'd stepped on spikes set by farmers - severe puncture wounds, but swift treatment saved the day. Our pilot has spotted him multiple times since, making a strong recovery.

9/8/2025, 1:29:00 PM | 272 38 | View on Bluesky | view

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Convoy incoming! 🍼 The Umani elephants are heading for their bottles and their wild-born babies are coming along for the ride! Even though little ones like Mwana, Lenny, Sulwe, and Zigi get all the milk they need from their ex-orphan mums, they can't resist trying to join the bottle queue.

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8/8/2025, 9:29:00 PM | 209 25 | View on Bluesky | view

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Raising an orphaned elephant is a lot like raising a human child — it requires love, leadership, and the commitment of a lifetime. As we approach World Elephant Day (12th August), we invite you to learn more about our projects to protect the species at: www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/

8/8/2025, 5:13:12 PM | 236 59 | View on Bluesky | view

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On your marks… get set… go! When Kapei made an impromptu dash to the imaginary finish line, little Lenny wasn’t about to get left behind. His mother, Lima Lima, couldn’t resist joining the race, too. With a coach like Lima Lima, it won’t be long before Lenny gives Kapei a run for his money!

6/8/2025, 9:46:00 PM | 216 31 | View on Bluesky | view

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It's wonderful to see our wild-living bulls, like Kandecha, coming back to spend time with the dependent herd. For young Roho, these interactions offer a glimpse of what wild life might look like one day — learning from those who've already made the transition.

6/8/2025, 5:45:00 PM | 195 13 | View on Bluesky | view

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Orphaned and alone, her ears were badly sun-damaged from the time spent trapped in mud prior to rescue, 25 years ago. It left an indelible mark and that distinctive look has made Kinna easily recognisable ever since. Today she is a mother of three daughters: Kama, Kaia, and Kito.

6/8/2025, 1:25:00 PM | 244 42 | View on Bluesky | view

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Our Nairobi-based exercise class! Talek's mastering his trunk stretches, Olomunyak and Nyambeni are perfecting their downward-facing-elephant pose in the mud, whilst Shujaa and Weka have given up on the zen approach, opting for contact sports in the form of a wrestling match!

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5/8/2025, 10:12:00 PM | 202 25 | View on Bluesky | view

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Through our Water for Wildlife initiative we provide year-round access to this vital resource. With 49 boreholes, and linked water troughs, and nine water bowsers ferrying water from rivers or boreholes, we’re ensuring creatures great (think elephants) and small (think birds) stay hydrated.

5/8/2025, 5:10:00 PM | 210 44 | View on Bluesky | view

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Mushuru mastered the art of standing tall on her back legs. It appears Mzinga was taking notes: Since Mushuru graduated to our Voi Reintegration Unit, Mzinga’s been practicing her balance. Her attempts are already bearing fruit and at this rate, it won’t be long until she’s at Mushuru’s level.

5/8/2025, 1:09:00 PM | 189 16 | View on Bluesky | view

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With Muwingu in the lead, our Ithumba orphan herd is heading home for the evening. Everyone has a spring in their step knowing that bed and a fresh bottle of milk are waiting! Learn more about orphan rescue-to-rewilding, a process we have honed over more than half a century: t.co/RdBLQsX9Bz

4/8/2025, 9:09:00 PM | 241 34 | View on Bluesky | view

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Maxwell, our remarkable black rhino is a double survivor — a member of a critically endangered species, and permanently blind due to a congenital condition. Rescued 18 years ago as a lost, crying infant, Maxwell has a forever home with us since he cannot survive in the wild.

4/8/2025, 5:07:00 PM | 241 41 | View on Bluesky | view

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Baraka is the shyest member of our Voi herd — but she is also knows how to stick up for herself. Keeper Walter: ‘Baraka does not give up easily. Today, she forced herself into the mud wallow even after Juni gave her a little push.’ Even feisty Juni had to admire her tenacity!

2/8/2025, 9:26:00 PM | 255 31 | View on Bluesky | view

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Our SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit treated an male giraffe in Garissa County after he was reported with a wire snare on his hind limb. Though the snare had detached, it left behind painful soft tissue injuries. The wounds were thoroughly cleaned and treated. Prognosis for recovery is good!

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2/8/2025, 5:24:00 PM | 224 16 | View on Bluesky | view

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Wild-born calves Sid and Mambo showing off for the camera whilst practicing their sparring skills! These confident little ones represent the ultimate success of our Orphans' Project - born free to mothers we rescued, raised, and rewilded - this is conservation in action!

2/8/2025, 1:23:00 PM | 319 49 | View on Bluesky | view

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Our SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Veterinary Team partnered with the Grevy's Zebra Trust to treat a male Grevy's zebra suffering severe lameness in West Gate Community Conservancy. He had a cracked hoof, which was cleaned and treated. Importantly, he is expected to make a full recovery.

