The David & Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, located in the bustling city of Nairobi, Kenya, is a place that exudes warmth, compassion, and dedication towards the conservation of elephants and rhinos. Founded in 1977 by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick, the orphanage has been a ray of hope for helpless elephants and rhinos separated from their mothers for various reasons such as poaching, human-wildlife conflict, or natural disasters.

 

At the orphanage, these vulnerable animals receive exceptional care from an experienced and compassionate team of caretakers. The staff works tirelessly to ensure that the elephants and rhinos have the nourishment, medical care, and attention they require to thrive. The orphanage also has a nursing unit where the animals receive medical care and treatment.

 

Visitors to the orphanage can witness the exceptional work done by the caretakers as they feed, bathe, and play with the young elephants. The caretakers' love and devotion towards the animals are palpable and testify to the orphanage's mission to provide a haven for these animals.

 

One of the unique things about the David & Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is the milk formula developed by Dr. Sheldrick herself, which has saved the lives of countless orphaned elephants. The formula is a blend of human baby formula, coconut oil, and essential nutrients and is specially formulated to mimic an elephant's mother's milk.

 

In addition to rescuing and rehabilitating elephants and rhinos, the orphanage raises awareness about their plight and the importance of conservation efforts. Visitors can learn about these magnificent animals' challenges in the wild and gain insights into the orphanage's conservation efforts.

 

In summary, the David & Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is a remarkable place where its staff and volunteers' love, care, and commitment are evident in everything they do. The orphanage is a beacon of hope for these vulnerable animals and serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts in protecting these magnificent creatures.

 

- The SWT Nursery is located in Nairobi National Park, where an orphan's journey begins.

- The journey will culminate many years later in their reintegration into the wild.

- Public visits occur every day, except on 25th December, from 11 am to 12 noon.

- Visitors need a confirmed booking to join for an unforgettable hour with the Nursery herd.

- Funds from the visit support the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephants in their care.

- Access to the Nursery is strictly by booking only, and guests are encouraged to reserve their slots early.

- Bookings may be made up to three months before a proposed visit.

- Visitors must pay for all tickets in their confirmed booking, even if fewer people attend on the day.

- To make a booking, contact their Nairobi office via email and supply the necessary details.

- Only booking confirmations issued by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust are valid for entry.

- The minimum donations for entry are different for adults and children, and visitors must pay in cash on the day of the visit.

- KWS now requires that all visitors to the SWT Nairobi Nursery must pay the Nairobi National Park entry fees.

- The public visit takes place strictly between 11 am and 12 noon.

- Visitors should arrive at or before 10:30 am on their booked date to allow ample time to pass through the KWS Magadi Gate.

- Visitors can expect to see the orphaned elephants in their care at the Nairobi Nursery and attend the midday mud bath.

- Visitors will be introduced to each orphan, learn about their stories and personalities, and hear about the Trust's conservation work across Kenya.

- Visitors may not directly feed or interact with the elephants.

- Visitors can adopt an orphan online, but they cannot adopt an orphan in person.

 

- The Nairobi Elephant Orphanage Visiting Program runs daily from 11 am to 12 pm.

- Witness the midday milk feed of the beloved herd of orphaned elephants.

- Learn about the rescue stories and the challenges facing elephants from the keepers.

- Watch the young elephants indulge in their favorite pastime - a refreshing mud bath or a playful frolic in the dust.

- Support the mission to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephants by purchasing tickets.

- Payment can be made in cash or Mpesa on the day of your booking.

- Note that you'll be required to pay for all tickets in your group.

 

Nairobi, Kenya, is a city that boasts a rich variety of wildlife. Among the many attractions in the town is the David & Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. This is a place where you'll find young elephants that have been rescued from different parts of the country. Visiting the orphanage is an opportunity to learn about the elephants and their stories and interact with them in a safe and controlled environment.

 

The David & Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is where you'll witness firsthand the different stages of elephant rehabilitation. From the youngest calves to the more mature ones, you'll be amazed by the unique personalities of each elephant. The elephant handlers and staff are knowledgeable and will provide you with an in-depth understanding of these animals' challenges and the conservation efforts being made to protect them.

 

Watching the elephants being fed is one of the most fascinating things to do at the David & Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. You'll see them as they are given milk bottles and even take photos with them up close. The elephants are very friendly and playful, and you'll be amazed by their size and beauty. The feeding sessions are carefully planned to ensure the elephants receive the proper nutrition and care.

 

Another attraction at the orphanage is the mud bath. This is a unique experience where the elephants play in a mud pool. The mud helps to keep their skin healthy and protects them from the sun. Visitors can participate in the mud bath and apply mud to the elephants' skin. This is a fun activity that both children and adults will enjoy. The elephant handlers will also provide information on the importance of mud bathing to the elephants and their overall well-being.

