David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust | Nairobi

Information

Landmark: David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
City: Nairobi
Country: Kenya
Continent: Africa

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Nairobi, Kenya, Africa

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is an elephant orphanage located in Nairobi-national-park_nairobi" class="underline">Nairobi National Park, Kenya.

It is a sanctuary for orphaned elephants and other wildlife, providing rehabilitation and eventual reintroduction into the wild.

Visual Characteristics

The orphanage consists of several large, open-air enclosures where young elephants are housed. The enclosures are primarily dirt and mud, designed to mimic their natural environment. Adjacent to the enclosures are feeding stations and mud baths. The surrounding area is characterized by savanna grassland typical of Nairobi National Park.

Location & Access Logistics

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is situated within Nairobi National Park. Access is via Magadi Road (A104). The entrance to the park is approximately 15 kilometers south of Nairobi's city center. Visitors must pay the Nairobi National Park entrance fee. Parking is available at the orphanage site. Public transport options directly to the orphanage are limited; a taxi or pre-arranged transport is recommended from the city center.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Founded in 1977 by Dame Daphne Sheldrick, the trust was established to care for orphaned elephants, primarily those orphaned due to poaching. The ecological origin is the savanna ecosystem of Kenya, with the trust focusing on the conservation of the African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana).

Key Highlights & Activities

Daily public visiting hours are from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. During this hour, visitors can observe the young elephants being fed and playing in a mud bath. Keepers provide commentary on the elephants' individual stories and rehabilitation progress. Adoption programs are available for specific elephants.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available on-site. Limited shaded areas are provided for visitors during the viewing hour. Cell phone signal (4G) is generally available. No food vendors are present within the orphanage viewing area; visitors typically bring their own refreshments or eat before/after the visit.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is during the designated public viewing hour (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM) daily. The dry season, from June to October, offers more predictable weather conditions. The elephants are most active and visible during this feeding and mud bath period.

Facts & Legends

A unique aspect of the trust's work is the development of a milk formula that mimics elephant milk, crucial for the survival of very young orphans. The trust also employs a unique method of hand-raising orphaned rhinos, giraffes, and other animals.