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1/8/2025, 9:46:00 PM | 194 18 | View on Bluesky | view

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Elephants born to orphans we rescued, raised, and rewilded are growing up side by side in the Kibwezi Forest. Mwana, the first calf born into our Umani herd, and rambunctious Lenny, the first male calf born into the herd showing. Watching them develop their friendship so naturally is pure magic.

1/8/2025, 5:44:00 PM | 223 25 | View on Bluesky | view

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Our 29 SWT/KWS Anti-Poaching Teams patrol Kenya's wildest corners daily, protecting wildlife and arresting those who would harm them. Since 1999, they've logged over 3.7 million kilometres on conservation missions. Rain or shine, these rangers defend Kenya's wildlife. #WorldRangerDay

31/7/2025, 9:36:00 PM | 176 18 | View on Bluesky | view

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This gentle eight-year-old 'uncle' is always finding new ways to have fun at Umani Springs. From a tiny three-month-old calf rescued from human-wildlife conflict to a playful bull who delights in simple pleasures like swishing his trunk among the water lilies! Discover his story at swt.bio/maktao

31/7/2025, 4:28:00 PM | 203 20 | View on Bluesky | view

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Our SWT helicopter worked with a KWS ground team to safely guide eight buffalos back into Tsavo East National Park after they wandered near Iviani Primary School . Swift air-to-ground coordination ensured the safety of children and residents whilst protecting the buffalos' wellbeing.

30/7/2025, 9:23:00 PM | 157 16 | View on Bluesky | view

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In a further demonstration of elephant intelligence: adaptation to your situation. Rescued orphan Ashanti lost a portion of her trunk to a poacher’s snare, but she’s refused to let it impede her approach to life - and eating in this case. Cleverly using her feet to push up lucerne into a pile.

30/7/2025, 5:21:00 PM | 211 22 | View on Bluesky | view

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Kapuki is quickly becoming the governor of Ithumba. She and mother Kalama — an orphan we rescued, raised, and rewilded — show up at the stockades most mornings, so they can share sunrise (and lucerne for mum) with their human-elephant family. As you can see, the four-week-old calf holds court!

30/7/2025, 1:01:00 PM | 222 31 | View on Bluesky | view

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Quanza has come such a long way from losing her family to ivory poachers near the Tanzanian border. Now living wild, she chooses to stay close to our Umani Springs herd, enjoying the babies and providing steady influence. Support her story: www.swt.bio/quanza

29/7/2025, 9:00:01 PM | 228 23 | View on Bluesky | view

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Led by matriarch Mutara, this thriving ex-orphan herd knows exactly where to find the best refreshment in Ithumba. There's nothing quite like watching these successful graduates enjoying life in the wild: splashing, socialising, and staying cool together. Meet Mutara at swt.bio/mutara

29/7/2025, 5:08:00 PM | 200 23 | View on Bluesky | view

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Mwinzi is laid-back little bull truly marches to the beat of his own drum. Hard to believe this relaxed character is our ‘drought miracle’ — rescued by a local Maasai community after getting stuck in a drying mud hole in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. Learn more about his journey: swt.bio/mwinzi

29/7/2025, 1:07:00 PM | 195 19 | View on Bluesky | view

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Newborn elephants can stand within 20 minutes of birth. Ex-orphan Kalama's baby girl Kapuki had no trouble at birth, but the sloped surface outside Ithumba stockades presented an amusing challenge! She is the 77th calf born to a rescued orphan.

28/7/2025, 9:03:00 PM | 264 44 | View on Bluesky | view

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Korbessa, our plucky ‘little frog’ and proud ruler of the roost at Kaluku! Rescued as a newborn after falling into a deep well near, she arrived tiny but determined — and immediately made her presence known. Now nearly two years old, Korbessa is growing fast — and still spirited: swt.bio/korbessa

28/7/2025, 5:02:00 PM | 195 21 | View on Bluesky | view

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Clever Kerrio is a girl of many talents — efficiently removing dirt from her snack and repurposing it as a scratcher in one fell swoop! Elephants constantly impress us with their ingenuity. Discover Kerrio’s story, from partially paralysed orphan to a mini matriarch: swt.bio/kerrio

28/7/2025, 1:19:00 PM | 174 14 | View on Bluesky | view

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Busara means ‘wise’ in Swahili — a fitting name for a little elephant who has overcome so much. She was an orphan of Tsavo’s 2022 drought and came to us skeletal, skittish, and shy. To see her today — plump and supremely spoiled — is a testament to what three years of love and care can do!

27/7/2025, 9:43:00 PM | 265 35 | View on Bluesky | view

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Our mission goes far beyond elephants and rhinos. Every animal — from the smallest dik-dik to the tallest giraffe — plays a role in the delicate web of life. That’s why our work spans across species and ecosystems. With your support, we are creating a future where wild species can thrive.

