Tucked at the edge of Nairobi National Park, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) — once known as the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust — is one of Kenya’s most extraordinary conservation success stories. This world-renowned sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates, and reintegrates orphaned elephants and rhinos, giving visitors a rare glimpse into the heart of Kenya’s wildlife protection efforts.
For many travelers, watching the playful baby elephants splash in their mud baths is one of the most heartwarming and unforgettable moments of their Kenyan safari.
🌿 A Legacy of Love and Conservation
The story of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust begins with David Sheldrick, the founding warden of Tsavo East National Park, who devoted his life to protecting wildlife from poaching and habitat loss in the 1950s and 60s. Following his passing in 1977, his wife, Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick, established the Trust in his memory — combining her deep understanding of animal husbandry with an unshakable belief that orphaned wild animals could one day return to their natural homes.
Under Daphne’s leadership, the Trust pioneered the world’s most successful orphaned elephant rescue and rehabilitation program. She developed the milk formula and caregiving methods that made it possible for elephants under two years old — once thought impossible to raise in captivity — to survive and eventually rejoin the wild herds of Tsavo. Dr. Daphne Sheldrick passed on in 2018, after which the Trust’s leadership was taken over by her daughter, Angela Sheldrick, who continues to uphold and expand her parents’ conservation legacy.
Today, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust continues this legacy, operating wildlife rescue units, mobile veterinary teams, aerial patrols, and anti-poaching squads across Kenya. Thousands of animals — from elephants and rhinos to giraffes, lions, and antelopes — owe their lives to this organization’s work.
Its mission extends beyond elephant rescue to include:
- Anti-poaching patrols in national parks
- Mobile veterinary units across Kenya
- Habitat preservation and community outreach
- Orphaned wildlife rehabilitation and rewilding
Today, many of the orphaned elephants raised at the Nairobi Nursery are successfully reintegrated into the wild at SWT’s Reintegration Units in Tsavo East and Tsavo West.
📍 Location and Getting There
The Nairobi Nursery, where orphaned elephants begin their rehabilitation journey, is located within Nairobi National Park, just off Langata Road near the KWS Main Gate. It’s about a 30-minute drive from central Nairobi and only 15 minutes from Wilson Airport, making it easy to include in any city itinerary.
Visitors enter through the park’s main gate, show their booking confirmation at the barrier, and follow the signs leading to the nursery. There’s ample parking space near the entrance, and staff are always on hand to guide you.
GPS Coordinates: 
1.37664°S 36.77410°E
Driving Directions: Enter via the KWS Main Gate on Langata Road, show your booking confirmation at the barrier, and follow signs to “David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.”
Ample parking is available outside the nursery area.
⏰ Visiting Hours and Booking
The Nairobi Nursery is open to the public daily from 11:00 AM to 12:00 noon. During this one-hour session, guests watch as young elephants are bottle-fed, play in the mud, and interact with their keepers — a joyful and emotional experience for all ages.
Pre-booking is mandatory. Walk-ins are not accepted, and tickets must be reserved directly with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. To book, email the Trust with your preferred date, number of visitors, and full names. You’ll receive a confirmation email that must be presented on the day of your visit.
Bookings can be made up to three months in advance, and only reservations confirmed directly by the Trust are valid — third-party sites such as Viator or Tripadvisor are not accepted.
💳 Entry Fees
| Visitor Category | Age Group | Nationality / Residency Status | Entry Fee (Minimum Donation) | Payment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | 12 years and above | Non-Resident | US $20 per person | Payable in USD or equivalent KES at day’s rate |
| Adult | 12 years and above | Kenya Resident/Citizens | KES 2,000 per person | Proof of Kenyan citizenship or residency required |
| Child | Under 12 years | Non-Resident | US $5 per child | Payable in USD or equivalent KES at day’s rate |
| Child | Under 12 years | Kenya Resident/Citizens | KES 500 per child | Proof of Kenyan citizenship or residency required |
The entry fee is a minimum donation, and every shilling directly supports the elephants’ care — from milk and medical supplies to the salaries of their dedicated keepers.
🐘 What to Expect During the Visit
1. Feeding Time
- Timing: The public viewing time at the orphanage is from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM daily. Visitors gather around as baby elephants charge into the clearing for their feeding session.
