“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.
Annie Bien
Posted 14 April 2018
To Dame Daphne’s family and the Trust. Dame Daphne’s love of wildlife has completely changed how I view nature and those of us living on this planet. She showed us how to be kind and caring to everyone and everything and to be genuine during our time here on Earth. Being in Kenya on our first visit these past few weeks has been an immense blessing though tinged with sadness. With gratitude to her family and the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Eva-Britt Palmgren
Posted 14 April 2018
Dame Daphne Sheldrick:Thank you for everything you taught me and the world about elephants.
You will be deeply missed but always remembered.
Colin Pryce
Posted 14 April 2018
Thank you Dame Daphne for helping to save the wonderful elephants. You are an inspiration to all of to do more to save such special animals. We will miss you but strength to your daughter and team to continue the mission.
Ayumi Shiraishi
Posted 14 April 2018
I truly express my condolences.
For me Dame Daphne is a true beautiful person shining from my heart a person who is proud.
I want to continue protecting wild animals forever with many people’s bonds.
I’ll wish for rest in peace of Dame Daphne sincerely.
Alison Christer
Posted 14 April 2018
A huge life results in a huge loss. The devotion Dame Daphne gave to wildlife conservation was immense and became mirrored by so many to her mission in life and to her at the helm for so many years. Her commitment care empathy and love of elephants has been inspirational and goes beyond expression even though we try to find the words. I wish I had actually met her but nevertheless feel a strong connection with a wonderful lady. My thoughts are with her Kenyan family human and animal.
Patricia Woodward
Posted 14 April 2018
Very sad to read of her passing. What a wonderful legacy to leave of one’s life. God bless
Henri Albert
Posted 14 April 2018
In memory of Dame Daphne Sheldrick with great admiration and appreciation of her work to protect Africa’s magnificent creatures.
Janet Chantler
Posted 14 April 2018
So very sorry to hear this news. What a wonderful legacy she leaves to the world Kenya and her family. The thoughts of thousands of people are with you and her beloved elephants. With much sympathy. Janet Chantler
Catherine Rowley
Posted 14 April 2018
In memory of this incredible woman a shining example to us all in her love and dedication to the animals and the legacy she has left with DSWT. The world is a poorer place. But we are also lucky that Angela and her family are continuing the wonderful work. With sympathies and wishing you all your lovely Carers the vets air crew and all your team strength courage and every success – and as ever all love to the ellies.
Paola and Michael Rostagno-Lasky
Posted 14 April 2018
To Dear Angela and our extended Family of Elephants and Friends at the DSWT
. No words can ease your pain… go ahead and cry we will catch your tears…
We woke up Saturday morning to the very sorrowful announcement of your beloved Mum passing and at sundown we lit a white candle that has being shining its Light and Warmth since…
We have grown so very fond of reading the updates your Mum wrote so genuinely from her heart and we shared the joys and the heartbreaks. I read and read again the last one and so it is that She will always be with us through your words she will live on.
…and perhaps the stars we see up in the sky are rather openings where the love of our Loved Ones can pour onto us…
Peace
. Paola Michael with Barsilinga Mteto and Maisha
Lesley Potter
Posted 14 April 2018
Your work has led to many special moments in our lives while visiting the Nairobi Orphange Ithumba and Umani Springs. The opportunity to meet elephants and see them recover from all manner of terrible events to the extent that they bring their new wild born babies to meet the humans who were so much a part of their lives is just one of your invaluable legacies. Our sincere condolences to all those who loved you. Rest well Jason and Lesley
Diane Kaslow
Posted 14 April 2018
Thank you for all you’ve done to protect the planet’s endangered animals especially the elephants.
Mrs Jennifer Downsborough
Posted 14 April 2018
We have lost a truly inspirational lady. Her legacy lives on in the many babies now being born to her ex-orphans.All thanks to her!
Many condolences to her family and also to all those who have worked so tirelessly with her to protect and nurture these precious animals.
Nancy Nortell
Posted 14 April 2018
What a terrible loss for the elephant community. Sadly I never got to meet her but for those of you who did consider yourselves very lucky! She had a heart bigger than all the elephants she saved. You will be missed terribly. RIP dear lady. You are reunited with your husband and all the elephants who passed on before you. 128546128591128024
Pauline Read
Posted 14 April 2018
As a long time supporter of the lovely Ellies and your lovely charity .my thoughts are with you all for the sad loss of your mother grandma and matriarch of all the wonderful Ellies that have been given a second chance of a fabulous life in the wild . I am sure there will be many more to follow. Thank you for everything you and your deadicated team do for the wild life in Africa . Love and light to you all Pauline x
David G Huff
Posted 14 April 2018
My deepest condolences to the Dame Daphne’s family and the whole DSWT organization. We have lost our Matriarch and are left with a hole in our hearts. May my small donation be part of a flood of support in honor of Dame Daphne’s lifetime of commitment! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Helen Daniels
Posted 14 April 2018
Thank you from bottom of my heart .The world will mourn you for a long time but your legacy will live on forever in your human family and your elephant family The elephants will know you have passed over but their spirits will always be with you to guide you on your next journey.
Catherine Parker
Posted 14 April 2018
I wish on behalf of my family to send our sincere thoughts and love on the passing of Daphne. My late father too greatly respected and admired Daphne’s energy, insight and work with and feelings for vulnerable animals as we do too. Her success and example cannot be matched. Her legacy is her work and creating knowledge and inspriring others in the love and needs of the animals. She lived a most useful and full life. What more could anyone hope for?
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund
Posted 14 April 2018
To the Family of Dame Daphne Sheldrick, We were devastated to hear about the passing of Dame Daphne Sheldrick. Your sorrow is shared by all the world’s conservationists and animal lovers. Dame Daphne was such a champion of all we hold dear on this earth. Please be assured we will continue to reflect on her drive and determination as we devotedly pursue wildlife conservation in the face of constant challenge. Heroes such as Dame Daphne Sheldrick, like our own Dian Fossey, lift us up and give us hope.
Christopher Cowell
Posted 14 April 2018
Dear Sheldrick Trust, I was so saddened to read of the loss of Daphne Sheldrick this morning. As well as the great personal loss you must feel, her absence will be felt across the world among anyone who cared for the fate of elephants and for wildlife in general. I hope that your amazing work will continue in the spirit that she established in such a pioneering and humane way.