Tytan, is starting to find his feet - settling into his new home. Helping him every step of the way is Notty the zebra - who survived a similar heartbreaking past. Now inseparable - drinking their bottles side by side and sleeping in adjacent stables: swt.bio/tytan

Our Ithumba orphans adore wild-born calves, but they also know that they can get away with anything. On this day, Kindani had enough. Subiri did something to offend her, so she got her revenge with a tail pull, a shove, and a kick. Subiri's mum Sunyei and nannies were over in a flash, no harm done.

This brave little black rhino has a heartbreaking story - his mother fatally fell off a cliff, and for two days, the tiny baby gave his rescuers the run round. Now he’s safe at our Nairobi Nursery where he has found the love of a new human family. Discover Tytan’s full rescue story: swt.bio/tytan

In Tsavo, the vibrant red earth takes centre stage – a rich hue that makes its red-tinted elephants stand out from their cousins across the country. Kainuk is a member of this distinctive herd. Orphaned in 2011, she grew up in our care and is now 15 years old and living wild: swt.bio/kainuk

When Lenny was born, our first Umani grandchild, Mwana, was grouchy – she clearly realised she was no longer Umani's 'only child' and begrudged the change. It's taken patience and the birth of two more babies but we're proud to say Mwana has matured into a model 'big sister'. #WildBornBabies

Until Kipekee and Arthi came along, Wamata held the coveted position of baby of the herd. With the arrival of these tiny newcomers, she has stiff competition to get the matriarch’s attention. Perhaps a little posing might do the trick? With those cheeky, playful poses, we dare anyone to resist!

The future of Kenya's wildlife rests with the children growing up alongside it. Our teams visit schools and host field trips, sharing lessons about conservation and the environment. By teaching young students about their wild neighbours, we empower them to become the next Guardians of the Wild.

The Umani orphans know the importance of sunscreen. Some dive headfirst into the mud; others fling the stuff over their bodies with abandon; and a cautious few go slowly into the wallow. The end result is all the same: skin coated in a layer of thick mud, which serves to protect from the sun.

A handshake hello from Kipekee! Kipekee was rescued in June in a near-skeletal state, having been without her mother’s milk for days. This footage, taken last month, shows she’s gained in strength, and her once gaunt cheeks are beginning to look almost chubby: swt.bio/kipekee

Protecting Kenya’s great wilderness areas is a relentless, 24–hour operation. Our 29 Anti–Poaching Teams are the boots on the ground. This vital frontline work is the foundation of our mission to safeguard endangered species and secure the future of the environment.

We live in a fast-paced world where being busy can be seen as a badge of honour. There's no doubt that, behind the scenes, our Nursery is a hive of activity (milk bottles don't mix themselves!) yet the orphans remind us what truly matters: spending time with family, and taking a moment to rest.

Bring the orphans into your lives every day with our 2026 Calendar. So many faces await within - each image featuring orphaned animals in our care. Proceeds from our wall-hanging calendar benefit our conservation projects - meaning every purchase can make a difference for wildlife.

Last month, when Mbegu's semi-independent herd walked away in a different direction, Kenderi tried to follow them. The Keepers called her back – at only six years old and still milk dependent, she's not quite ready for that step. But her eagerness shows she's preparing herself: swt.bio/kenderi

Pardamat and Olomunyak are evenly matched – usually! One morning, Olomunyak approached from behind and gave Pardamat a shove. This invitation to play was not welcomed. Trumpeting, Pardamat turned around and the boys clashed heads in a serious contest of strength before he calmed down quickly.

Mzinga's journey has been one of quiet determination. Rescued as a tiny calf, she has grown into a confident young elephant who provides a gentle welcoming presence to newly rescued orphans arriving at our Nursery. You can support Mzinga's ongoing care: swt.bio/mzinga #FosterFriday

Watching wild herds approach our orphan units reminds us why this work matters. These elephants know Umani Reintegration Unit is a safe haven. They bring their calves, browse peacefully nearby, and sometimes mingle with our orphans – a beautiful testament to the trust we've built in this landscape.

Nannies play a vital role across our elephant units, helping newly rescued orphan elephants feel secure and loved. Their nurturing presence has been instrumental in Kipekee's recovery, which has seen her transform from fragile on the brink of death, to playful, mischievous and full of life.