- What to Expect: Watching dozens of baby elephants run toward their keepers for oversized milk bottles is both heartwarming and exhilarating. They guzzle down their milk eagerly, showcasing their playful and affectionate personalities.
- Expert Tip: Arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a good spot, as the area fills up quickly. Standing near the front gives you the best view of the elephants interacting with their keepers.
2. Mud Baths
- Fun Time: After their feeding, the elephants head to the mud pools where they roll and splash around. This playful spectacle helps protect their sensitive skin from sunburn and is a necessary part of their daily routine.
- Photography Tip: Capture the fun moments when the elephants dive into the mud. A camera with a good zoom lens (200mm or higher) is recommended to get the best shots of these lively interactions.
3. Adopt an Elephant Program
- Why Adopt?: For $50 per year, visitors can adopt an orphaned elephant and receive a certificate with a photo and updates on its progress. Adopting also grants you access to a private afternoon viewing session, providing more intimate and exclusive experiences with the baby elephants.
- Expert Insight: Many forum visitors recommend adopting as it offers a unique connection with the orphanage and its mission. The second viewing session in the afternoon is less crowded, giving adopters a chance to interact with the elephants on a deeper level.
4. Meet Maxwell the Rhino
- Beyond Elephants: The orphanage also houses orphaned rhinos. Maxwell, a blind rhino, is one of the sanctuary’s long-term residents. You can visit him in his secure enclosure during your time at the orphanage.
- Expert Tip: Don’t miss visiting Maxwell, as rhinos are rarer to see in the wild, and this up-close encounter offers a unique insight into their care.
A visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a deeply moving experience. At 11:00 AM sharp, a group of tiny elephants rushes into the open clearing, their ears flapping and trunks waving, eager for their mid-morning milk bottles. The keepers narrate each orphan’s story — where it was rescued, how it’s progressing, and its personality within the herd.
Visitors watch the calves drink milk, roll in the mud, and play together, all while learning about Kenya’s conservation challenges and the long process of preparing each elephant to live independently in the wild.
You’ll also find a small souvenir shop selling books, art, and merchandise that supports the Trust’s ongoing work. Photography is allowed (without flash), but touching the elephants is prohibited for their safety.
Tip: Arrive by 10:30 AM to check in comfortably. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and drinking water.
Combining Your Visit with Nairobi National Park
Many visitors choose to combine their visit to the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage with a morning game drive in Nairobi National Park. This park is a rare gem, offering a full wildlife safari experience just minutes from the bustling capital. With a wide array of wildlife, including rhinos, lions, giraffes, and more, a combined visit offers an enriching day of wildlife viewing.
Tips for Combining the Visit:
- Morning Game Drive: Start your day early with a game drive in Nairobi National Park. Most animals are active in the morning, and you’ll have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife.
- Orphanage Visit: After your morning game drive, head to the orphanage for the 11:00 AM feeding session. The orphanage is located near the park, making it a convenient stop.
- Lunch: After your orphanage visit, consider having lunch at one of the nearby restaurants before continuing with your afternoon activities.
You can visit the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Nairobi Nursery as part of our Nairobi Full-Day Tour offered at NairobiPark.org. It’s a perfect combination — the park is home to four of the Big Five (lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino), but it doesn’t have elephants. Seeing the orphaned elephants at the Trust right after your game drive completes the experience beautifully, allowing you to appreciate all of Africa’s iconic species within a single morning.
After the orphanage visit, guests often continue to other nearby attractions such as the Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, or the Nairobi Safari Walk, depending on their chosen itinerary.
💚 Adoption and Fostering Program
If the elephants capture your heart — as they do for most visitors — you can symbolically adopt one through the Trust’s online fostering program.
For a US$50 annual donation, you’ll receive a personalized digital adoption certificate, regular updates and photos, and access to special evening visits reserved for foster parents. This program directly funds your adopted elephant’s milk, food, veterinary care, and daily support.
Many travelers say that adopting an elephant after visiting the nursery turns their experience from a one-hour encounter into a lifelong connection.
🛫 The Broader Work of Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Beyond Nairobi, the Trust operates vast programs across Kenya that protect wildlife on a landscape scale. These include:
- Reintegration Units in Tsavo East and Tsavo West, where orphaned elephants transition back into the wild.
- Mobile Veterinary Units, which provide emergency care to injured animals in collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
- Anti-Poaching Teams, removing snares and deterring illegal activity across more than 4 million acres.
