Adopting a Baby Elephant


My Journey of Adopting a Baby Elephant from the David Sheldrick Wildlife ​Trust


In a world where conservation efforts are crucial, few things are as ​heartwarming and rewarding as adopting a baby elephant from Kenya's David ​Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT). The DSWT was founded in 1977.


This remarkable organization has been at the forefront of elephant ​conservation for decades, and adopting one of these gentle giants is an ​opportunity to impact their lives.


I had the opportunity to visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust back in 2017. I ​saw firsthand how the caretaker takes care of the orphaned baby elephants. I ​came to Kenya not knowing anything about the organization, but I came to fall ​in love with this organization. I have now been adopting a baby elephant for the ​last five years.


Visiting the DSWT's Nairobi Nursery is an unforgettable experience for those ​fortunate enough to travel to Kenya. Walking among the playful baby elephants, ​witnessing their interactions, and observing the keepers' dedication reaffirms ​the impact of your contribution and the collective effort toward conservation.


Below is a way to become a member to help protect baby elephants.


Adopting a Baby Elephant

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT):​ https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org


  1. Research & Prepare
  2. Visit DSWT
  3. Adoption Process
  4. Adoption Packages
  5. Financial Support
  6. Stay Involved
  7. Visit & Reconnect





Research & Prepare:


One thing I would do before adopting an elephant or before heading over to Kenya is to visit the ​David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Website. You need to research and prepare before committing. ​You want to learn more about the program, what it stands for, and how it helps baby elephants ​in the long term.


Visit the DSWT:


You will want to visit the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DWST) Nairobi Elephant Nursery in ​Nairobi, Kenya. While at the nursery, you will learn more about the organization's conservation ​efforts to protect elephants in the nearby parks. You will get to meet the orphaned elephants ​that they have rescued from the parks where poachers have killed their parents and have been ​sick or stuck in mud piles. This way, you can learn more about the adoption process and choose ​the elephant you would love to adopt.


Adoption Process:


The adoption process for adopting a baby elephant is straightforward. When you look at the list ​of available orphan Elephants on their website, you can learn more about their history and ​current status. What you want to consider when choosing an elephant is that the baby elephant ​resonates with you and will match your preferences.


Adoption Packages:


Once you adopt a baby elephant, you will receive an adoption certificate; you will be able to ​check on your baby elephant by viewing thier monthly newsletter and video they update to your ​account. (Once you create an account with them.) You can also check out the monthly ​watercolor painting one of the staff members created.



Financial Support:


The financial support you provided to adopt a baby elephant is to contribute to their well-being. ​The fees go to care and conservation efforts for baby orphaned elephants.


DSWT provides:

  • Around-the-clock care.
  • Bottle feeding.
  • Medical treatment.
  • Socialization with other elephants for the orphaned baby elephant.


Stay Involved:

If you can't visit Kenya or the DWST site often, you can stay up to date by visiting the site to view ​updates and newsletters. They will share stories, photos, and videos of the process of the baby ​elephant you adopted.


Visit & Reconnect :


It's very rewarding, and you should be pleased you are helping the conservation of the elephants ​in Kenya. It would help if you visited Kenya and the DSWT Facility. This way, you can see what ​your contribution is going to and how it is positively impacting the baby orphaned elephants.