Sheldrick Dispatches
In 2019, I, David, spent a week at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, minutes away from the Umani Springs Elephant Reintegration Unit, an elephant orphanage. I was fortunate to be with the elephants each day, which was transformative.
I was also fortunate to have gotten to know Headkeeper Philip Okode. Phillip is an extraordinary person and a fully devoted caregiver to the elephants — most or all of whom come to the orphanage with awful backstories.
Philip and I remain close, albeit from a distance. Below are photos and videos that Philip, I, or other contributors have taken at Sheldrick.
Philip Okode - Headkeeper at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Umani Springs Elephant Reintegration Unit, an elephant orphanage in Kenya
Photos
Two baby elephants standing on dirt trail surrounded by bushes and trees, with an adult elephant partially visible in the background.
Young elephant walking through a grassy plain in a natural habitat.
Group of elephants bathing and drinking in a river, surrounded by trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Young elephant standing in grassy area with water and lily pads in background.
Group of elephants walking on grassy plains, some with their trunks raised.
Four elephants, including a large adult and three calves, in a dry, open landscape with scattered trees and a partly cloudy sky.