“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.
Mary Voskian
Posted 3 May 2018
I learned of Daphne and the DSWT some time in the 1990s when I heard her on the Diane Rehm radio show from Washington, D.C. I was fascinated by everything she said about the work of the Trust. When she talked about adopting an orphaned elephant, I decided to adopt one as a birthday gift for my daughter. We are still the proud adoptees for our growing orphan, and look forward to getting the latest news about her. Thank you for all the trust is doing for these marvelous animals.
Veronica Lutvey
Posted 1 May 2018
Deepest sympathy to Daphne’s family and all the Trust network. I’ve been proud to be a foster parent to four thriving elephants over the past 13 years and their progress to living wild is Daphne’s legacy. What a wonderful life!!
Jennifer Fisher
Posted 1 May 2018
I have been inspired and awed by Daphne Sheldrick’s courage, brilliance and tenacity. Her work has educated me as it has so many others. Thank you is insufficient when one considers the long reach of elephant bloodlines that will extend into the future – due to her work.
An inspiration and a salvation to so many humans and wild creatures – she is the definition of a hero.
My sincere condolences to her family and to all those who worked alongside her at the DSWT.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Fisher
College Teacher
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Lana Merkel
Posted 1 May 2018
“Mama” Daphne and her baby elephants rescued me and inspired me with a new interest in life when I was at a pretty low ebb. She is my “hero”–with all of you a close second. I will never forget her philosophy about grieving, that we must turn the page. Her compassion and love for all creatures continually remind me that there were and are some wonderful people in this world. She will always be in my heart and in my thoughts–especially as I renew my foster-babies year after year.
ADRIAN BLAKELY
Posted 1 May 2018
WHAT A LOVE SHE HAD FOR GOD’S CREATURES! I HAVE FOLLOWED DSWT FOR 5 YEARS VIA YOUR WEBSITE AND VIDEOS AND HAVE BEEN INSPIRED BY HER AND WORKERS AT DSWT.
MY CONDOLENCES TO DAPHNE’S FAMILY. MAY GOD GIVE DAPHNE GREATER JOY AND TIME TO WORK FOR HER ANIMALS IN HEAVEN.
Gerda Klumpers
Posted 30 April 2018
Not only will a beautiful memory of Dame Daphne Sheldrick remain amongst us but she will continue to guide her beloved children and grand-children from above to continue that sacred mission of wildlife protection she has so successfully conducted throughout her lifetime.
Condolence to her family, her colleagues and her animal keepers.
God bless you all – Mrs Gerda Klumpers, France
B. Maurene White
Posted 30 April 2018
What a wonderful life, well and beautifully lived. Many blessings on your way Daphne, and deepest condolences to your family. I hope to have the good fortune to visit your foundation some day. Thank you for devoting your life to such an amazingly beneficial cause.
Virginia McKenna, Will Travers and all at Born Free
Posted 30 April 2018
All people are unique – but Daphne was, perhaps, more unique than most.
Our friend, our mentor, and our champion – with the biggest of hearts.
The world will never be the same, but the world is better for having Daphne walk its soft earth for over 80 years. And the memories we share, from those early days in the 1960’s with Pole Pole the little elephant, to her world-wide celebrity as the elephant mother, endure.
The imprint she has left is indelible. Her voice still calls us to action. Her smile encourages us always – and her compassion for all life will never fade.
With love from us all.
http://www.bornfree.org.uk/news/daphne-sheldrick
jill basten
Posted 30 April 2018
My sincere condolences on the death of this wonderful lady who has done so much to nurture and protect all the orphans and mature elephants.What a wonderful life she had and what an inspiration to all of us who love wild animals but lack the resources to join them in their natural habitat. She will be most sorely missed but I am happy in the knowledge that her good work is carried on by the family and all the much appreciated helpers. Good luck to you all for the future – her memory will linger onin our hearts for many years.
Sandy Juul
Posted 30 April 2018
Dear Angela and family + all working with and for the Sheldrick Trust,
A few weeks have passed since I first learnt of the passing on of Daphne and this was via a message from our driver and guide (Southern Cross Safaris). I’d just returned to Cape Verde from a visit to Kenya accompanied by 4 friends from here. They had become foster parents online and, following our visits to Nairobi Nursery and Voi site for rehab.orphans, they are now dedicated supporters of the DSWT work. Their reports and photos have also added much to interest from this small country – an archipelago off W. Africa.
