The Sheldrick Elephant sanctuary is a must-visit destination for animal lovers. Besides the modest Sheldrick Elephant orphanage entrance fee, you can adopt an elephant and support their care.
It’s an incredible opportunity to see these majestic animals up close and watch them play together while supporting their conservation.
A Short History of the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage
The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage was founded in Nairobi, Kenya, in 1977 by David and Daphne Sheldrick in memory of their daughter, who was passionate about wildlife conservation.
Initially focused on rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants, it has since expanded to include rhinos and other animals.
The orphanage has become one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, providing a haven for animals in need and working to protect them in the wild.
Today, the orphanage is run by Daphne Sheldrick’s daughter, Angela, and is vital in animal conservation efforts.
David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage entrance fee
Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage booking is essential before your visit, as there are limited daily slots.
The orphanage visitors can book up to three months in advance.
Here’s a breakdown of the Elephant Orphanage Nairobi entrance fee.
March-May, 2023
- Adults: Ksh.1,500/ $15
- Children (under 12 years): Ksh.500/ $5
1st June 2023, and onwards
- Adults: Ksh.2,000/$20
- Children (under 12 years): Ksh.500/$5
The Sheldrick elephant orphanage entrance fee usually changes from 1st June 2023 to help the sanctuary cope with the increasing conservation costs and meet the Orphans’ Project.
The entrance fee is payable at the entrance, in cash, or via Mpesa.
The best time to visit the Sheldrick elephant orphanage is between 11 am to 12 noon.
The management encourages guests to arrive 30 minutes earlier. Smoking and vaping are prohibited at the sanctuary, and all phones should be silent.
Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Contacts
Phone: +254 (0) 111 044 200
Book a visit: https://visit.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/
Adopt an Orphan: https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/orphans
Protected Animals in the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage Nairobi
On your Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage visit, you will notice a few other animal species under the conservancy’s care. These include the following:
African Elephants
African elephants are large mammals famous for their high intelligence and social and self-aware nature. They play a vital role in their environment as keystone species.
Despite having lived in the wild for millions of years, they face the greatest danger to their survival due to human-wildlife conflict, habitat loss, and ivory poaching.
The African Black Rhino
Rhinos once thrived in Africa, but their population has dwindled due to human activities such as poaching and hunting.
The primary threat is the poaching of their horns, which has escalated due to rising demand in countries like Vietnam.
Despite being made of keratin and lacking any proven medical benefits, rhino horn is falsely believed to have healing powers and is considered a status symbol.
White Rhinos
This species once roamed throughout Africa. But populations have plummeted to the brink of extinction due to human activities like hunting and poaching.
Rhino horn poaching is the primary threat to their survival, with high demand in Asian countries, particularly Vietnam.
While they have no proven medical benefits, rhino horn is still used in traditional medicine and falsely marketed as a cure for various ailments, including cancer and hangovers. It is also considered a status symbol.
The Giraffe
While giraffes are fascinating animals and the tallest mammals on earth, this iconic species faces threats, including habitat loss due to human population encroachment.
They also face population drops due to poaching, disease, war, and civil unrest.
Buy to Support the Orphanage
Besides the reasonable entrance fee, you can buy gifts from the shop, in person, or online to support their cause. Here are a few exciting items.
The Unsung Heroes book
The elephant trust produces this 200-page book, highlighting individuals whose kind acts and compassion have supported conservation efforts.
Besides lovely quotes by rescuers and those caring for the elephants, The Unsung Heroes also features work by the renowned photographer Mia Collis.
And an introduction by the acclaimed conservationist Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick. The book is available for purchase at $56.70.
Browse the Art Store
Shop original watercolour paintings by Angela Sheldrick to adorn your walls at home.
These paintings showcase orphaned elephants going about their day, whether enjoying a mud bath, basking in the sun, or playing with other calves.
Shop with Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage partners
The Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage partners with other individuals to support the conservancy.
Buy Louise Mulgrew’s wonderful gift cards and prints with animal illustrations supporting conservation with 1% of its sales.
Or shop Anna Beck’s Sheldrick Necklace and bracelet Collection, which comes in gold, silver, or multiple precious rocks. 30% of the gross sales goes to the trust as a donation.
Another way to support the trust is to buy L.A. Burdick’s chocolate elephants or petitTembo’s fashionable, ethical clothing. There are multiple ways to support this worthy cause.
Adopting an Orphaned Elephant
The elephant orphans’ journey begins in the nursery in Nairobi National Park, culminating in their reintegration into the wild after a few years.
Within the Sheldrick Trust are so many elephant, giraffe, and rhino orphans available for adoption. Each has its own story, and you can be a part of it.
You can either adopt yours or gift someone through the adoption page with as little as $50 per year.
Your donation entitles you to a personalized adoption certificate, exclusive email updates, Angela Sheldrick’s downloadable watercolors, access to pictures of your adopted orphans, and early access to new monthly videos.
Such donations also sponsor orphan Programs such as milk and supplementary foods, future rescue transport, vehicle maintenance, upgrading and maintaining the stables and fencing, and Keeper salaries and quarters.
Lastly, your adoption will go a long way in gifting the orphan with proper nutrition, round-the-clock specialist care, veterinary care, treatment, medication, and a stable to host the animal for up to 10 years.
Conclusion
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, widely recognized for its Orphans’ Project, was founded 45 years ago due to a family’s love for Kenya and its wildlife.
The Orphans’ Project is the world’s initial and most prosperous program for saving and restoring elephant orphans.
And the Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage entrance fee is fair, making it an affordable destination for many people.
