“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.
sharon pritt
Posted 14 April 2018
A truly inspirational lady. My mother and I were lucky enough to visit the orphanage in 2009 to witness first hand the fabulous work undertaken by the fantastic staff. Will never ever forget touching one little elephants inquisitive trunk as it checked me out and Maxwell the blind Rhino. Once in a lifetime very emotional experiences etched in our memories forever thanks to Daphne. A wonderful legacy to leave countless generations. I pray every day that man will stop destroying this planet. God bless Daphne xxxxxx
Malgorzata Gertner-Foppke
Posted 14 April 2018
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. She will never be forgotten also by elephants.
Wendy Collier
Posted 14 April 2018
God Bless you all for all the hard and important work you do. Keep her memory alive.
Marian Miller
Posted 14 April 2018
Although I never met the wonderful Dame Daphne through media reports I was very aware of her and David’s enormous contribution to the welfare of elephants – and other wild animals in Kenya.
The lady clearly had a unique way with her beloved elephants and has left such a very special and treasured wealth of experience to allow her work to continue.
She deserved every one of the tears I cried when I read of her death this morning.
I’m sure David and many elephant souls will have welcomed her spirit across the Rainbow Bridge.
Rita Shitu Rob Philippa
Posted 14 April 2018
In honour of Dame Daphne and her tireless effort to make the world a better place…..one orphan elephant at a time.
Leith Barker
Posted 14 April 2018
My heart is breaking for all those left behind by the passing of Dame Daphne. Especially for her vast wild family. She will be greatly missed by so many beings all over the earth. And I know that she was greatly and with so much love welcomed into the hereafter by David Aisha Samson Kudup and so many others although with immense gratitude to her not as many as there could have been!. Deep peace to you all at this time.
Izabela Nitka
Posted 14 April 2018
There are never too many great people who make this world better. We’ve just lost one such a wonderful person. My sincere condolence to the Dame D Sheldrick’s family.
Maria Venizelou
Posted 14 April 2018
Please keep going! You have given me hope that there is some light in the future.
Barbara J Merz
Posted 14 April 2018
Thank you for your devotion to the elephants.
Carol
Posted 14 April 2018
Such a terrible loss. My deepest condolences to her family both human and animal. She leaves behind a great legacy and a great example to the rest of the world.
Andrea Tangney
Posted 14 April 2018
My sincere condolences to Dame Daphnes family on their loss. When one reads about the loss of elephants and other animals it is easy to think very poorly of the human species. Dame Daphne was a shining light that reassured there is good in the world and that if we come together good truly can triumph. Her legacy will live on through all the wonderful work the foundation does. Thank you Dame Daphne.
judy Bourhill
Posted 14 April 2018
So sorry for your loss. Dame Daphne was an amazing woman and inspiration. I am so glad her work will continue. God bless you and comfort you all during this time. Judy
Mrs Particia Haines
Posted 14 April 2018
What a wonderful legacy Dame Daphne has left behind.
RIP lovely lady.
Kay Coleman
Posted 14 April 2018
Such a wonderful lady who has made such an amazing contribution to our world. An inspiration for all those who are trying to preserve our planet.
Christina Olaveson
Posted 14 April 2018
Our most sincere condolences. While we never had the pleasure of meeting her in person,we truly appreciated her personal style in the SWT communiques. What an awesome legacy, and responsibility she has created. She and your family are global treasures. Perhaps I will be one of the fortunate to meet you one day in person. Until then, With love, for you, your family’s work, and ‘our’ global herd
Gail Abbo
Posted 14 April 2018
Dear Angela, Please accept my sincere sympathies at the passing of your Mother. As you said, she was one of a kind, a truly incredible lady. I’m so very sorry for your loss. I have a wonderful picture of her nursing a baby rhino. And everyone who sees that picture immediately falls in love. Your family has done so much for Kenya. I know it is a huge responsibility for you to carry on this work. Don’t loose heart, as we are all behind you and wish the Trust to carry on.
Austin Peck
Posted 14 April 2018
Hi Angela- we’ve been thinking about you all quite a lot. I’ve had so many conversations about Daphne in the last week as well- people sharing stories. It is as if a big collective memorial is taking place. It will probably go on like this for a long, long time, in places all over world. Looking at all that old footage again of Daphne really left me with a feeling of wholeness of the life she led. From the sound of her final days, it seems like she also had that frame of mind. I think it’s a feeling we all hope to have when our time comes. We hope to see you when the time is right. Love from the three of us.
Nitesh
Posted 14 April 2018
Hi Angela, Its been awhile since we were in touch. I was sorry to hear that your mother passed away. She was much loved and made a very significant contribution to wildlife conservation. I know that the loss will leave a big hole in your heart but fill it with all the fond memories that you have of her. I hope that you will pick up the reins and continue the good work. Your Facebook posts are excellent and have a significant following !
Louise Gauvin
Posted 14 April 2018
This is to Daphne Sheldick’s family: My sincere deepest sympathy for your lost! Words are so very difficult when a passing of one so loved has passed to another world! She has been in my heart for all that she has contributed in in her lifetime for the welfare of all species of animals thriving in Africa! I admired her extremely! May her beautiful soul rest alongside her late husband David Sheldrick and all those lives she devoted herself to! They are there with her for all eternity! May your strength and love guide you to the beauty of preserving what was so important to Daphne Sheldrick’s heart!
Christina Platou
Posted 14 April 2018
I have had the honour of meeting with Dame Daphne twice and she was always a great hostess. Our society Defend the Elephants Forsvara Elefanterna will go on supporting the wonderful work that she started.
I am in awe of all that Dame Daphne has accomplished.
With love
, Christina Platou