Daphne’s extraordinary legacy will forever be remembered and continue under your guidance. I was of course deeply saddened by the news but not suddenly shocked because I’d quietly and privately asked Edwin during our visit to the Nursery in late March about Daphne’s well-being after treatments. His reply inferred that it wasn’t looking that good and we both became a bit ‘choked-up’. It’s good to know that dedicated workers and all concerned with the DSWT will continue the work initiated by Daphne Sheldrick. In the words she often used, ” turn a page” as elephants do – but with unforgettable memories.
Crystal
Posted 30 April 2018
May you roam with all the babies on the wide open plains. Gone but never forgotten.
Thank you for the beautiful legacy you left for us.
Corinne
Posted 16 May 2018
Crystal, your message is beautiful and moving to tears.
William Perry
Posted 30 April 2018
Dearest Dame Daphne Sheldrick
I shall always remember your Compassion and Love You have shown Us over the many years! I have been a Foster Parent for years and have learned so much from this Wonderful Organization and Staff ! I will always be a Contributor to DSWT and You shall always be a fond memory and a positive role model for generations of My Family to come! God Bless You Sweet Soul and RIP ☮️❤️🐘
Bruce Jenkins
Posted 29 April 2018
To Daphne’s Family and loved one’s.
Please accept my deepest condolences.
You have known and loved a truely remarkable human being.
May her life and work never be forgotten.
Bruce Jenkins
A member of the South African Jenkins family and Grandson of Daphne’s Father’s brother, Harry.
Now of Guernsey.
Roxy Danckwerts
Posted 29 April 2018
Daphne’s legacy has formed gigantic roots that stretch across continents and oceans … across species, cultures and races. I salute her courage and her tenacity, her care and her compassion, but above all, her commitment to elephant conservation that reverberates across Africa and Asia today. She has inspired so many and her work continues through the hands of many. Breathe now your soul, Daphne. My deepest thoughts for your precious family. With love xxx
Michiel TIerie
Posted 29 April 2018
I’m in tears when I saw this passing. I’m blessed to have met this wonderful women once when I visited the foundation in 2006. My memories will be with her. Stay strong family. You must be proud to have had a dame like here around you. My thoughts are with you.
Michiel
Patricia Amon
Posted 29 April 2018
Daphne has left a deep impression among many including myself. In my eyes, she had the dream job one that is treasured and passed on. We have learned a lot through her and from a distance. I have to say though, that I almost feel like I knew her in many ways. How fortunate are we all to have been a part of such a legacy. We have to continue her work. Thank you, for everything.
In deepest sympathy,
Patricia Amon
CA, U.S.A
Fran Cantelo
Posted 28 April 2018
What wonderful people David and Daphne. A big Thank You to them for all the work that they have done, and what the family continue to do.
I was very sad to hear the news of Daphnes passing. A wonderful
woman.
Corinne Hervé
Posted 28 April 2018
So sad and unfair that such a wonderful lady had to go through such painful moments. Her entire life was dedicated to sparing animals suffering and sorrow.
Her legacy to the world is so important, while a lot of people do harm animals, choosing to ignore their sentience, she just did everything she could to help them, with love and intelligence.
She must be a model for everyone, to help convince people that empathy is the solution for a better world.
My family and I would have been very much honoured to meet Mrs Sheldrick in Ithumba when going there to visit my baby fostered elephant.
All our condolences to Mrs Sheldrick family.
Shirley Ann Hardy
Posted 28 April 2018
It was a truly sad day the 12th April, 2018 to hear of the passing of Daphne.
I hope she didn’t suffer too much with this terrible disease.
I would like to thank her family for the Wonderful Dedication she gave to
the Orphan Elephants, without her many more would have lost their lives.
A truly WONDERFUL PERSON and will be sorely missed. I know Angela and her family will carry on the wonderful work that she has left behind.
(Foster Mum to Sonje)
Maud Lutumba-Mignot
Posted 28 April 2018
Dear Madam Angela,
My sincere condoleance of the death of your Mother.
April 12 th, was the day of my visit to the Orphanage and I fostered the baby Emoli; that showed once again her love to me.
We don’t speak the same language yet the kindness of the heart brings us together.
I am in awe of the dedication you devote to these fragile animals and to such a perfect organization that I have seen.
My small contribution is only a drop of water in the Ocean.
I am thankfull for this moment of happiness spent in the Orphanage.