“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.
Cat Stapleton
Posted 14 April 2018
Words cannot express how your passing is affecting me, my heart is breaking. Mother Earth shall miss your compassion and unwavering commitment to saving wildlife and showing the world how to care for Her babies and creation. I light a candle to you tonight and hope you are able to find peace reunited with your loving husband and your Ayesha and other wild friends. Bless you and may your spirit help pass to Angela and your dedicated carers that your life inspired with your love and understanding. May your work continue and go from strength to strength. You are an example to us all. Peace and eternity
Jill Willis
Posted 14 April 2018
Although I never met her, I have followed her adventures on FB! Rest is peace. .. Your legacy will love on
Virginia Ruffulo
Posted 14 April 2018
I want to say that although I have been to Eastern and Southern Africa many times, my brief visit to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was one of my strongest memories. I followed it up with research into it’s founding and was so inspired. So happy that in times of grief we can also celebrate. Sincerely,
Cherry Clark
Posted 14 April 2018
Such an inspirational woman, who achieved what most of us can only dream of doing. The planet has been blessed by he presence among us.
Peggy Turbett
Posted 14 April 2018
Dear Angela Sheldrick, and the staff and family at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. I had the great honor to interview Dame Daphne Sheldrick at the elephant orphanage in Kenya in January 2013 and to see the wonders of her lifelong work championing the elephants and all life. The subsequent article and photos appeared in The Cleveland Plain Dealer This is from our interview: “When you work with the elephants and you raise them, and you understand them, you have a new humility and respect,” she said. “They are just like us, but they’re better than us. They can teach us a lot about caring. You know, how they all care for the younger ones even in the nursery here. When they themselves are just babies of 2, they’ll be looking after the smaller one. “And how amazingly they grieve their dead,” Sheldrick continued. “And yet they have the courage to turn the page and get on with life. There are lots of things elephants can teach us humans.” Thank you, Dame Daphne Sheldrick, and thank you Angela Sheldrick and all at The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust who continue the legacy.
Luke Mulford
Posted 14 April 2018
Thank you for all your hard work and efforts in protecting the animals that we all love so much.
Inspired by watching a TV documentary on the DSWT in particular the elephants me my fiance and younger brother all signed up for the great elephant run in London a couple of years ago.
May the DSWT continue their good work in Daphnes memory.
We hope to visit Kenya and in particular the DWST in the future.
Sylvia Henrie
Posted 14 April 2018
It is with deep sorrow that, we have learnt about the demise of MAMA Daphne. The entire Galdessa camp staff and I would like to convey our sincere heartfelt condolences to you and your family for the loss of your beloved mother. May Almighty God rest her soul in eternal peace.
Brian and Gigi
Posted 14 April 2018
Angela, thank you for the comforting email regarding the passing of Daphne. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Daphne showed us all how to live a life that makes a difference, and she will always be remembered.
Pete Ross
Posted 14 April 2018
I was really sorry to hear about Daphne’s passing. She was a really great lady.
Susan Burnight Mason
Posted 14 April 2018
To the Sheldrick Family, In grateful appreciation for a life well lived, an example to us all, and an enduring, priceless gift to the Elephants of Africa & our world. I had the pleasure of reading Dame Daphne’s book while on safari in Tanzania. Reading about her life & adventures made my sightseeing trip so much richer & memorable. Thank you for continuing her amazing work and legacy. (PS – we participated in the Enormous Elephant Run/Walk 5K in Los Angeles last month – too much fun. Thanks for bringing it to the west coast.) My sincere sympathy & condolences.
Karen and the hippos
Posted 14 April 2018
The elephants will know that their human matriarch has moved on and they will share our sorry and pain at her departure. She leaves behind her her family of humans and elephants that will continue to have a future that would never have happened without her. She is now with her beloved David and will watch down on all to be sure that her wishes are forever followed for the sake of the animals. Love to all that have loved her and lost her
Christian N. Haberl
Posted 14 April 2018
Dear family of Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick,
Dear members of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust,
I feel with you and mourn the late Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick. She was a hero and an unequaled example! Her death is a terrible loss. But we will never forget her! I am convinced that she has passed on her ideals and beliefs to her family and the Trust. And that you will continue to follow them. She was really a great matriarch.