African wild dogs are critically endangered — fewer than 7,000 remain across all of Africa — and as part of our field work, we closely monitor local populations. Our pilot and SWT/KWS Anti-Poaching Team spotted this pack during an aerial patrol last week.

New baby alert! Yesterday morning, Kilabasi made the pilgrimage home to proudly introduce her new baby - a little girl we’ve named Kanika. Kanika brings the total of calves born to wild living orphans to 79! Read Kilabasi’a story: SWT.bio/kilabasi

A cruel wire snare had tightened around a female zebra’s leg, cutting deep and threatening to sever her hoof. The Mara Unit leapt into action, thoroughly inspecting and treating her injury. Swift treatment has meant she has a brighter future ahead – she should make a good recovery.

These elephants know the waterhole is a safe haven where water flows reliably and humans mean no harm. For our dependent orphans, these visits are invaluable. They observe how wild bulls carry themselves – the deliberate movements, quiet authority, and social cues.

On the evening of 8th March 2022, Mutara and her herd appeared outside, with newborn Mambo. She had clearly given birth earlier that evening and made the choice to spend this moment with Head Keeper Benjamin and the other Keepers who raised her. It was an display of trust and affection.

Arthi's tummy is always set to "food o'clock". He's the first to bellow for milk around feeding time and, after finishing his bottle, he trumpets for seconds. If no leftovers are around to be snaffled up, he'll make the most of the fresh browse on offer in the Park instead. #NewRescue

Since her debut on 1 July 2025, Kalama and her firstborn baby, Kapuki, have been near-daily visitors to our Ithumba Unit, with the first-time mum surrounded by supportive ex-orphans. This is the beauty of our conservation projects, offering holistic and a 365-degree approach to elephant protection.

Meet Korbessa – Kaluku's undisputed 'boss lady' who runs the show and wouldn't have it any other way! She likes to start and end her day in the lead. The Keepers let her out of her stockade first each morning, then she wheels around the compound for the 'bonus bottle' she knows is ready and waiting.

Korbessa, Natibu, Toto, and Mwinzi have mastered the art of the wind-down. Whether it's claiming the best mud wallows, sneaking extra lucerne at breakfast, or simply sprawling in the shade during the heat of the day, these four little elephants know how to enjoy life. #FridayFeeling

This is Pardamat at his best – independent enough to fall behind exploring something, but savvy enough to know when it's time to rejoin the safety of the herd. These bush walks teach essential skills: navigation, awareness, and the confidence to venture out whilst knowing when to stay close.

Rumbles – low-frequency vocalisations that carry for miles, announcing arrivals and reconnections. When ex-orphans return to visit, the dependent herd erupts in a chorus of trumpets and rumbles, a joyful elephant conversation that needs no translation. #ElephantLanguage

No wonder Head Keeper Edwin looks so happy - our 2026 Orphans' Project Calendar features many fuzzy trunks and faces that he knows personally, having shepherded them through their fragile early days at our Nursery.

Kipekee emerged from her mud bath looking rather pleased with herself – until Muridjo and Mzinga decided it was time for a critical lesson: proper dust bath technique. Support Kipekee as she learns the survival skills she needs to reclaim her place in the wild: www.swt.bio/kipekee #NurseryLife

Congratulations are in order: Murera is pregnant again! An elephant’s gestation period is 22 months — the longest of any mammal. Nurturing new life is no small feat, and the surging hormones and changing emotions that comes with it is certainly a roller coaster ride. #MiracleBabies

Did you know that we operate 29 Anti-Poaching Teams in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service, along with a Canine Unit? Through daily foot patrols, aerial missions, and targeted operations, our rangers — and their four-legged teammates, like Abby and Bela here — protect Kenya’s wild spaces.

The morning browse begins with a familiar procession: Mwinzi leads, followed by Natibu, gentle Toto, and finally boss lady Korbessa at the rear. It's a natural hierarchy amongst our Kaluku orphans, teaching essential skills – navigation, foraging, and herd dynamics. #WildlifeWalks

With a roll, a splash and a flop – Lemeki takes mud bathing seriously. Though perhaps not quite as seriously as her new role as mini matriarch! With Mbegu living wild, Lemeki's stepping up as the dependent herd's young leader, keeping everyone in check. These mini matriarchs are born, not made.

