“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.
Amanda Powell
Posted 14 April 2018
Hello, Elephant Heroes – I’m so sorry to hear about Dame Daphne’s passing. What a wonderful impact she had on this world. My thoughts are with her closest. Thank you for all that you do for wildlife – I’m so grateful they have you on their side.
Eunice Farnham
Posted 14 April 2018
To the family and friends of the Sheldrick family. I would like to offer my condolences to all. I have watched the wonders your mother performed, only through documentaries. Her efforts and struggles, her love and devotion to such vulnerable and intelligent beings. This world has lost a very special individual. I am in Canada, and wish many times l could have seen with my own eyes, the orphanage, and to have possibly met your mother. I am so sorry for her passing, and hope you find solace In her great love and heartfelt efforts, the results of which, you will continue to see. With sincere respect and empathy at this time.
Jutta E. Herrick
Posted 14 April 2018
It was saddening to hear of Dame Daphne Sheldrick’s passing and I send my warm sympathy to Angela, the Family, and the DSWT Team. She will never be forgotten and her accomplishments will live on. I have enjoyed her monthly reports on the orphanage and the reintegration units. At this time I will read her book “Love, Life, and Elephants – An African Love Story” again in memory of her remarkable life. In thoughts and prayers with you
Sue Schofield
Posted 14 April 2018
Lina, I have met you on my visits to the Orphanage in past years and cannot think what you – and everyone there – must be feeling at this time. I’m sure all the elies know of her passing too. I am bereft to hear this news…and tears are flowing….I am just one of the worldwide network of millions of people who love elies and thank Daphne (and all helpers in Kenya) so very much for saving so many of these precious souls who have a change again to live wild and free, as they should. We all love her for being able to do what we cannot…and love Daphne for her passion, care and love for all things wild. Long may her legacy continue under Angela’s good guidance until not one precious elie is under threat. Daphne is a conservation legend and will not be forgotten. She can now rest in peace, safe in the knowledge that millions love her and support her fight to protect Kenya’s wildlife. Ever in my thoughts….
F.M. Wimborne
Posted 14 April 2018
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Dame Daphne Sheldrick. May her memory be a blessing. I have sponsored several animals over the years and will do so again in honour of this wonderful lady. Keep up the good work and may God bless and protect you all.
Aldo Giovannella
Posted 14 April 2018
Dear Angela, and Family, my condolences to you and your loved ones at this sad time. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please accept my deepest and most hear felt condolences at this most challenging time. My fondness and love to you all
Helen Daniels
Posted 14 April 2018
I do apologise for contacting you this way but i donot do Facebook any more. I just wanted to say my deepest thoughts are with you today for your loss of a truly remarkable woman.The only way i know to express my sympathy is to continue her legacy by adopting another orphan which I shall do this weekend. Thank you and my thoughts go out to her family and all her extended family ,elephants of course included .
Sharon Pincott
Posted 14 April 2018
What shall be your legacy? The warmth of their blankets, The nourishment of their bottles, The soothing mud on their bodies, The smile in their eyes. Daphne, for this and so much else We Salute You
Dr Linda Bender
Posted 14 April 2018
Thank you for the opportunity to express my sincerest condolences for the passing of such a beautiful soul. Daphne has been a hero to me and a great inspiration. The opening words in my book Animal Wisdom, include a quote from her. We will all miss her and every elephant mourns her loss. My prayers are with you all. Blessings,
Penny (Read), John and Lewis
Posted 14 April 2018
Dear Giri, Pip and your extended families, John, Lewis and I were really sad to hear of Daphne’s death after battling breast cancer. She was truly an outstanding lady and belonged to a small group of people who did so much for wild life, successfuly, in Kenya. She was also a great character and we three feel privileged to have known her. We will remember her always as I think so will many others. Fondest love,
Irene McKie
Posted 14 April 2018
So very very sorry to hear the news about your mother. She will be remembered by us all, your foster parents and the elephant families. Can’t help wondering if the orphans and ex orphans are wandering around paying their respects. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
JULIE A M EDWARDS
Posted 14 April 2018
This is news I been dreading to hear….R.I.P. Dame Daphne Sheldrick, you were such a wonderful lady thank you for all you did. I am very sad you have passed on. The world has lost an icon. It was an honor and privilege to know you. Thank you for helping us get through Some wild parts of Africa safely on our bicycles in 1988 and for your support with my Hokoyo book. I was so hoping to visit you but unfortunately couldn’t get there. My sincere condolences to Jill and family. Love you lots Daphne
Steve Evans
Posted 14 April 2018
So sad to hear . I gave the very great pleasure of meeting Dame Daphne at Tsavo in May 1965. I also met two of her earliest charges, Eleanor and Rufus the baby rhino. The wildlife world has lost a true protector and friend.
Tawnya Wren
Posted 14 April 2018
The work you did and the awareness you raised was not only impact upon me but everyone I know you will be sorely missed but your life’s work will not be forgotten and it is so greatly appreciated to the generations yet to come God bless you and your family
Pat Webster
Posted 14 April 2018
It is with much sorry that I offer my condolences to all the family and staff of The David Sheldrick Trust. Dame Daphne was an inspiration to so many where wildlife was concerned. Although, my funds are limited and have wished to do more, I have followed with great admiration the work of Dame Daphne. Her contributions towards saving as many orphans as possible is admired by myself and many others. She will be greatly missed.
Martha Halberstadt
Posted 14 April 2018
I am so saddened at the passing of Dame Daphne. I send my sympathies to her family and the keepers and all at the Trust, including the animals, who I know will sense her loss also. I was privileged to attend a lecture in New York City when her book came out and treasure my signed copy. Even though I only spoke to her briefly as she signed the book, I sensed what a remarkably kind and good person she was. I have often thought of her throughout her illness and prayed she would be well. She has done so much for conservation in her lifetime and has left a great legacy. She will live on through the wonderful work that you all will continue to do. Everyone there is in my thoughts.
Helen Hobart
Posted 14 April 2018
She has reunited with David—-Praise the Lord ! What a beautiful woman she was —physically and mentally. I wish I could have met her in person.
Alka-Lea Margerison
Posted 14 April 2018
I am so heartbroken to hear of the passing of Dame Daphne. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. It was always my wish to one day visit you all at The Sheldrick wildlife trust and meet Dame Daphne, she was and always will be my one true inspiration. I’m so truly sorry for your loss! This earth has lost such a beautiful soul. May her conservation work live on.
J.Lisa Rowland
Posted 14 April 2018
My deepest condolences. I am so sad to hear this….I was fortunate enough to visit DSWT and the baby Ellie’s a number of times. Dame Daphne truly made a huge difference in this world for the better! She was also a personal hero of mine. Just an incredible woman who will be sorely missed by so many. Am inspired by the amazing legacy she left behind and know that DSWT will continue with its critical work. My thoughts are with Dame Daphne’s family- human and elephant. I also grieve for Kenya . May her memory inspire others!
Nicolas Hodges
Posted 14 April 2018
Daphne Sheldrick made an enormous and unique contribution to elephant conservation, bringing the plight of orphaned baby elephants to the world’s attention so that they would forever secure a place in our hearts. She was truly one of a kind. My deepest sympathies to her family. May they be comforted in the knowledge that their mother was truly a great person who really made a difference. My condolences.