: What is Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

: It is a conservation organization that rescues and rehabilitates orphaned elephants and rhinos in Kenya.

Can visitors interact with the elephants

Visitors can watch feeding sessions but direct contact is limited for conservation reasons.

Do I need to book in advance

Yes, visits are strictly by advance booking only.

In Nairobi, near Nairobi National Park, Kenya.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

A world-renowned elephant orphanage in Nairobi dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned baby elephants and rhinos, offering visitors a chance to learn about conservation and watch feeding sessions.

Conservation experienceThis style focuses on understanding real wildlife protection work in action. Visitors learn how orphaned elephants and other rescued animals are cared for, from rescue operations to rehabilitation and eventual release. It highlights anti-poaching efforts, habitat protection, and the long-term goal of restoring animals back into the wild. It is ideal for travelers who want more than sightseeing—they want to understand how conservation actually works on the ground.Family-friendly wildlife tourThis is a relaxed and safe experience suitable for families, including children. The highlight is watching baby elephants being fed and cared for by their keepers. The environment is calm, structured, and educational, making it easy for younger visitors to engage with wildlife without direct interaction. It introduces conservation in a simple, emotional, and memorable way for all age groups.Educational safari visitThis style is designed for learners, students, and wildlife enthusiasts who want deeper knowledge. It covers elephant behavior, rescue protocols, rehabilitation science, and ecosystem importance. Guides or caretakers often explain how orphaned animals are integrated back into the wild. It is commonly included in school trips, research visits, and conservation training programs.Nairobi day excursionThis is a short, convenient visit that fits into a half-day or full-day Nairobi itinerary. It is often combined with nearby attractions like Nairobi National Park. Visitors can attend scheduled feeding sessions, take photos, and learn about conservation without needing a multi-day safari. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time who still want a meaningful wildlife experience.

Wildlife and highlights

African elephants (orphaned calves)

These are young elephants that have been separated from their mothers at a very early age. This usually happens because of poaching, human–wildlife conflict, drought, or accidental separation during migration.

At Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, each calf is assigned a dedicated human “keeper” who becomes its surrogate family. The calves are bottle-fed special milk formulas every 2–3 hours, especially during the first months when they cannot survive on solid food.

As they grow, they begin to:

Form social bonds with other orphaned elephants Learn natural feeding behaviors (browsing leaves, grasses, bark) Develop herd communication skills like rumbling and trunk interaction

The ultimate goal is rehabilitation back into the wild, usually inside protected areas like national parks where they can integrate with wild elephant herds.

Occasionally rhinos under rehabilitation

Rhinos are rarely rescued compared to elephants, but when they are, it is usually due to poaching injuries, maternal loss, or abandonment.

These rhinos require:

Intensive veterinary care (wound treatment, antibiotics, and monitoring) Secure enclosures due to high poaching risk Constant supervision because young rhinos are highly vulnerable and easily stressed

Unlike elephants, rhinos are more solitary, so their rehabilitation focuses on stability, safety, and gradual rewilding rather than social herd integration.

Other rescued wildlife under care programs

Although elephants are the main focus, the sanctuary occasionally supports other wildlife depending on rescue situations. These may include:

Antelopes or small herbivores injured in road accidents or snares Baby animals abandoned due to habitat disruption Wildlife displaced by human settlement expansion

Each animal goes through a structured process:

Rescue and emergency stabilization Veterinary treatment and nutrition recovery Behavior rehabilitation (reducing human dependency) Release back into protected ecosystems when possible

Best time to visit

Morning visiting hours (best for feeding sessions and interaction) Year-round access, but dry seasons (June–October, January–February) offer easier travel conditions

Travel tips

Book in advance (visitor slots are limited and timed) Arrive early for best viewing experience Bring a camera for feeding sessions Respect conservation rules (no touching animals) Combine visit with Nairobi National Park for a full-day safari experience

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