Wildlife safari tourism is a keystone of the country’s economy, and this was lost overnight when international flights were grounded and our borders were closed to all visitors. To protect our staff and four-legged charges, we likewise made the decision to close our doors to the public back in early March. However, there can be no pause button when it comes to raising elephants, as we feel keenly with over 100 orphans depending on our round-the-clock care. And so, as we grapple with one of the most challenging chapters in our organisation’s history, I must ask you for your support, if you are in a position to give it.

While it is tempting to despair of our present circumstances, one must invest in the future and commit to the bigger picture. And so, our work continues unabated — as it must. While mankind focuses on the pandemic, the wild world forges on and we remain singularly focused on our conservation mission. Our orphans stand as a daily reminder of what is at stake. These elephants have overcome formidable circumstances, navigating trauma and tragedy to be here today. Indeed, we have celebrated many success stories during lockdown: Three orphaned elephants were rescued from certain death and are now flourishing in our care. Another seven graduated from the Nursery to our Reintegration Units, where they will eventually assimilate into Kenya’s wild elephant population.

Rescuing elephants is futile if they do not have a protected place to one day call home. As such, our presence in the field is more vital now than ever before. The pandemic has left millions of Kenyans struggling to make ends meet, which inevitably leads to an increase in poaching and other illegal activities that endanger wildlife.

We are working hard to get ahead of the curve, ramping up patrols and working hand-in-hand with communities to combat these looming threats. Our veterinary teams have been equally busy, providing a lifeline to innocent creatures caught in the crosshairs of human-wildlife conflict and poaching attempts.

Looking back on this year’s events, Daphne’s prophetic words come to mind: “We only have one home, the earth, and we as the dominant species must take care of it.” This is at the core of our mission, and we could not do it without our incredible team. From our elephant keepers to our anti-poaching rangers, pilots to Eco Lodge staff, every member of the SWT family commits themselves wholeheartedly to our shared goal of protecting Kenya’s wildlife and wild spaces.

You are part of this family. Your unwavering support is the foundation of our legacy - and it allows us to make a tangible impact for wildlife, each and every day. This has been a profoundly challenging year for conservation, and now more than ever, we rely on supporters to see us through these difficult times. If you are able, please consider making a donation so we can continue to provide round-the-clock care for our rescued orphans, preserve Kenya’s wild spaces, and protect wildlife in need. Your generosity, now and always, is deeply appreciated and truly vital to our continued conservation successes.

Bless you for your support, in whatever form you can give it. I hope you keep well, and when travel allows, I look forward to welcoming you to our corner of the world.

Gratefully,

Angela Sheldrick
CEO, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust