“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.
Maryann Bredin
Posted 14 April 2018
I am so sorry for your loss it is a loss felt by very many of us but especially her family and the wild creatures of Africa. And yet how wonderful it is that we had the honor of having such a magnificent woman live among us on this troubled planet. Be comforted by the knowledge that she was one of very few human beings who truly made a huge difference to the world.
Sabine Garnitz
Posted 14 April 2018
A person that departs from this earth never truly leaves, for they are still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, they live on. Please accept our condolences, Dame Daphne will never be forgotten.
Shelagh Connor
Posted 14 April 2018
My sincere condolences to the family of Dame Daphne and the team at DSWT on the passing of a truly remarkable lady.
Evelyn Langton
Posted 14 April 2018
Dame Daphne was truly inspiring
Isobel Birch
Posted 14 April 2018
Deepest condolences for the very sad loss of Daphne. She will be much missed by many both animal human. Kindest regards Isobel Birch
Jodie Jacobs
Posted 14 April 2018
The world lost a beautiful unique soul and is a sadder place without Daphne Sheldrick. Although I was not fortunate enough to know her personally she was my idol. Reading her book years ago brought me both laughter and tears and so much admiration. She was one of a kind. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you who knew her.
Sheila Koopmans
Posted 14 April 2018
Thank you for the wonderful kindness and support you showed these precious animals for so much of your life.
Caroline Ingraham
Posted 14 April 2018
Even though my time with Daphne was brief I shall miss her presence in the world so very much. She was and is such a beautiful person inside and out. I am sure she will still always be with every elephant in need of help assisting them in their journey. Together with David they will be will be amazing spirit guides. My heart goes out to you all at this time. Please don’t forget I am always here if you need me. All my love Caroline Ingraham
ian bull
Posted 14 April 2018
rip dame dapne thoughts with angela and hope carries on the good work xx
Jo Winstone
Posted 14 April 2018
I cried when I read the news and am still absolutely heartbroken. I’m so very sorry for Angela Rob allthe keepers and the whole DSWT team. Dame Daphne’s legacy will live on forever. Whenever there is a baby or indeed adult elephant in need the DSWT will be there. Rest in peace lovely lady. There are so many elephants who will be so happy to see you. My deaarest love to you all xxx
Dawn Alvarado
Posted 14 April 2018
I am sending my Birthday request money to DSWT with loving thoughts for Dame Daphne. I will never forget her and will do whatever I can to help with her wonderful legacy.
Muriel and Edwin Huizing- Veldt
Posted 14 April 2018
It is with great sadness that we’ve read about the passing of Dame Sheldrick. Just a week ago we were able to visit the orphanage and in the afternoon we visited “our adopted” elephant Jotto. The wildlife trust she started is special and incredible on it’s own. Living all over Africa, including South Africa and Botswana, we’ve never come across such a passionate family that dedicated their lives in helping the elephants and nature as such. We wish her family all the strength and courage they need during this difficult time. Our sincere condolences.
Lisa Profitt (& my family)
Posted 14 April 2018
My deepest respect and admiration is sent through a brief word. I will forever wish for the rest of my days, that I had not taken so long, with my dreams of visiting the Elephant Orphanage in Ithumba with my added hopes of getting to meet Dame Daphne and give her a respectful and appreciative tight hug. May she and her beloved David enjoy eternal stress-free joys together and continue to watch over all they love and protect, even now. May all who loved her dearly as Mother, Grandmother, Mentor & Friend continue on in her great work and gain comfort from her Elephants. Peace Love & Kindness to you All,
Dale Langevin
Posted 14 April 2018
I just want to say that it saddens me to hear of the passing of Daphine Sheldrick… what a truly remarkable life she led. I have read many articles on the Sheldrick Wildlife Foundation and cannot express enough how truly grateful I am of the work you do. I hope that you will be able to continue to do great work. The foundation’s dedication and commitment to wildlife, especially the elephants and rhinos is truly commendable. I am sorry for your great loss… The public mourns her death… but will never truly know the deep void you feel from losing the founder of the organization and a mom that was unquestionably extraordinary.
Starla Sholl & Deborah Burkhart
Posted 14 April 2018
Thank you for all you did for the elephants. We visited the orphanage several years back and it has become one of our favorite charities. You will be fondly remembered.
Sally, Andrew Cable and family
Posted 14 April 2018
We were so sad to hear that Daphne had recently died. The contribution that she made to conservation is immeasurable and her work with baby elephants endeared her to all of us elephant lovers. She was truly an inspirational person and we send our sincere condolences to Angela Sheldrick and her family.
Christiane
Posted 14 April 2018
All my condoléances to all family, staff and all babies éléphants she saved life In the great nowhere as she said she is with her beloved David accompanied with all eles who started too soon. A great loss for all but they will live in our memory and through your wonderfull work definitely.
Samantha Falciatori
Posted 14 April 2018
Dear Angela, dear volunteers of the DSWT, I am writing from Italy to express my deepest condolences for the news I just learnt about Daphne. I am so saddened by this news that I cannot hold my tears and I cannot help writing this message to you, even if we don’t know each other. I came to know about Daphne and her work thanks to a BBC documentary, featuring her incredible story, the sweet and heartbreaking love for little Shmetty and the amazing work you all do in Kenya. Her example, passion and dedication to help those little orphans struck me deeply and I receive with sincere sorrow this sad news. I like to think that now, after many years, she is finally reunited with her beloved Shmetty. Stay strong and keep up the amazing job you do for those amazing creatures, keeping Daphne’s dream alive and saving more lives!
Anne Budd
Posted 14 April 2018
May I add my condolences to those of Joyce on the death of Dame Daphne Sheldrick. The world of wildlife conservation is a sadder place without her. As Joyce rightly indicates, Daphne Sheldrick leaves a marvellous legacy for others to follow.
Joyce Datema
Posted 14 April 2018
It was with utter shock and profound sadness that I read of the death of this most remarkable, dedicated and caring lady, Dame Daphne Sheldrick. I can only offer my most sincere condolences to her family, all the people she has worked with over the years and yes, all those elephants who wouldn’t be around today if not for Dame Daphne’s inspiring work. What an incredible and wonderful legacy.