In Loving Memory of Dame Daphne Sheldrick

04 June 1934 - 12 April 2018

“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.

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Alison Ellis

Posted 14 April 2018

This beautiful caring lady will be so sorely missed by so many including her beloved animals. However to live on on the lips of those left behind will mean she will never die. Her legacy cannot be bettered. Bless her and her family at this very sad time.

Roberta Score

Posted 14 April 2018

Dame Daphne was a force for good. My heart is heavy. It is because of her efforts that I came to Kenya to work with ANWA to work with animals in Kenya and spent some time at the Sheldrick elephant orphanages in Naroibi and Tasvo. I wish her family well. The world is a much better place becasue of Dame Daphne.

Karen Carter

Posted 14 April 2018

The world has lost a truly amazing woman. A woman who made such a huge difference and is a hero of so many people.
RIP Dame Daphne Sheldrick.
Loving thoughts and sincere condolences to all the family.

Janice Mccrae

Posted 14 April 2018

Dame Daphne was amazing shes reunited with her first baby elephant now.

Shannon McKinney

Posted 14 April 2018

I am sitting in Denver heartbroken and awed by the fact that this amazing woman impacted so many including me around the globe. She made my life better and I never personally knew her. I can only imagine what it must have been like to be her family. You are all my heroes. Thank You

Elibel Minaya

Posted 14 April 2018

So incredibly grateful for Daphne’s work. I’m so thankful for her family and the rest of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust who I know will continue to live out her dream. She was a special gem and she touched people who didn’t even know her.

Jill Potash

Posted 14 April 2018

Dame Daphne your spirit will live on for eternity – you have set a high example for us to follow – and follow we must. Our condolences to your family and the Wildlife Trust family. Simply thank you – Jill and Rick Potash

Saskia Wenge

Posted 14 April 2018

Thank you for all you’ve done Dame Daphne. And to all who continue her legacy keep being awesome!

Angela Musso

Posted 14 April 2018

My deepest sympathies to all of the Sheldrick Family and to all the loving compassionate elephant caregivers and especially to all of our beloved elephant family past and present who have personally been touched by Dame Daphne. I am truly heartbroken today. Rest in the sweetest peace Dame Daphnne my hero!

Bruno Caprara

Posted 14 April 2018

Our deepest condolences to you all for the loss of the beloved Dame Daphne. What she did in her incredible life will never be forgotten. She will be in our hearts forever. Well keep you family and friends in our thoughts. With gratitude and love Bruno Maria e Cristiana.

Heidi G Croot

Posted 14 April 2018

I like to think of the elephant’s trunk as the silver cord that attaches me to Dame Daphne Sheldrick as if I were a member of her family. I consider my love for elephants to be part of her legacy.

Victoria J Doyle

Posted 14 April 2018

Dame Daphne was my greatest hero. May she Rest In Peace Power and Glory. Love to all especially the elephants and other wildlife she loved and saved.

Judith L. Epps

Posted 14 April 2018

With sincere admiration and deepest condolence I thank you in the name of Dame Daphne. I am quite new to the fold and following of the work of the dswt. This donation in Daphne’s memory is my first donation. But it will not be my last.
The work youre doing represents the heights to which I once aspired. To make a difference in the lives of all who walk this earth.
Godspeed to you all.
Sincerely
, Judith L. Epps

Ellen PInsky

Posted 14 April 2018

I wish to express my deepest condolences to Dame Daphne’s family and the members of the Wildlife Trust. She was an amazing woman and I am honored to have at least learned about her. I am so glad that the work she and husband started will be continued by her family and the Trust.

Fiona Thwaites

Posted 14 April 2018

Such a sad loss but what a magnificent legacy of knowledge about care of elephants. Her work continues with the family and all those keepers and volunteers. Thank you so much.

Jacki Abrams Farhood

Posted 14 April 2018

I first learned of DSWT from a Twitter posting and contributed to fostering an elephant immediately. I then read Daphne’s autobiography and was so touched. She is such an inspiration and one of the finest examples of humanity. A life well-lived and well-loved. May she rest in peace.

Gabrielle Kelly

Posted 14 April 2018

The first orphan that I sponsored was called Malaika and Ive since heard that she is now the matriarch of a herd. Your mother made this all possible and I am immensely proud to support you all.
Rest in peace Daphne you are a true inspiration to all.

Debbie L Longest

Posted 14 April 2018

RIP Dame Sheldrick. Thank you for everything you did for the elephants and all other animals. You will be missed. My wish is that you will frolic forever with all the beautiful elephants who went before you. Love and respect to you always. Love Debbie Longest Virginia USA

JAYNE BUNTING

Posted 14 April 2018

My daughter and I are heartbroken to learn of the sad passing away of Daphne. Her and her incredible passion for those animals we will never forgot. She was the brightest star in the darkest sky. All our love and thoughts go to her family and all those working tirelessly for the Foundation. Sleep soundly Daphne and thank you xxx

Patricia A Milligan

Posted 14 April 2018

My deepest condolences for your loss. The world lost a remarkable woman..