David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya

 

iPhone close up! Rob gave me this idea of getting low and shooting dramatically up at the nearby elephant. We were both scolded shortly after and told to 'stand up!'

The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, located in Nairobi, Kenya, is a haven for orphaned elephants and a testament to the dedication of its founders, Daphne Sheldrick and her husband David Sheldrick. Established in 1977, the orphanage has played a crucial role in the conservation and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants, many of whom have lost their mothers to poaching or other human-related activities. The facility is set within Nairobi National Park, providing a natural and secure environment for these majestic creatures.

Dan, Mike, Keli, Rob, and Tracy, all enjoying the show. Kris was off hiding in the shadows somewhere.

One of the unique aspects of the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is its emphasis on hand-rearing orphaned elephants with the goal of ultimately reintegrating them into the wild. The dedicated team of keepers works around the clock to provide the orphans with not only the physical care they need, such as proper nutrition and medical attention, but also the emotional support essential for their well-being. Today we have the opportunity to witness the feeding session, where adorable baby elephants guzzle down milk bottles with enthusiasm, showcasing the heartwarming bond between the caregivers and the orphans.

The baby elephants came charging out of the forest, eager to get their trunks on their milk bottles. The orphange found out that baby formula was the best mix to nourish these orphaned elephants.

The orphanage has also become a center for public education and awareness about the challenges facing elephants in the wild. Through guided tours and interactive programs, visitors gain insights into the complex social structures of elephants, the threats they face, and the importance of conservation efforts. This is what we experienced today. The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring people from around the world to contribute to the protection of these intelligent and endangered animals.

As a living tribute to David Sheldrick's legacy and Daphne Sheldrick's continued dedication, the orphanage has successfully reintegrated many elephants into protected wildlife areas, contributing to the overall conservation of these remarkable creatures. The elphants are released into Tsavo National Park, which we are heading to next! It serves as a reminder of the impact that compassionate individuals can have on the lives of elephants and the broader mission of preserving our planet's diverse and endangered species.

Raha, the baby black rhino was a surprise guest star. He had been attacked attacked by hyena and needed emergency surgeries in order to survive. The keepers covered him in red dirt and water which he seemed to thoroughly enjoy.

Raha the rhino taking a dirt bath.

I was pretty surprised when the first animal to appear was not an elephant, but an orphaned baby black rhino. 'Raha' had been attacked by hyena and needed several surgeries to his backside in order to survive. The head keeper said they will keep him until he is around 3 years old before reintroducing him into the wild.

Little Raha and the first wave of baby elephants.

Sticks were located all around the area, close to where we lined up. This was food for the elephants to snack on after gulping down their milk bottles. They get fed every 3 hours...even through the night!

We had front row seats, which meant extreme closeups with the elephants.

After the briefing and feeding, we were able to donate to the conservation effort by adopting an elephant or Raha.

An overview of the feeding area. There was a watery mud pit in the middle, which some of the elephants chose to play in. They all came charging in from the forest in the background to get their milk and snacks.