Melissa Sciacca

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) is a global leader in elephant conservation and one of Africa’s most established wildlife charities. Founded in 1977 by Dame Daphne Sheldrick, it is best known for its pioneering work rescuing orphaned elephants and reintegrating them back into the wild. However, it does much more to secure a sustainable future for all wildlife and the communities who live alongside them. The SWT takes a 360-degree approach to conservation, operating six key programs that work in tandem across Kenya. Through its keystone Orphans’ Project, the charity rescues orphaned elephants and rhinos, ultimately reintegrating them back into a protected wilderness. To date, the SWT has successfully raised more than 280 orphaned elephants and seen more than 50 calves born to orphans who are now living wild. The SWT’s field teams, veterinary units, and pilots work with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to ensure the safety of Kenya’s wildlife and protect its wild spaces. Through their daily patrols, its Anti-Poaching Teams prevent illegal activities and support the arrest of poachers and other perpetrators. Its Aerial Unit monitors the landscape from the skies and provides vital, rapid response assistance to all manner of field operations. Working in key ecosystems across Kenya, its Mobile Veterinary Units saves thousands of wild lives each year. Through Community Outreach initiatives and employment opportunities, the Trust improves the livelihoods and education standards of Kenyans. Its Saving Habitats initiatives safeguard vulnerable habitats before they are lost forever. With its partners, the SWT protects more than 2 million acres of wilderness across Kenya.