Murera's leadership has defined Umani Springs. Despite injuries, she remains the anchor of this remarkable herd, ensuring everyone feels secure. Watch as she allows Lima Lima's son Lenny to nurse from her as if he were her own baby – chosen family at its finest. sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/a...

Last week, our SWT/KWS Mara Mobile Vet Unit helped a female elephant with a wire snare around her ear. She'd been suffering for some time – the trap caused extensive wounds and her left ear had rotted completely. Field treatment has given her the best chance of recovery. sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

Tomboi's story began 23 years ago in Samburu. We rescued the five-day-old calf and named him 'boy without a father' in Samburu. Now living wild for many years, he blends with Tsavo's stately bulls but still remembers the Ithumba family who raised him and visits often: swt.bio/tomboi

Zebra Bombi joined our orphan family after lions killed his mother and he narrowly survived. Gruff was only a few hours old when KWS rangers found him all on his own. It’s unclear why he was abandoned. Now under our care, they receive the same dedicated attention as every other orphan.

Our spoiled baby in blue operates resolutely on her own schedule. Upon leaving her stable in the morning, Kipekee ambles about and then saunters over to a bench for a scratch. All the while, an army of nannies tag team with each other to ensure this beloved infant is never left alone.

Orphans who have overcome the greatest trauma grow into the most nurturing elephants. Lualeni was no exception; she took younger orphans under her wing and, when she went wild in Tsavo, became renowned for ‘kidnapping’ the orphans! This year Lualeni introduced us to her third child, Luki (here)!

Drama unfolded when Zigi realised Lenny had stolen the limelight! In retaliation, Zigi started fighting Lenny – but found his target was very prepared. Lenny defended himself as best as he could, then ran off and hid amongst the nannies so no one could push him again. #WildBornBabies

Stop, pause and smell the roses (or in Twiggy’s case, eat the foliage). There's evidence of her appetite everywhere – that distinctive "Twiggy-height line" where she's methodically picked clean every branch and bush she can reach during these dry months. Adopt Twiggy: www.swt.bio/twiggy

Maxwell may have his grumpy moments, but he's a friendly fellow at heart. Here's a sample of his social calendar: he greets the elephant orphans at his gate each morning. During the day, oxpecker birds perch on his back whilst warthogs, baboons, and monkeys share his snacks.

Since graduating from the Nairobi Nursery, spirited Weka has discovered that Ithumba offers so much more room for mischief and mayhem. From splashing sessions to charging through the water like she owns the place – Weka is making the most of her new environment! Support Weka: swt.bio/weka

Lenny, Mwana, Zigi and Sulwe are the epitome of what we are working towards: elephant families living wild and free. When their mothers were orphaned as infants, our Orphans' Project saved them, raised them and returned them to the wild – where they're now nurturing this new generation.

Arthi gets a definitive spring in his step when he knows milk bottles are waiting! Rescued in August with the sunken cheeks typical of starved calves, he's now on a closely managed diet of browse and bottles. His cheeks are filling out and his belly is getting rounder!

Two months into Nursery life, Arthi is growing in confidence, character, and size. During feeding times, he confidently leads the herd, messily gulps down his bottle, and then demands another! His confidence a positive sign that he has already found his place among our Nursery family: swt.bio/arthi

Lenny has a big appetite! When a Keeper called his name without offering treats, disappointed Lenny turned around and pushed the Keeper backwards with his bottom before marching off in a huff. This social, bold wild-born calf has inherited his mum Lima Lima's personality perfectly. #WildBornBabies

It was a challenging operation: Over the course of five hours, we slowly shepherded the bulls 15 kilometres across heavily populated areas, winding through farms, schools, and homesteads. Patience and persistence paid off — both elephants made it safely back to the National Park.

Natibu is Kaluku's resident timekeeper – he knows when milk bottles are due and races there at top speed! There's just one problem: he rarely beats Korbessa. She always claims pole position, leaving Natibu settling for second place despite his impressive sprint. Adopt Natibu: www.swt.bio/natibu