“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.
Dano aka TUNA
Posted 14 April 2018
I am so saddened of the passing of such a great person ever who I wanted nothing more to meet and thank her for all she does. I’m in tears because I never got to meet this wonderful amazing woman I know we can’t see her but she is there. She gave me a love for animals especially the elephants the baby ones. I will never ever forget Daphne Sheldrick when I see baby elephants or any animals without a mommy. She was a mom to these wonderful amazing baby elephants and rhinos. R.I.P. I will never forget you Daphne. Thank you so much for all you have done. I pray that I get to meet one of your babies. LOVE ALWAYS.
Wendy Harris
Posted 14 April 2018
My heartfelt thanks to the incredible work Dame Daphne and her husband have done for the elephants and their plight against the dreadful poachers. Although we never met I did once correspond with her and told her how wonderful she was. RIP Daphne you are much loved by many.
Prakash Rai
Posted 14 April 2018
Passage of Dr. Dame Daphne Marjorie Sheldrick has left a irreplaceable void in the wildlife conservation. She was a mother of nature. The orphan elephants have lost their mother again. May her soul rest in peace.
Claudia Wessel
Posted 14 April 2018
Dear people at David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, What sad news to hear Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick has passed away, I am so sorry for your loss… She was such a special, compassionate and determined person with a clear goal, to protect and safe such beautiful beings, the elephants. Personally I have been contemplating about a adopting an elephant for a while and I felt now was the right moment, in memory of Dame Sheldrick. It was hard to pick one particular ellie, they all have stories that touch your heart and all deserve to be adopted. I finally decided to narrow the search down to an elephant from the Masai Mara area, as I volunteered in the Naboisho Conservancy in July 2016. And then I found Olsekki, who came from Naboisho! I knew he was the elephant for me. In adopting Olsekki I hope you feel I commemorate Dame Sheldrick and support your fantastic work.
Elephant Freedom Sanctuary
Posted 14 April 2018
Our deepest condolences to the family, keepers, friends and their elephant family. We lost our matriarch here in this world, but she has her place in our hearts forever. She will never be forgotten and forever remain our heroine and inspiration. Our sincere condolences
Vera Kananu
Posted 14 April 2018
So sorry to hear about the sad passing of your mother. My family and I hope that there will be someone to continue the excellent work that your mother was doing with the elephants. I am from Nairobi but left Kenya after the death of my husband. I live in the UK now but always refer to Kenya as home. We used to go to the elephant sanctury on Sundays. It is one place I will never forget. God bless you all at this very sad time. Your dear mother was a very special person and she did some fantastic work with the orphan elephants.
Ann Duggan
Posted 14 April 2018
It is with much regret that I have to send you all my condolences for the passing on of Dame Daphne Sheldrick…. I have been fostering orphaned elephants with you for many years now & I’ve lost count of the number of my “foster babies” who have been nurtured by you & then successfully returned to the wild. You all do a wonderful job in helping animals to survive & continue on their own paths to lead normal happy lives & in many cases to produce their own offspring too. Dame Daphne has left a wonderful legacy for the world .. & although she will be sorely missed I know you will all carry on the work with the dedication & devotion which she has given. Thinking of you all at such a sad time…& “the babies” too of course..
Robin and Pauline
Posted 14 April 2018
Dear family, We were so sorry to hear the sad news of Daphne’s passing . Our deepest and heartfelt condolences to you all. A huge loss to Kenya and the country’s elephant and rhino . She will be greatly missed by all who knew her – and those who didn’t , but were aware of her life long dedication to elephant and rhino orphans. She was a force for conservation . Her memory will live on as a person who has selflessly done so much to conserve Kenya’s wild animals . A sad moment – but at the same time we should reflect on a life well spent – one that we should celebrate at this time . Our love and best wishes to you all
Nancy Fellmann
Posted 14 April 2018
In memory of our founder, Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick. Danke für Ihre Liebe! Mögen Sie in Frieden ruhen! Hochachtungsvoll und unendlich traurig
Gillian Allerton (nee Hucks)
Posted 14 April 2018
Deepest sympathy from the relatives of the late Phil ,and Mavis Hucks with grateful thanks for all Daph and David did for them
Ingrid de Baintner
Posted 14 April 2018
may you rest in peace…angel for elephants the planet was made a better place because of your fleeting presence! RIP
Rebecca Hodge
Posted 14 April 2018
In memoriam Daphne Sheldrick. When the essence of nature was degraded, You created Mother’s milk. When the ability to feel free was oppressed, You sheltered consciousness. Now, when we read your books, something crystallizes in us, A slow realization of truth, One sacred idea, Above all, do all things with love. Stay in our hearts forever.
