“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.
Tara McLaughlin
Posted 14 April 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. I am so grateful for all Dame Daphne has done and for what you all will continue to do in her name.
Angela Gourdie
Posted 14 April 2018
Thank you Daphne for all your wonderful work. Thank you for being such an inspiration to us all for fighting and taking care of our fellow beings who we share this planet. Much love and blessings to DS family at this time – what a great loss to us all. Daphne rests knowing her legacy is in good hands and the world is a better place because of her and her family.
Leslie Priggen
Posted 14 April 2018
The world will miss you so much. Thank you mille fois for all you have done.
Viviane Beullens
Posted 14 April 2018
Sad and pain i feel just like an orphan. Daphne was like a second mum to me. My donation is for you to spend on what was closest to Daphne’s heart. All my thoughts are with you. Thank you so much Daphne and her family and loyal team of keepers for showing us what life is all about for the strenght and courage you gave to all of us. We will go on with saving the wildlife. Love.
Annamaria Turati
Posted 14 April 2018
It was my personal dream to meet Dame Daphne and I am very saddened. My thoughts are with all those at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust with her family friends shes touched the lives of.
Ronna M Perrin
Posted 14 April 2018
The stars shine brighter because your mom is in heaven.
Kathryn Gard
Posted 14 April 2018
What an incredible true life HERO!! She has always been one of my most admired people! I am heartbroken that she has passed on. Much love to all of you who are carrying on her legacy of work.
Brigitte Gaschnitz
Posted 14 April 2018
My deepest condolence to the familiy and all members of the nursery! Dame Daphne was an inspiration for me and for many others all over the planet to love and protect elephants and all african wildlife! We will never forget her! May she Rest in peace!
Jane E Ander
Posted 14 April 2018
One of my greatest travel experiences was being in Kenya and visiting the elephant sanctuary. Dame Daphne was a shining example of hope and accomplishment. She serves as an example of what can be done with determination perserverance and love minds. Thanks to everyone for all their work. Sincere sympathy to her family.
Stephanie Murphy
Posted 14 April 2018
Thank you for all the amazing work you do it’s truly inspirational.
Joy Matthews
Posted 14 April 2018
I have been weepy ever since I learned of the passing of this great warrior. Irreplaceable invaluable gentle heart. I hope you all are finding comfort somehow with each other…
Sarah Colberg
Posted 14 April 2018
I wish to send my sincere condolences to everyone at DSWT especially Dame Daphne’s family. She was a true inspiration to us all and her legacy will live on in all the elephants saved and through you all. I hope this contribution will help at this difficult time.
Brian Rose
Posted 14 April 2018
The elephants are crying tonight for the lady that saved so many of them. A lady that put her life ahead of theirs in so doing allowed them to grow from a babies to full grown elephants now having babies of their own. We the fostering parents will miss her her monthly updates. But is time for Daphne Sheldrick to relax join her husband..their work is done. God Bless Them Both.
Judith Mullins
Posted 14 April 2018
My sincere condolences to all your family. Such a wonderful lady. She has left a legacy for us all. I sponsored Sinya for a few years and loved all the news she sent. Elephants are thriving thanks to her and the foundation and the dedication of those wonderful keepers.
Long may you all continue her wonderful work. My glass will be raised this evening. Sleep tight Dame Daphne.
Lynda Smith
Posted 14 April 2018
Such upsetting news but what a wonderful lifetime’s work and legacy. Thinking of both her human and elephant families at this sad time. May her strength continue to inspire and sustain
Toni Pickard
Posted 14 April 2018
This is the first I’ve learned of the work of Daphne Sheldrick and the Wildlife Trust. As a lifelong admirer of elephants in despair at their treatment in our hands and gratitude for the work of those who are trying to save them I offer this small donation in honour of that work. Sincerely Toni Pickard
Joanne Garner
Posted 14 April 2018
I visited the Nairobi orphanage and Tsavo in 2005. Magical expderiences. Thank you so much for your work.
Shirley Broughton
Posted 14 April 2018
A wonderful wonderful woman. Such a sad loss. My love and thoughts are with you all.
Geraldine Hennessy
Posted 14 April 2018
The world has lost a truly wonderful lady. Heaven called her Angel home too soon.
Robyn Messina
Posted 14 April 2018
The Messina family sends our deepest condolences to your family, DSWT and Kenya.