We operate a single website, with regions serving tailored fundraising, giving and shopping content. We use your device’s IP address to find the most appropriate region for you to get the most out of our website. If you would like to switch to another region, for content or currency reasons, you can do so at any time.
Global
Our Global region presents an online merchandise store, and fundraising and giving options, appropriate for people living all over the world.
Our US region presents an online merchandise store, tailored fundraising information, and donation options that are particularly pertinent to people in the United States of America.
Our UK region presents an online merchandise store, tailored fundraising information, and donation options, including Gift Aid, that are specific to people in the United Kingdom.
Our Europe region is best suited to those living in the Eurozone. All amounts for adoptions, donations, and goods in our online shop (orders shipped from UK) are displayed in Euros.
Please note that all adoptions and wishlist items are processed centrally by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, irrespective of region. Switching between regions will remove any items in your basket.
This calf was found alone near the Tsavo East National Park Headquarters at Voi, in May 1993, when about 8 months old. The name “Mpenzi” means “Darling” in Kiswahili. She was very dehydrated and weak, obviously having been without mother’s milk for many weeks. The older orphans were taken to her, and they immediately surrounded her affectionately, and walked her back to the Night Stockades as part of their group. She took to the bottle instantly, having taken her cue from the others, and was instantly fussed over and mothered by Malaika, who ‘adopted” her. When Mpenzi became part of Catherine’s wild herd, and Chuma went off with Taru, as young bulls will, Lissa, felt somewhat “dumped and returned to the Orphans group along with Mpenzi briefly, accompanying the still dependent orphans into the Stockades in the evenings to partake of the cut greens and Copra supplement handed out during dry seasons. Since then, however, Lissa has become independent of our orphaned group, and is sometimes seen with Catherine’s group, and at other times returns to spend time with the orphans, usually accompanied by Mpenzi and her two wild-born calves, the first of which arrived in January 1999 and the next in January 2004. Mpenzi has taken on the role of Nannie to Lissa’s two babies, and is extremely protective of them and even aggressive should humans venture too close for comfort. The birth of Lissa’s second calf which took place near the Orphans’ Stockades, was witnessed by our Keepers from the vantage point of a large rock. During the birth Lissa Mpenzi was in close attendance, along with some 50 very excited wild elephants. Lissa’s first calf is named “Lara” and the second, also a female, has been named “Lali”.
Mpenzi's Story
Adopt Mpenzi for yourself or as a gift.
Important Note: Thank you for considering an adoption. Each orphan needs more than one foster parent: your adoption donation will be processed by the SWT UK and Kenya to help all the orphans in our care.
Adopt Mpenzi for yourself or as a gift.
Important Note: Thank you for considering an adoption. Each orphan needs more than one foster parent: your adoption donation will be processed by the SWT UK and Kenya to help all the orphans in our care.
Our digital adoption programme includes the following:
Personalised adoption certificate.
Monthly email update on your orphan and the project.
Monthly watercolour by Angela Sheldrick.
Access to special content; latest Keepers' Diaries, videos and photos
Give Mpenzi the gift of life by adopting today.
Mpenzi's Calves
Meet Mpenzi's wild born offspring.
Unnamed
Female
Mpenzi's first calf sadly passed away shortly after birth, when she was attacked by a pride of lions.
Asante
Female
Asante is Mwendi's second calf after her first was killed by lions. Her name means `thank you` in Swahili and she is the perfect older sister to Mpia. Read more
Mpia
Female
Arriving at the Voi Stockades at just a few weeks old, little Mpia (meaning `new`) was proudly paraded by her mother Mpenzi who was rescued as an orphan in 1993 at just under a year old. Mpia`s older sibling Asante is always nearby looking after her younger sister. Read more
Latest updates featuring Mpenzi
For Once a Happy Story - Another Baby for Ex Orphan Mpenzi - Mpia