 

Besides interacting with the elephants, visitors to the David & Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage can also learn about the organization's vital conservation work. The orphanage is dedicated to protecting elephants and other wildlife in Kenya, and visitors can learn about the challenges facing these animals and what they can do to help. You'll be amazed by the dedication and hard work of the staff in ensuring the well-being of the elephants and other wildlife in the country.

 

In conclusion, visiting the David & Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is an unforgettable experience you want to experience. You'll be fascinated by the elephants and their stories, learn about the conservation work done by the organization, and have an opportunity to interact with the elephants in a safe and controlled environment. It's an experience that will stay with you for a long time and leave you with a deep appreciation for these magnificent animals.

 

Visiting the David & Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is a life-changing and heartwarming experience that will leave you in awe. You can take a taxi or tour operator service to reach the orphanage. The orphanage is located within Nairobi National Park, so you must pay the park entrance fee to gain access. Remember that payment is required before the day of arrival, or you will not be granted access.

 

As you arrive at the orphanage, you will be welcomed by the sight of adorable baby elephants running around and playing with each other. The caretakers at the orphanage will give you a tour and share their stories of how they rescue and rehabilitate these magnificent animals. You will learn about their challenges and the immense dedication required to provide these gentle giants with the care they need.

 

It's crucial to note that the orphanage is only open for a few hours in the morning, so plan your visit accordingly. The best time to visit the David & Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage is during the feeding time between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm.

 

During this time, you will witness the baby elephants being fed with milk bottles and playing around in the mud. You will see their playful and curious nature and be amazed by their intelligence and charm. The caretakers are always happy to answer any questions, so don't hesitate to ask and learn more about these beautiful creatures.

 

It's important to remember that the orphanage is a conservation project, and the ultimate goal is to release the elephants back into the wild. Therefore, it's crucial to follow the rules and regulations of the orphanage, such as not touching or getting too close to the animals.

 

You will learn about the challenges faced by the orphaned elephants and the steps taken by the caretakers to ensure their successful rehabilitation. You will be inspired by the caretakers' devotion to these gentle giants and their tireless efforts to give them a second chance at life.

 

Apart from visiting the orphanage, you can support their efforts by adopting an elephant or donating. By doing so, you will contribute to the care and protection of these amazing creatures, ensuring their survival for generations to come.

 

If you plan to visit the David & Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, follow a few simple steps to ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience. Firstly, you must book your visit in advance, which can be done online or through a travel agent.

 

It's essential to note that the orphanage only allows a limited number of visitors each day, so booking in advance is necessary to avoid disappointment and ensure you can witness these majestic creatures.

 

Once you have booked your visit, you need to arrive at the orphanage on time. The orphanage is open to visitors from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm every day except for Christmas Day. You should arrive at least 30 minutes before the opening time to ensure you don't miss the elephants' feeding time. You will have ample time to explore the orphanage and its surroundings and witness the caretakers' incredible work.

 

When you get to the orphanage's entrance, you will need to pay an entry fee, which goes towards the orphanage's efforts to care for and rehabilitate the orphaned elephants. After spending the cost, you will be given a captivating briefing on the orphanage's history and the elephants' stories.

 

You will learn about the challenges faced by the orphaned elephants and the incredible work done by the caretakers to give them a second chance at life. You will leave the orphanage with a renewed appreciation for these fantastic creatures and hope for their future.

 

If you plan to visit the David & Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, you'll be delighted to know plenty of other exciting activities to explore in Kenya. Here are some of the top options to consider:

 

Firstly, a safari in Kenya's national parks is a must-do activity. Nairobi National Park, Maasai Mara, and Amboseli National Park are just a few available options. To make the most of your safari, going on an early morning or late afternoon trip when wildlife is most active is recommended. During the journey, you'll see many animals in their natural habitat, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, and many more.

 

If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, a hot air balloon ride over Maasai Mara is an excellent choice. As you soar over the savannah, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Kenya's stunning landscape. You'll also have the opportunity to see wildlife from a different perspective.

 

The Giraffe Centre is another excellent attraction to combine with your visit to the elephant orphanage. Here, you'll interact with endangered Rothschild's giraffes and learn more about their conservation. Feeding the giraffes is an unforgettable experience you won't miss.

 

For those interested in Kenyan culture and history, the Karen Blixen Museum is a must-visit. The museum is dedicated to the famous Danish author who lived in Kenya for many years and whose book "Out of Africa" was set in the country. The museum offers a glimpse into the life of Karen Blixen and her impact on Kenyan culture.

 

In conclusion, Kenya has plenty of activities to offer visitors, and combining any of these options with a visit to the David & Daphne Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage will make for an unforgettable trip. Whether you're seeking adventure or interested in learning more about Kenya's culture and wildlife, there's something for everyone to enjoy.