“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.
Merrie Wise
Posted 14 April 2018
I am so sorry to hear about Daphne…Her amazing legacy will live on forever. My deepest sympathy to all there. Sending a hug,
Karin Bleeker
Posted 14 April 2018
Good day to you all. However I never met Daphne Sheldrick we share the same interest. Reading her last book filled me with deep respect and silence knowing she is a human with a heart for all who cannot speak for themselves. And how important she was we all know. I am so glad to foster the elephant Naipoki to be a little part of the goodness she brought and the urge in what she has done. Thanks to her life is real for every orphan who had the luck to get raised in Daphne’s orphanage (which I visited last year as a foster parent) Never forget her and with sad feelings
Mary Jane Town
Posted 14 April 2018
My husband and I had the good fortune to visit the Nairobi orphanage in 1999 and briefly met Angela and Dame Sheldrick. Our hearts go out to everyone for their loss. She was a gift to the world and an inspiration. We hope that her legacy will continue to thrive and educate others. With the greatest sympathy
Susie Needle
Posted 14 April 2018
Just heard the tragic news of Daphne’s passing and feel so terribly saddened. I can only imagine the grief being felt by so many: her family, the Keepers, those who worked with her at the Trust, millions of devoted followers from around the world, and of course her beloved elephants. My deepest, heartfelt sympathy to you all.
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.
Carolee Woodcock
Posted 14 April 2018
I just heard the news about Daphne and I wanted to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Very very sad. She was a remarkable woman who touched so many lives. The world has lost a great woman and heaven has received an angel.
Mindy Manna
Posted 14 April 2018
My Name is Mindy and I live in the United States and I have been an avid follower and donator and foster parent to the wildlife trust for several years now and if it wasn’t because of your mother I wouldn’t have learned the things that I have about my favorite animal … the Elephant. I have never heard of or read about such a brave woman to take on the acts that she has in such dangerous situations and areas at times. For that she has been my idle. She was a godsend. A real heroine and a beautiful soul right here on Earth. My heart is broken for you all. She is going to be missed more than words can say. Sincerest condolences to everybody. I am grieving with you today.
Bonnie Koppelman
Posted 14 April 2018
I am beyond devastated with her passing. I am in tears as I write to you. I’ve dreaded this day ever since her diagnosis. Daphne wrote me a wonderful letter after my fundraiser Chocolate for Elephants for the orphanage and I treasure it. I was hoping to get to meet this icon one day. I worry about the orphans too. No one can truly care the way she did without the quest for the limelight and accolades. What an important life Dame Daphne lead. I will miss knowing she is on this planet, living to protect this species we all love so much. My heart goes out to her family including the special keepers who do her work every day. We’ve all suffered a tremendous loss.
Sharon du Croix
Posted 14 April 2018
My deepest condolences to you and your extended family on the passing of your mother, friend, & mentor. It is the most painful loss, and I know that saying, Love & the connection to family (both 2 and 4-legged) is one that remains ALWAYS beyond the veil of this physical existence, brings little comfort at this time of shock and exhaustion. Wishing you care, support, and comfort in the days ahead. My sincerest condolences,
Leslie Fitzgerald
Posted 14 April 2018
How sad I am to learn of the passing of Daphne, as you must be today. Please send my condolences to Angela, Robert and all her family. I count myself one of the lucky to have met Daphne personally with my family in 2013 and during my visit with Bev in 2015. My thoughts are with all of you, and with her beloved orphans.
Ann Roach Coburn
Posted 14 April 2018
And another of our KHS classmates has gone to the big Boma in the Sky. A life well-lived. Condolence’s to Daphne’s family and friends.
LaRae Nelson
Posted 14 April 2018
I’d like to express my heartfelt condolences for Dame Daphne Sheldrick. It was decades ago I first read of DSWT and instantly fell in love with it. I hope with her passing there is continued passion and determination to forge ahead and never let this important work cease. To her family: Your Mum has been an inspiration to thousands, both human and animal. You are blessed to call her Mum.
Elizabeth A. Dietz
Posted 14 April 2018
May God Bless Dame Daphne. My heart, love and prayers with Angela and jill….her family…her friends. She will continue to inspire all of us. With love,
Amy Montminy
Posted 14 April 2018
I heard the sad news and I just wanted to tell you all I’m so very sorry. What a huge loss. Though Heaven has certainly gained an angel, and I’m sure she’s already busy tending to all the animals there….. I send you love and my heartfelt condolences. Kindest regards,
Carolyn Smith
Posted 14 April 2018
RIP dear Dame Daphne. You are Africa’s Francis of Assisi. You saved and cared for so many animals but especially our special elephants that were so cruelly orphaned. You are God’s Angel now and we can only thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all you have done for our wild baby elephants. Condolences to Angie and Daphne’s family. It is a very sad day to lose your precious Mother but stay strong and keep doing her wonderful work. We are all there to support you and we will never forget Dame Daphne Sheldrick.
Carol Petersen
Posted 14 April 2018
Thinking of all of you…. I loved her so very much too…
Cynthia Hubbard
Posted 14 April 2018
I am heartbroken with the news of Daphne, as I imagine you and all who worked so closely with her are. Sending my sympathy to you,
Elvira Paniza and Bill Sullivan
Posted 14 April 2018
Dear Angela and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Daphne’s compassion and love for wildlife will continue not only with you and your team but also with all the people Daphne touched throughout the world.
Phyllis and Chris Johnston
Posted 14 April 2018
Please convey to Angela and the whole Family at DSWT, our deep sadness and sympathy on hearing the terrible news of Daphne’s passing. I exchanged letters with Daphne over the past few years and I enjoyed, so much, hearing her news. I remember how, when I first wrote to Daphne, shocked I was that she replied. Daphne always spoke so lovingly of the whole family, in particular, of Angela – knowing that the work would continue on into the future. I know how devastated she must be, but please, please send her our love and tell her that Mum and Dad will always be looking over her shoulder and with her NOW and ALWAYS!!. With deepest sympathy and love
Jayne Higgins
Posted 14 April 2018
Dear team at DSWT, so very sorry to hear of Dame Daphnes passing. She has left an incredible legacy and I will never forget the joy on my daughters face when we adopted Ajok for her many years ago. May she rest in peace. A remarkable woman