“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.
Laura Savill
Posted 14 April 2018
It is a heavy heart that I read this news she is an icon to the world. I send my condolences to you all family and friends take comfort that she was loved and respected for her work. I send healing prayers to heal you during this sad time.
Janice Harding
Posted 14 April 2018
Deepest condolences to Dame Daphne’s family. She left a wonderful legacy and will never be forgotten.
debra maggs
Posted 14 April 2018
An extraordinary woman who has left an amazing legacy so sorry for your loss
Merrie Wise
Posted 14 April 2018
What an inspiration to so many of us. Her Legacy will live on every day…
LeeAnne MacLeod-Archer
Posted 14 April 2018
Sincere condolences on the passing of a beautiful soul. Her contribution to wildlife esp. elephants was immeasurable.
Amelia Rimington
Posted 14 April 2018
Thank you Daphne for all the work you did to improve the lives of the orphans. You are and will always be my hero. May you rest in peace with all your beloved animals.
Bernadette Kalman
Posted 14 April 2018
I donated a small symbolic amount in recognition of the great works and exceptional life of Dame Daphne Sheldrick. Her sincerely kind words and outstanding accomplishments in the elephant orphanage in Kenya touched my life. I am saddened by her death particularly since it occurred on the day when we observed the 20th anniversary of my own mother’s passing also of breast cancer. She was born just a year earlier as Mrs. Sheldrick. Thus this note is in the memory of both my mother and Daphne Sheldrick.
Elephants are among the loveliest creatures in the animal kingdom. I as a neurologist and molecular genetic researcher greatly admire their exceptional intelligence. I wish you much success in your invaluable works in Kenya.
Joan H Zeidman
Posted 14 April 2018
My deepest condolences. May her memory be a blessing. My visit to Kenya and the DWST has changed my life and my appreciation for the wild animals that this earth has been blessed with. I know you will continue her brilliant legacy with love.
BRIAN OLOF
Posted 14 April 2018
The world will always remember you
L Whittington
Posted 14 April 2018
This is a very great loss for the world and for the elephants and wildlife. I am so sorry to hear of Dame Daphne’s passing. My condolences to her family and to the Wildlife Trust that bears her name. Please continue her work for years to come. Thank you for everything you do. I wish I could help more. L Whittington Austin TX
Jennifer Feraday
Posted 14 April 2018
My deepest condolences. She was one of my heroes. I’m grateful I was able to meet her back in December 2015. I’m sorry for your loss. Godspeed Daphne Sheldrick!
Audrey Gouttebel
Posted 14 April 2018
Thank you Dame Daphne Sheldrick for your dedication to wildlife and for the legacy you leave to us. May you rest in peace with your beloved husband and watch over the orphans in need.
Jane Ellis
Posted 14 April 2018
Daphne Sheldrick was an inspiration to me and many others. I visited the orphanage in 2012 with my daughter and granddaughters and I am very glad I did as I had watched films and read books about her work and I am so thankful she was able to save so many animal lives.
Dianne MacDonald
Posted 14 April 2018
Am very sad for the family and the world of animal lovers. Deepest sympathy to you.
Vibeke Collis
Posted 14 April 2018
Thank you Daphne! We know that Angela will carry the flag!
Mrs Gael Jardine
Posted 14 April 2018
Oh what a SAD SAD day for all the elephants and her family and staff in Kenya. I feel shocked and heartbroken…..as if I knew her personally which I did not. But have been a close watcher of all that she did at her wonderful centre. Thank you Daphne for all your dedication and love of all wildlife and specially elephants and rhinos. I will continue to donate to the Trust regularly. My heartfelt condolences to her family and all who work at the centre. She will be GREATLY missed.
Sara Ford
Posted 14 April 2018
Without knowing her other through all that I’ve read I have felt a deep kinship with you mom. There is such character in her face such indomitable spirit and a kindness that radiates. I am deeply saddened by her passing though I am also certain her spirit will live and inform so many of us and will guard her beloved elephants and rhinos and all others.
Enik337 Kassum
Posted 14 April 2018
May God rest her beautiful soul and give strength and good health to her family to carry on her precious legacy! With much love
Mrs S M Jenkins
Posted 14 April 2018
It’s a very sad day today and my heart goes out to Dame Daphne’s family both human and elephant. However I’m sure her legacy will live on and many more elephant friends will live happy and secure lives because of her.
Helen Munday
Posted 14 April 2018
What a wonderful legacy Dame Daphne has left. Please accept my sincere condolences. May she rest in eternal peace.