- Aerial Patrols, monitoring vast wilderness areas from above to locate stranded or injured animals.
- Community Outreach Programs, supporting schools, tree-planting, and conservation education in rural communities.
Every visit to the nursery helps sustain these operations, making the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust one of the most impactful conservation organizations in Africa.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The orphanage is open year-round, but the dry months (June–October and January–February) are ideal for comfortable weather and clear photography conditions. Nairobi traffic can be unpredictable, so plan to leave early to arrive before 10:30 AM.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — pre-booking is required, and walk-ins are not permitted.
Can I buy tickets from tour platforms?
No. Only bookings confirmed directly by Sheldrick Wildlife Trust are valid.
How long does the visit last?
Approximately one hour.
Are children allowed?
Yes! The experience is family-friendly and especially magical for kids.
Can I take photos?
Yes, but avoid flash and respect the animals’ space.
Is it accessible for visitors with mobility needs?
Yes. The main viewing area is flat and wheelchair-friendly.
Can I combine the visit with other attractions?
Absolutely — most guests pair it with Nairobi National Park and Giraffe Centre on the same day.
🧭 Responsible Visiting Tips
- Avoid loud noises and sudden movements around the elephants.
- Do not touch or feed the animals.
- Arrive on time — the elephants keep a strict routine!
- Support the Trust ethically through donations or fostering.
🌺 Final Thoughts
A visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is more than just an hour with baby elephants — it’s a glimpse into decades of conservation passion and pioneering work that has changed the fate of Kenya’s wildlife. By visiting or fostering, you become part of a living legacy — one that began with David and Daphne Sheldrick and continues to protect elephants and other wild creatures for generations to come.
The David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, located within the Nairobi National Park, is one of Kenya’s most remarkable wildlife rehabilitation centers. Established in memory of renowned conservationist David Sheldrick, the orphanage is a sanctuary for orphaned elephants and rhinos, primarily rescued due to poaching, drought, or human-wildlife conflict. Visiting this orphanage provides a rare opportunity to witness firsthand the care and dedication involved in raising and reintegrating these vulnerable animals back into the wild.
More FAQs on Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Elephant Orphanage Nairobi)
1. How are orphaned elephants rescued?
Most elephants arrive after being found alone and vulnerable — often due to poaching, drought, or human-wildlife conflict. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s mobile rescue teams, working with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), respond to alerts across the country by air or road, ensuring calves receive immediate veterinary and nutritional care before being flown or driven to the Nairobi Nursery.
2. How long do elephants stay at the Nairobi Nursery?
Calves usually remain at the nursery for 2 to 4 years, depending on their health and readiness for reintegration. Once weaned from milk and emotionally stable, they graduate to one of the Trust’s Reintegration Units in Tsavo East or Tsavo West, where they slowly learn to live wild again.
3. What happens at the Reintegration Units?
At the Reintegration Units — located in places like Voi, Ithumba, and Umani Springs — elephants live in semi-wild conditions. Keepers accompany them on daily bush walks, helping them learn to forage, socialize with wild herds, and adapt to life without human support. Over time, they begin spending nights in the wild until they naturally reintegrate.
4. Do the elephants ever return to visit their keepers?
Yes — and this is one of the most touching parts of the SWT story. Many former orphans return voluntarily to visit their keepers, sometimes years after being released. They often bring their wild-born calves to introduce them — a powerful symbol of the program’s success.
5. What is the average age of elephants when they’re released?
Most elephants are fully independent by around 8 to 10 years old, though some remain connected to the release sites longer, visiting periodically even after joining wild herds.
6. Can I visit the Reintegration Units?
Visits to the Tsavo Reintegration Units are limited to foster parents and conservation partners, by prior arrangement. These sites are located deep in protected wilderness areas and not generally open to casual visitors.
7. How many elephants has the Trust rescued to date?
Since its founding, the Trust has rescued more than 300 orphaned elephants, along with numerous rhinos, giraffes, and other species. Many of these animals now live wild across the Tsavo ecosystem.
8. What do the elephants eat and how are they fed?
Young elephants are bottle-fed a special milk formula every three hours — a recipe developed by Dr. Daphne Sheldrick after years of research. As they grow, they begin browsing on natural vegetation and are gradually weaned off milk.