27/7/2025, 5:42:00 PM | 210 32 | View on Bluesky | view

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A lovely moment between Taroha and Pardamat. Taroha, on the left, has always been a model ‘big brother’ and is a wonderful influence on the younger rascal. After all the recent Nursery graduations, Taroha has been elevated to herd elder, but he still doesn’t throw his weight around.

27/7/2025, 12:58:00 PM | 226 31 | View on Bluesky | view

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After helping extract an adult female elephant from a mud hole, our SWT/KWS Mobile Vet Unit aided a snared zebra nearby. The winch snare was cut away with bolt cutters and wounds treated. Both animals recovered well - the elephant walked back to the bush whilst the zebra rejoined her dazzle.

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26/7/2025, 9:43:00 PM | 238 30 | View on Bluesky | view

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Our SWT/KWS Mara Vet Unit treated a buffalo with a penetrating spear wound to the abdomen. The bull disappeared in the morning but miraculously reappeared in the afternoon for treatment. The spear was carefully removed and wounds treated, though the injury remains serious.

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26/7/2025, 6:42:02 PM | 173 20 | View on Bluesky | view

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Listen to this brave girl munching contentedly on leafy greens whilst the birds sing their daily chorus. It's hard to believe this wonderful mini matriarch of our Nursery herd once overcame partial paralysis to become the confident, caring leader she is today. Support Kerrio: swt.bio/kerrio

26/7/2025, 1:16:00 PM | 274 37 | View on Bluesky | view

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Kilulu is our top showoff — even when no one else is watching! The world really is his stage. Kilulu was orphaned in the 2022 drought. He had clearly been struggling some time — he was thin, weak, dehydrated, and looked like he had given up. What a transformation: swt.bio/kilulu

25/7/2025, 9:15:00 PM | 209 37 | View on Bluesky | view

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Let's do the milk maths! 🍼 Nursery babies drink 16 bottles daily (every 3 hours, day and night), whilst older orphans get 6 bottles daily. That's 260,000 bottles annually - over one million pints of milk, all freshly mixed by our Keepers! #MilkBottleMoments

25/7/2025, 5:13:00 PM | 200 30 | View on Bluesky | view

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Our Aerial Unit covers vast wilderness - monitoring wildlife, deterring illegal activity, and responding to emergencies. From supporting anti-poaching teams to delivering urgent veterinary care, our pilots are a lifeline across Tsavo and beyond. Together, we keep watch over Kenya's wild spaces.

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25/7/2025, 1:11:00 PM | 137 24 | View on Bluesky | view

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For Enkesha, life doesn't get any better than this! She's managed to bag Lenny, Sulwe, and Zigi, — the three babies of our Umani Springs herd — all to herself. Enkesha's rescue story and early days with us were fraught: she arrived into our care with her trunk almost severed by a snare!

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24/7/2025, 9:10:00 PM | 238 33 | View on Bluesky | view

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Annually, we grow tens of thousands of indigenous trees in our nurseries, which we plant in deforested regions or gift to communities so that they can reforest their local area. Every sapling we deliver represents a commitment to environmental stewardship. This is conservation from the ground up.

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24/7/2025, 5:09:00 PM | 175 20 | View on Bluesky | view

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Epiya loves an opportunity to grandstand! Her Keepers affectionately call her their ‘feisty girl’ — when her heart-shaped ears go full sail, we know she is about to up the ante and cause a little drama. You can see how much she enjoys creating a stir, a playful elephant is a happy, healthy elephant!

24/7/2025, 1:08:00 PM | 224 31 | View on Bluesky | view

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Nyambeni is alive today because a farmer heard tiny cries from a ditch and made it his mission to save her. She arrived as a 'blanket baby' three years ago and has now ascended the ranks to protective nanny - and this is just the beginning! Be part of her journey: www.swt.bio/nyambeni

23/7/2025, 9:06:00 PM | 211 25 | View on Bluesky | view

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Our Sky Vet initiative treated an injured lion in Sangayaya. Despite multiple wounds to his back leg - likely from buffalo horns during a hunt - vital nerves remained intact. Dr Lawi carefully cleaned and sutured the wounds, administering antibiotics and pain relief. Prognosis is good!

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23/7/2025, 5:02:00 PM | 164 14 | View on Bluesky | view

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There's so much behind this cheeky, trunk-up hello! Rescued in February with grave spear wounds, Chapeyu, a seven-year-old bull, came to us understandably standoffish. The fact that he now approaches Keeper Walter with confidence shows the trust we've patiently built: www.swt.bio/chapeyu

23/7/2025, 1:00:05 PM | 209 26 | View on Bluesky | view

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Max is a double survivor - a critically endangered black rhino who is permanently blind due to a congenital condition. Rescued 18 years ago after being found lost and crying, he now has a forever home as our beloved 'Nursery patriarch.' To learn more visit: swt.bio/maxwell

22/7/2025, 8:58:00 PM | 258 34 | View on Bluesky | view