Elena Ferrero
Posted 14 April 2018
Dear Mrs. Angela, Dear Sheldrick Team I thought about Mrs. Daphne a lot during the past months. Last autumn you give me the information about Pengo Life Project here in Italy…After contacting Mr. Aldo I proposed him to organize a public event to raise awareness on elephants and Sheldrick activities, the first one in my area (Alba) and tomorrow evening it will take place: a lovely photo exhibition… Now everything sounds strange… We will transmit her passions and values, her strong determination… It will be a great honor. My most heartfelt condolence,
Karen Brown
Posted 14 April 2018
I came to the Sheldrick trust late but I love elephants and wildlife as she did my huge condolences go out to her to her family and her legacy, long may it continue.
Diane Krieger
Posted 14 April 2018
I am so sorry and heartbroken, so deeply moved by the difference this magnificent women made to this world, at such an extremely critical time. Few people have made such a positive difference in the world and gratefully, YES, her work will go on. May the human species wake up and become grow to exhibit the kind heart she so beautifully radiated. She will be so greatly missed. I pray that she constantly watches over us all and may reincarnation be real. We need more people like Dame Daphne on this planet. I regret never meeting her in person, but she will always mean so much to me and to all of the beings in this life she has touched. Fly free. Great LOVE to this beautiful soul. At the passing of my father, who was a Zoologist/Biologist and who passed on his love of wildlife to my brother and myself, I can certainly relate to the love of wildlife that Dame Daphne lived for. There was an old book from the 40’s about Elephants in my fathers collection. It showed massive herds of Ele’s that use to roam Africa and then it went on to speak of poaching. It was heartbreaking to read about and overwhelming to know it has continued all this time, reducing those massive herds to current reality. No one has made more difference to saving the species than Dame Daphne. She will be so sorely missed, but all of us must take up the cause and honor the wild. Peace upon you and upon this earth.
Richard and Teresa DaSilva
Posted 14 April 2018
To all who loved Daphne Sheldrick. I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort and peace in each other. She lived a wonderful life. One hundred years from now there is every reason to believe that the work she did will make a significant difference to this world. What she did is uncommon and a gift for all of us. Thank you for continuing her legacy.
Marty Perlmutter
Posted 14 April 2018
As Dame Sheldrick knew, we two-leggeds lack both the compassion and depth of memory to resonate properly to the passing of this giant. But as she also knew, in our better natures we mirror the goodness of those she fought to protect. Inspired and led by her, and the potent organization she helped build, the work of salvation and preservation will go on and on. Long after all of us are gone, there will be creatures who walk the savanna who’d not be there but for the heart, soul and work of this fine woman. I dedicated four years of efforts to stopping Chinese consumers from buying blood ivory because of what I learned from the Sheldrick Trust. I will spend the rest of my days in similar pursuits, carrying the memory of Daphne Sheldrick with me. With blessings beyond words to express, I join you in mourning,
Cindy and Charles Beach
Posted 14 April 2018
We are absolutely heartbroken to have just learned of Daphne’s passing while here in Kenya and in the Chuylu Hills so close to her home in Tsavo. Words cannot express our deepest sympathies to you and her family. Please , please pass on our condolences to her family and the keepers and you. I know we are only the very smallest part of her worldwide followers but we met her in person in 2015 and spent about 30 minutes with her and Angela and it was one of the greatest moments in our life. All our best and sympathies
Gerri Hennessy
Posted 14 April 2018
Heaven has called an angel home. She will be missed in all corners of the world. I have always wanted to visit, I am so sorry it will be after she has gone. Love to all the her family. xx
Sali Weiss
Posted 14 April 2018
With heavy heart I write this note to pay my deepest respects to the family and friends of Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick. I am deeply saddened by her passing, as I have spent many years following and supporting her amazing work. Even though we never met, I recognize and deeply admire Dame Daphne’s work, dedication and strength in doing something most of us could never accomplish. She will be missed by all, but mainly the elephants and other wildlife who owe their very existence to her steadfast work. May you all know that there are others who grieve with you and will always deeply respect a woman who was truly one of a kind.