9. Who are the elephant keepers?
Keepers are highly trained caregivers who act as both guardians and companions to the young elephants. They work in shifts 24 hours a day — even sleeping near the calves at night to provide comfort and security, mimicking a natural herd environment.
10. How can I become a foster parent?
You can foster an elephant online through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s website. With a US$50 annual donation, you’ll receive monthly updates, exclusive videos, and a personalized certificate. Foster parents are also eligible for private evening visits at the Nairobi Nursery.
11. Can I foster multiple elephants?
Yes. Many supporters choose to adopt several orphans or renew their adoptions each year to continue supporting their progress.
12. How is the money from fostering used?
Adoption funds directly support the elephants’ daily needs — including milk formula, veterinary treatment, blankets, and keeper wages. Additional funds help run mobile rescue units, aerial surveillance, and anti-poaching operations.
13. What other wildlife does the Trust rescue besides elephants?
The Trust also rescues rhinos, giraffes, zebras, and occasionally smaller species like antelope and warthogs. Each case is handled according to the animal’s age, species, and rehabilitation needs.
14. How does SWT fight poaching?
SWT operates more than 20 anti-poaching teams across southern Kenya. These units patrol over four million acres, remove wire snares, monitor wildlife corridors, and collaborate with KWS rangers to combat illegal activity.
15. What is the SWT Aerial Unit?
The Aerial Unit uses fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters for patrols, wildlife monitoring, and rapid-response rescues. It’s also crucial in identifying injured animals, tracking poachers, and coordinating with ground teams during emergencies.
16. What is the Mobile Veterinary Unit program?
The Trust runs several Mobile Veterinary Units staffed with veterinarians, drivers, and rangers who provide field treatment for injured or sick wildlife across Kenya’s national parks and conservancies. Since inception, they’ve treated tens of thousands of animals.
17. Does the Trust work with local communities?
Yes. SWT runs education and outreach programs in schools near wildlife areas, supports community water projects, and promotes tree planting. The goal is to encourage coexistence between people and wildlife.
18. Are there any volunteer opportunities?
The Trust does not offer on-site volunteer placements for visitors, as close human interaction could interfere with the elephants’ rehabilitation. However, individuals can support by donating, fostering, or spreading awareness.
19. Are the elephants trained to perform or interact with visitors?
No. The SWT strictly prohibits using wildlife for entertainment. All interactions are designed for education and conservation, not human amusement. The elephants are treated with respect and prepared for eventual release into the wild.
20. Can I hold or feed a baby elephant during my visit?
No — visitors are not allowed direct contact with elephants. This rule ensures their safety and emotional independence, both crucial for successful reintegration.
21. What happens if an elephant can’t be released back to the wild?
In rare cases where an elephant is unable to live independently due to injury, blindness, or trauma, it remains under the Trust’s lifelong care in protected habitats.
22. How does the Trust ensure animal welfare?
Every calf is assigned specific keepers, receives round-the-clock monitoring, and is fed a balanced diet developed by wildlife nutritionists. The Trust also follows internationally recognized welfare protocols, ensuring minimal stress and humane treatment.
23. Has the Trust ever raised rhinos?
Yes. SWT has successfully raised several orphaned rhinos, including Maxwell, a blind black rhino who still lives under care at the Nairobi Nursery, serving as an ambassador for his species.
24. How can I support the Trust without visiting?
You can donate online, foster an elephant, sponsor a ranger unit, or purchase merchandise from SWT’s gift shop or online store. All proceeds fund conservation work directly.
25. Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes. SWT is a registered charity in Kenya, the UK, and the USA, and donations made through official channels are tax-deductible depending on local regulations.
26. What makes the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust unique?
It is the world’s first and most successful elephant orphan rescue program, credited with developing the formula and methods that now guide wildlife rescue globally. Its approach integrates veterinary care, field conservation, and long-term reintegration rather than short-term captivity.
27. Do elephants recognize humans after release?
Yes. Released elephants often recognize their former keepers, even years later. Many return with their calves — proof of long memory and emotional bonds formed during rehabilitation.
28. Has SWT inspired other conservation projects?
Absolutely. The Sheldrick model has become a global reference, inspiring similar elephant and rhino rescue programs across Africa and Asia.
29. Can I stay near the orphanage or in Tsavo?
Visitors can stay in nearby Nairobi lodges such as Karen or Langata areas, or at partner eco-lodges near SWT’s Tsavo Reintegration Units. The Trust occasionally recommends accommodations that align with its conservation ethos.
