David Sheldrick Elephant Trust

The most emotional experience in Nairobi — and perhaps in all of Kenya. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust rescues orphaned elephant and rhino calves whose mothers were killed by poaching or conflicts with humans and later reintroduces them into the wild.

Every day between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm, the orphanage opens to visitors. You see the baby elephants taking mud baths, drinking from huge milk bottles, and playing — each animal has its own personality and often a heartbreaking story that the keepers tell.

The little elephants are cared for around the clock — the keepers even sleep next to their charges. Once the elephants are old enough, they are gradually released into Tsavo, where they learn to survive in the wild.

You can adopt an elephant remotely for 50 USD per year and receive monthly updates with photos and stories.