SheldrickTrust

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

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

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

We're often asked how orphaned black rhino Raha spends her days, so we decided to create this special video charting her adventures! 🦏 We hope you enjoy it, in the knowledge that it is only with donor support that we can provide the unique care this special little rhino needs. Read more about a day if the life of Raha, who arrived to us in a terrible state having been attacked by predators, at: swt.org/raha #sheldricktrust #rhino #raha #blackrhino #nairobi #kenya #nairobinationalpark #animalsanctuary #wildlife #conservation #animals #animalrescue #dayinthelife #sheldrickwildlifetrust

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

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

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

One month old Zigi is the youngest member of our Umani elephant family and from this demonstration, he wants to be seen as an age-equal. He puts in a great effort, but with age comes balance! Even with all the right moves, things didn’t go quite to plan as Zigi attempted to mount his ‘big brother’ Lenny. Until the next time… Zigi is the latest calf born to our Umani orphan herd. Mothered by Zongoloni, an elephant we rescued as an orphan, raised and rewilded. Read more at: swt.bio/zongoloni #SheldrickTrust #elephants #animals #babyanimals #calf #babyelephant #wildliferescue #wildlife #kenya #nature #africa #balance #tumble #brothers #babyelephants #sheldrickwildlifetrust #umani

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

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

Just your average day out walking... with a rescued giraffe and four baby elephants! Twiggy — the tallest member of our herd — sets her own daily itinerary, but more often than not it involves joining Chamboi the rhino, and then Mwinzi, Toto, Natibu, and Korbessa the elephants, for their respective mud baths, and she'll always find time in her day to socialise with the many other orphans in Kaluku too, such as Mr Bean, Bibi, Bombi and the ostriches. A combination of nosey neighbour and mother goose, read how Twiggy came to need our help, and how you can be a part of her story through an adoption at: swt.bio/twiggy #sheldricktrust #giraffe #kenya #elephants #animals #wildlife #animalsoftiktok #sheldrickwildlifetrust #nature #babyelephant #walk #walking #animalfriends

In Angela Sheldrick's latest Field Notes, enjoy an introduction to a special new addition to our team: Bela. She has four legs, a heart of gold, a keen nose, and a tail that never stops wagging. A bundle of energy who is set to become one of our greatest assets in the fight against wildlife crime. Full story at: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/news #Sheldricktrust #canine #k9 #k9unit #detection #tracking #dog #sheldrickwildlifetrust #antipoaching #protection #security #tsavo #kenya #wildlife #animals #dogs

Sit back and let us fly you into Tsavo — the most beautiful wilderness in the world. A mosaic of dense, misty woodlands in the north and open plains to the south, Tsavo is prime elephant country, but it is also the land of lions, leopards, rhinos, giraffes, buffalos, birds, and butterflies. In today’s world, it is the rarest of gems: a place where wildlife still reigns. With your support, we are working everyday to keep it that way. Learn more: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org #sheldricktrust #tsavo #flown #fly #aerial #eyesinthesky #flight #conservation #wild #wilderness #wildlife #animals #nature #elephants #rhinos #lions #leopards #cineflex #photography #aerialphotography #sheldrickwildlifetrust

Run Lenny, Run! Baby Lenny is fast out of the blocks when he realises the orphan herd is heading for its midday milk feed. Funny thing is, he doesn’t need or get a bottle: Unlike the rescued orphans in Umani, Lenny has his mum by his side — wild-living orphan Lima Lima — and with that, access to milk ‘on demand’! Baby Zigi, the youngest elephant calf — born to wild-living orphan Zongoloni — brings up the rear. Only a month old, he’s doing a great job in trying to keep up with his older ‘brother’ Lenny. Lenny and Zigi are two of 76 calves born to orphaned elephants we’ve rescued, raised, and rewilded. A next generation of elephants alive today thanks to a life saved many years ago. To our supporters, who make our work a reality, we thank you. If you would like to be part of our conservation mission, visit: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/donate #sheldricktrust #elephant #babyelephant #run #Running #babyanimals #animal #nature #wildlife #conservation #swt #sheldrickwildlifetrust #animalsoftiktok #elephants #kenya #africa

Tourists in Tsavo West NP reported an injured giraffe. He needed help, but we faced a challenge: The majority of the SWT/KWS Tsavo Vet Unit was engaged in another operation, so we were working with a skeleton crew. Usually a team of four, in this case, it was on the shoulders of two men - Roan and Kemboi - to safely ground and secure the patient, before reversing the anaesthetic, after he'd been darted by KWS Vet Dr Lawi from our helicopter. [A giraffe's physiology makes full anaesthesia extremely risky, so they are sedated — just long enough to be roped to the ground — then immediately revived for treatment.] Dodging flailing limbs, the team managed to secure the giraffe’s leg to treat his injury. It was badly infected and filled with maggots, which would have eaten away at the wound without intervention. On completing the treatment, Kemboi stepped away from the patient’s head so he could swing to his feet. He will make a full recovery! Read the full story at: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/news #sheldricktrust #giraffe #vet #veterinary #wildlife #kenya #tsavo #wildlifevet #tallest #animalrescue #treatment #helicopter #aerial #animals #sheldrickwildlifetrust

Shepherding a band of wandering bulls off community land and back into a protected area. Yesterday afternoon, KWS received reports of a bachelor herd that had strayed onto community land. Given the high risk of human-elephant conflict, we launched an aerial response — the size and dispersal of the group made it a two-helicopter job. Flying in tandem, our pilots successfully shepherded 17 elephants across the river and back to the safety of Tsavo East National Park. We’re committed to creating a sustainable future for wildlife and the communities who live alongside them. To learn more about our work: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org #coexistence #sheldricktrust #elephants #animals #kenya #elephant #wildlife #tsavo #conservation #helicopter #aerial #hwc #hec #sheldrickwildlifetrust

Power nap complete… with a big stretch a recharged Zigi is ready to resume baby elephant activities: Games with Lenny and Sulwe, milk feeds from mum, Sonje, and general spoiling from nannies Enkesha and Kiasa. This care free existence is not the norm for infant elephants. The rescued orphans in our care are testament to the tough and tragic beginnings that many elephants endure, but with your support, we’re offering second chances to orphaned elephants and a protected wild environment in which they - and any babies they have - can thrive. Learn more: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org #sheldricktrust #elephants #babyelephant #powernap #catnap #animalrescue #wildlife #conservation #animals #kenya #sheldrickwildlifetrust

An elephant's trunk is a wonderful thing! Made up of 40,000 muscles, it's a nose that knows no bounds: Its wearer can use it to smell water from 12 miles away, as a snorkel when swimming, to pick a single leaf from a tree, to lift or move a fallen tree, to collect water to drink, to cuddle loved ones and so, so much more. Mastering such a dextrous tool takes time and Zigi — at only five weeks old — is still very much in the stage of finding her trunk to be simply fascinating! Zigi is one of 76 known wild-born elephant babies — calves mothered by orphans we have rescued, raised, and rewilded. You can read about her mum Zongoloni and our first introduction to her baby bull at: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/orphans/zongoloni #sheldricktrust #elephants #babyelephant #animals #calf #babyanimals #trunk #muscles #elephant #wildlife #kenya #conservation #safari #umani #kibwezi #animalrescue #nature #sheldrickwildlifetrust