Our orphan herd is bigger than ever before. As we look upon our growing family, we can’t help but think about all that the future holds. When an orphaned elephant is rescued, thus begins the journey of a lifetime. Rescuing orphaned elephants is not the work of a few years, but a long-term investment. The time they spend in our care, while formative, is but a brief chapter in a life that spans well over half a century.
As a contributor to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT), I am deeply grateful to the staff and owners for their extraordinary care and attention to not only elephants, my personal favorites, but all wildlife including rhinoceroses, giraffes, lions, and many injured or abandoned wild animals. Special thanks go to Angela Sheldrick and her husband for their unwavering dedication and compassion towards these animals. Their commitment is truly heartwarming, and their knowledge of each of these magnificent creatures is simply remarkable.
Elephants and all wildlife are precious gifts that humanity must cherish. By adopting, donating, and combating climate change, we all have a role to play in their preservation. We must collectively do much more to ensure the survival of these species for our sake and theirs.
On this World Elephant Day, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for being the voices these incredible gentle giants need and deserve. Thank you for fighting for them, for never giving up, even in the most challenging cases like that of Murera. Thank you for being a sanctuary of second chances and hope, qualities we desperately need in this tumultuous world. Elephants are magnificent, magical beings, and I cannot imagine a world without them. Because of the dedication of SWT and many other committed individuals, there is always hope for this incredible species, the ecosystem engineers.
It is a joy to watch the orphans and see the affection they have for their keepers. You diligently watch over them, ensuring they receive enough milk and providing tender grass for the youngest ones. Your love for each animal, even if you have a favorite, is evident. You understand their personalities and know how to integrate each one into the herds. You are truly a blessing, and I am certain many people would agree that it is wonderful to have such dedicated individuals working at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.