Jean McKay
Posted 14 April 2018
It is with a heavy heart I write this email. Dame Daphne and my Grandparents Mavis snd Phil Hucks worked together in Kenya and Daphne was central to my Grandpa being buried in Tsavo. She has been such an inspiration to so many and will be greatly missed, hopefully the great work her organisation does will carry on in her name. To the family , you should be so proud of Dame Daphne and all she has done , she really was a gift from the angels.
Cynthia Cornelius
Posted 14 April 2018
To her family and all at the Wildlife Trust – I am so sorry to hear of her passing, but I join you and the entire world not just in mourning but also in celebrating her magnificent achievements in a wonderful life well-lived. She has long been an inspiration to me, and I am so grateful for all the work she did saving elephants and telling their story to the world.
Patricia Babo
Posted 14 April 2018
Oh God. Every animal, in every forest, field, home or shelter, belongs to you, and is under your loving care. May your blessing be upon them and all the kind people that try to keep them safe from all harm. Amen. Don’t you worry dear Daphne, we will take care of your animals, all of them. Be in peace.
Helene Feely
Posted 14 April 2018
My heartfelt condolences to the family at the loss of such a wonderful person and role model to the world. My sister and visited the Elephant orphanage in Nairobi in 2016…..how touching it was to see this work being done. I never knew how much care the young elephants needed to be able to survive their trauma until I heard the the caretakers describe the personal work that is required. It was a revelation to me about your Mothers work and I will never forget my experiences that day. I do hope I can return again soon.
Carole & Ershun Lee
Posted 14 April 2018
We would like to offer our condolences to Angela and all the staff, Dame Daphne was a truly remarkable and inspiring person, and she leaves behind a legacy that will continue to honor her, to remember all that she achieved, and to carry on her work. She was such a special lady, the world is a poorer place for her loss. We had the good fortune to meet Daphne on one of our visits to the orphanage in 2004. At the time, our president, George Bush, was considering allowing trophy hunters to kill endangered antelopes in our country and Daphne gave me some ideas on what to say when writing a letter to protest this. We also talked about all the precious babies in the orphanage, including our adopted Burra. Below is a photo of me with Daphne. Best wishes to Angela, thanks for carrying on your mum’s work! I have kept copies of some of your watercolors of the beautiful elephant babies. Blessings to you all
Christelle Gardin
Posted 14 April 2018
Merci du fond du coeur pour tout l’Amour que vous avez toujours donne a tous nos animaux. C’est aussi en pensant a vous que je continuerai a les aimer et m’efforcerai de les proteger tout le reste de ma vie … Mes pensees vous accompagnent Chere Madame…
Heather Young
Posted 14 April 2018
I’m so sorry to read of the passing of Dame Daphne. I’ve followed her for a lot of years now and she has always been such an inspiration. I have a number of her books which have brought such joy to learn about her work. She was such a humble and generous person and the world is a sadder place without her. I’ve always adored elephants. They are such noble, gentle and intelligent animals. I’ve always thought that human parents could learn a lot by watching elephants. Best of all, is what she leaves behind and the elephants and other animals that have been rescued and made safe because of her. Please pass my sincere condolences to Dame Daphne’s family and her staff. I’m so sorry for your loss.
James Bushong
Posted 14 April 2018
Amazing example of standing up for things that cannot always standup for themselves without the help of compassionate and dedicated people like Dame Daphne. Her inspirational legacy shows how worthwhile her work and life were a role model for all of us.