“Daphne was a national treasure and a conservation icon. Her legacy is immeasurable and her passing will reverberate far and wide because the difference she has made for conservation in Kenya is unparalleled.”– Angela Sheldrick, Daphne Sheldrick’s Daughter and CEO of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
In her 83 years with us, Daphne touched countless lives — from generations of elephants who are thriving today through her trailblazing conservation work, to people all over the world who drew inspiration from her. She is testament to the difference that a single person can make, and her legacy lives on as we continue to protect and preserve wildlife in her memory.
Below, we invite you to share your own story of how Daphne touched your life.
Brian Dennis Whitney
Posted 14 April 2018
I wish to offer my heartfelt condolences to your family and the staff Connected SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST, I have watched many television programs showing the life and work that your mother and father did to save orphaned elephants and I believe also orphaned rhinos. I can’t begin to imagine how strenuous and dangerous the work was. But to have raised rehabilitate and then released so many elephants over the years it must have been so rewarding. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who are friends,staff and Family members,may God Bless you all and please continue to work to save the elephant and their environment this I ask you in the name Of Daphne and David SHELLDRICK Let perpetual light shine upon them and may they both Rest in Peace sincerely from my heart
Trevor and Camilla
Posted 14 April 2018
We were so very sorry to hear today of the passing of Dame Daphne. We send our deepest condolences to her family, friends and collaborators. We would like, in her memory, to make a donation, please could you kindly send us details. With the deepest and most sincere sympathy at the loss of a Lady who realty did make a difference
Gail Roberts
Posted 14 April 2018
It is with such sadness that I’ve read in the news this morning of the passing of such a wonderful woman, who devoted her life to animals and especially baby elephants. All those tiny footsteps wouldn’t be without her big ones and her huge heart. I’m so sorry for your loss and I know you will continue her wonderful work. My deepest condolences
Jean Patmore
Posted 14 April 2018
My admiration and wonder at the work Daphne did for elephants will remain with me forever – she was/is truly inspirational. God Bless Daphne and thank you.
Marcy Mendelson
Posted 14 April 2018
To you, the keepers, and your family, friends, and the elephants…
Mark Llewellyn-Jones
Posted 14 April 2018
I was very sad to hear of the passing of Dame Daphne who has been at the forefront of elephant conservation and protection for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Kenya and we were frequent visitors to the Voi site as we often stopped there while travelling from our farm in Solai to Mombasa. My mother was an architect and she designed the Voi Safari Lodge which is nearby and which was one the first of the game lodges concealed into the surrounding terrain.During its construction we were frequently there as we would accompany my mother on her site visits. My wife and I sponsor a baby rhino and a baby elephant in memory of the daughter of dear friends who was tragically killed in a car accident. It is wonderful that Dame Daphne’s work will not just be remembered but will be continued by the next generation and they will continue to play a major part in the preservation of the magnificent African elephant and other orphans. It is a sad event but her work will endure and perhaps the tide will eventually turn against the poachers and corrupt officials who continue to threaten the existence of Africa’s greatest asset – its wildlife. My sympathy and condolences to all her family.
Eunice Farnham
Posted 14 April 2018
It’s very sad to hear of Daphne’s passing.Her dedication to the orphaned baby elephants was admirable.When I first watched a video of her working I was so touched and in tears as she brought comfort to traumatized baby elephants.It made me look at elephants differently.I live near Amboseli national park and there has always been an ongoing war between farmers and elephants.I have been at the recieving end and got angry about it.But learning more about them made me aware why conservation is important and can only hope that a solution will be found.I found myself one night admiring them as they trampled on my cabbages as they were being chased from other farms.I forgot I was supposed to be making some noise to shoo them away.I was busy counting them from my bedroom window and mesmerized,big ones and little ones!I just didn’t care about the cabbages anymore.All I could think of was ain’t we lucky to have these beautiful creatures. Daphne,thank you for caring for our elephants. Rest in peace Mama
Jenny and Pete Hissey
Posted 14 April 2018
Dear Angela. Thinking of you all in this very sad time. Sending hugs and love. Daphne was our neighbour living in tsavo. She and my Mum were good friends. What an amazing legacy she leaves. We will miss our Mums dreadfully. Wishing you all the best
Claudia and Felix Somm
Posted 14 April 2018
We would like to address from the bottom of our hearts our deepest condolences about Daphne’s passing to Angela, Jill and their families. Please let Angela know that we think and feel for her and her family and all the DSWT team. We loved Daphne dearly and admired her for her lifelong work and dedication for the elephants and other wildlife. She was a very special woman and we were honoured to have known her for the last 12 years. Daphne will stay forever in our hearts.
Tabitha Totten
Posted 14 April 2018
Rest Peacefully Dame Daphne. You are much loved and missed.
Barbara Voigt-Röhring
Posted 14 April 2018
There is such a great sadness felt by all of us from “Rettet die Elefanten Afrikas“, especially of course by those who had the privilege to know her personally. I still have tears in my eyes
Lucy Booth
Posted 14 April 2018
I was so very sorry to hear the sad news this morning about Daphne Sheldrick. But what an amazing legacy. I feel privileged to support such a wonderful organisation, even in our small way.
Brian Kearney-Grieve
Posted 14 April 2018
Sincere condolences to Angela and the rest of her family on the sad news of the passing of her mother. I had the real privilege of meeting Daphne very briefly earlier this year and consider it one of the highlights of my life to have had met her. She is a true icon and there is great comfort for all knowing that her legacy will live on through Angela and all involved at DSWT and the organizations that are supported by and partner with DSWT to ensure here vision and work continues. Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy from all at the ESCAPE Foundation.
Linda Foy
Posted 14 April 2018
Daphne will leave behind a legacy. A beautiful compassionate person
Marie-Claire
Posted 14 April 2018
I am very sad to hear the passing of Daphne. I am living in France and I visited seven times Kenya; and the last time with my late husband, we visited the elephants orphanage in Nairobi. I read also books written by Daphne for I admire all what she did for elephants! All my condolences
Libby
Posted 14 April 2018
I just read about Dame Daphne’s passing this morning and wanted to extend my condolences to the entire DSWT family. What an extraordinary life she lived and what a truly inspirational woman ahe was. I am thrilled to be visiting to see first hand her legacy and the team’s incredible work.
Joyce Henderson
Posted 14 April 2018
I was so sad to read of the death of Dame Daphne. I was fortunate enough to meet her at the Nairobi Orphanage and again when she came to London several years ago. She was a truly lovely lady and will be sorely missed. Thanks to her she has saved so many orphaned baby elephants and has made the world aware that these beautiful animal be protected. My sympathy to you all at this very sad time
Cat Stapleton
Posted 14 April 2018
Bless you Dame Daphne, my heart breaks at your passing. All the amazing strength and compassion you showed despite the heartaches you suffered personally in your unwavering endeavours to save the wildlife. The world of wildlife will miss you but you are with Ayesha now. Mother Earth bless Angela and all of DSWT in their future work of rescuing the animals and continuing the great work of Dame Daphne. RIP dear lady. Much love and eternal respect
Brin Jackson
Posted 14 April 2018
Please accept my deepest condolences to family, friends, keepers, everyone who knew this remarkable woman. She will be profoundly missed. With loving and warmth,
Laurie Lewis
Posted 14 April 2018
Hugs to all of you during this tough time. The world is crying inside for the loss of your Mother. She was and always will be carried in the hearts of all of us that hold love in our hearts for all animals. Rest In Peace sweet Daphne