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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Sean Hensman

Posted 14 April 2018

Dear Angela and all at the DSWT. We are terribly saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Daphne Sheldrick, she was a titan for elephants and her knowledge gleaned from a lifetime living with elephants was legendary. With her formula we were able to raise and nurture many orphaned elephants in Zimbabwe, and for this we will forever be grateful. Or sincere condolences for yours and elephants loss.

Lynn Meier

Posted 14 April 2018

Condolences to a hero I would have loved to have met.  My daughter & I are long time donors & brought me on her 2nd trip to vist the Kenya Shelter last year in February.  We have great love of animals. We read Daphne’s book … A Love Story”. The best book ever. With much appreciation, Daphne is my hero. PEACE.

Anon

Posted 14 April 2018

Dame Daphne Sheldrick was and is an inspiration to us all to protect and cherish these amazing and unique giants and their survival! Thank you and please accept our heartfelt condolences!

Diana Reid

Posted 14 April 2018

So sad to hear of the passing of my top wildlife hero. In the early 1970’s I used to bring dried milk from London for the elephants. I was BOAC crew in those days, before it became British Airways. I think the milk was SMA and was, apparently, the best for the baby elephants and presumably difficult to get in Nairobi at that time. The orphanage was small in those days and I seem to remember the first time I went there was just one elephant, a warthog and one impala, all outside the door of a small single story house, with a young Daphne. She truly was the most successful at rehabilitating animals back to the wild, where they should be. What better legacy is there? I am sure that the DSWT will continue the good work for a long time to come in Angela’s hands. Kindest thoughts

Cheryl Erikson

Posted 14 April 2018

Such a beautiful woman and beautiful family. I am so sorry for the families loss and feel blessed to be part of the foundation for about 10 years and adopting many elephants. Thank you Daphne and David, again I am so sorry for your loss. I will also continue to fight in your name.

Iliana Patricia Herrera Sosa

Posted 14 April 2018

I send Mrs. Daphne’s family and DSWF my love, hugs and prayers, from Huehuetenango, Guatemala. Mrs. Daphne will be always in my heart and in my memory. She has been a shinning star on this earth. She has been an Angel of Light for Elephants and all creatures

Jennifer Jones

Posted 14 April 2018

Thank you and heartfelt sadness but everlasting thankfulness for Dame Daphne.

Debbie Longest

Posted 14 April 2018

I am so very sorry to hear of Daphne Sheldrick passing. It brought tears to my eyes even though I never had the pleasure of meeting her. What a beautiful soul she was and her legacy will surely live on in the foundation. RIP beautiful Daphne. I hope you will frolicking forever with all the elephants who have gone before you.

Lesley Jackson

Posted 14 April 2018

Hello. I just want to say that I am devastated by her loss. She was one of my heroes. A woman I truly admired and respected. I know her work will continue and is in good hands. Many, many people are thinking of the family at this time.

Deborah Kirkland

Posted 14 April 2018

Dear friends I am so sorry for the loss of your mum/boss/friend. Dr Dame Daphne Sheldrick will go down in the pages of history and the human that truly cared for the animals on this earth. I will be making a donation in your mother’s name. Once again I am sorry for your loss.

Andrea Hawkes

Posted 14 April 2018

My heart breaks with this loss. She was such an inspiration.

Laura Hannusch

Posted 14 April 2018

My deepest condolences to Dame Sheldrick’s human and elephant families. She leaves behind an amazing legacy.

Paul MacKenzie

Posted 14 April 2018

Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Daphne was an amazing woman and will be missed.
From the MacKenzie Family

Kim Dunsdon

Posted 14 April 2018

My condolences on your loss of such a wonderful person!!!

Frances Buckler

Posted 14 April 2018

At this time of great sorrow I hope that Dame Daphne’s family and all those who work for the Trust will find some comfort in knowing that a part of her lives on. She lives on in her daughters and grandchildren but she also lives on in the people whose lives she touched and changed forever. I am one of those many thousands upon thousands who were and will continue to be inspired by her. I am sure that a part of her also lives on in all those places where the orphans are – especially in her beloved Ithumba. She saved lives and she changed lives and she gave us hope. She was my hero.

Cherilyn Radbourne

Posted 14 April 2018

My sincere condolences. I just recently read Dame Daphnes wonderful book – she and her family have made and will continue to make a real difference. I hope to visit someday.

Diana Marianne Cochrane

Posted 14 April 2018

Donated to her cause in memory of one of this world’s greatest contributors to conservation especially of elephants

Catherine C Sebastian

Posted 14 April 2018

I am so glad that this work will continue – hopefully forever. We are so sad at her passing. She changed the world.

Alexandra Allman-Van Zee

Posted 14 April 2018

I am heartbroken I never had a chance to meet you or see in person the extraordinary work DSWT does for orphaned elephants rhinos and the myriad wildlife you help every day. It is now more than ever my mission to get there – and to thank your family and caregivers in person for carrying on your beautiful legacy. Rest In Peace dear Daphne. My most heartfelt condolences to all who keenly feel her loss 128148

Josephine Seal

Posted 14 April 2018

My love and sympathy to you all. Daphne was an incredible lady who’s work will live on through all of you with the amazing effort that you all do on her and David’s behalf. The world is definitely a better place for them having been on it.