30. How can I keep updated about SWT’s work?
You can subscribe to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust monthly newsletter, follow their official social media channels, or log in to your foster parent portal for exclusive updates and photos.
31. What’s the difference between the Nairobi Nursery and the Tsavo Units?
The Nairobi Nursery cares for infant elephants dependent on milk and human care. The Tsavo Units house older elephants in natural bush environments, guiding them toward full independence.
32. Are there different SWT locations?
Yes — in addition to the Nairobi Nursery, SWT operates multiple field units: Voi Unit (Tsavo East), Ithumba Unit (northern Tsavo East), and Umani Springs Unit (Kibwezi Forest). Each plays a specific role in the reintegration process.
33. Can I meet Daphne Sheldrick’s family?
While the Sheldrick family no longer personally hosts visitors, Angela Sheldrick, Daphne’s daughter, continues to lead the Trust, ensuring her parents’ vision endures through professional teams on the ground.
34. How can I dedicate a donation or foster in someone’s name?
You can make a gift adoption through the SWT website. The recipient receives a digital adoption certificate and updates about their chosen elephant — a meaningful, eco-conscious gift option.
35. How is the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust funded?
SWT is funded primarily through donations, adoptions, grants, and merchandise sales. It receives no regular government funding and relies on global support to sustain its programs.
36. Can SWT organize private or corporate conservation experiences?
Corporate partners and donors can coordinate tailored conservation visits or support specific projects, such as anti-poaching patrols or veterinary units. Inquiries must be made directly to the SWT headquarters.
37. What are some of the Trust’s biggest achievements?
Rescuing and raising over 300 elephants and 17 rhinos; treating over 30,000 wild animals via Mobile Vet Units; maintaining one of Africa’s largest anti-poaching networks; and reforesting critical habitats through community programs.
38. How does SWT work with KWS?
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust works closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service, providing technical, logistical, and veterinary support. KWS handles law enforcement and wildlife policy, while SWT focuses on rescue, rehabilitation, and community collaboration.
39. Do the elephants recognize their human “mothers” after release?
Yes — some even return to greet them years later, showing extraordinary memory and emotional intelligence. Such reunions are well-documented by SWT field teams.
40. Why is the orphanage located next to Nairobi National Park?
The Nairobi Nursery’s location provides a safe, natural habitat close to wildlife veterinarians and rescue infrastructure, while still allowing easy access for conservation education and visitors.
41. Can I host a fundraiser for SWT?
Yes. Supporters worldwide organize charity runs, school drives, and online fundraisers to support SWT’s work. The Trust can provide guidelines for ethical and transparent fundraising.
42. How can I contact the Trust for specific inquiries?
Use the official contact form on the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust website to reach the Nairobi Nursery, field operations, or donor relations team. Responses are typically received via email within a few days.
43. Does the Trust ever face challenges?
Yes — rising poaching threats, human-wildlife conflict, drought, and limited funding are ongoing challenges. SWT’s work continues to adapt through collaboration, technology, and community engagement.
44. What’s the most emotional part of the program for keepers?
Keepers often describe watching their elephants leave for the wild as bittersweet — both proud and sad — but they see it as the ultimate sign of success when a once-orphaned calf thrives on its own.
45. What can visitors do to help after their visit?
Continue supporting through fostering, spreading awareness, and making sustainable travel choices that reduce pressure on wildlife habitats.
46. How old was Daphne Sheldrick when she founded the Trust?
Dr. Daphne Sheldrick founded the Trust in 1977, drawing on over 25 years of experience managing wildlife alongside her husband David. She was recognized globally for her pioneering work until her passing in 2018, when leadership passed to Angela Sheldrick.
47. Has SWT influenced global conservation policy?
Yes. The Trust’s success with orphan rehabilitation has shaped wildlife rescue guidelines worldwide and inspired greater international collaboration against poaching and habitat loss.
48. What makes elephants so emotionally complex?
Elephants form lifelong social bonds, mourn their dead, and recognize individuals after years apart. SWT’s work has contributed significant behavioral insights into elephant emotion and intelligence.
49. Does SWT engage in habitat restoration?
Yes. In addition to animal rescue, the Trust runs reforestation and water access projects, restoring degraded areas and helping both people and wildlife coexist sustainably.