The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage, commonly known as the Nairobi Nursery, is one of Kenya’s most iconic conservation centers. Nestled within the scenic Nairobi National Park, this facility has earned a global reputation for its commitment to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing orphaned elephant calves back into the wild. Since its founding in 1977 by Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her husband, David Sheldrick, a prominent naturalist and founder warden of Tsavo East National Park, the orphanage has played a pivotal role in wildlife conservation in Kenya.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) is at the forefront of wildlife protection, anti-poaching efforts, and habitat preservation. Their work focuses primarily on elephants, a species gravely threatened by poaching for their tusks, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict. The orphanage serves as a sanctuary for elephants that have lost their mothers due to poaching, drought, or other human-induced factors. With over 260 elephants rehabilitated to date, the orphanage is not only an operational facility but a symbol of hope for wildlife conservation.
Visiting the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage
The Nairobi Nursery offers a unique opportunity for visitors to observe these rescued elephants up close and learn about their rehabilitation journey. Each day, between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM, guests can watch the elephants enjoy their midday milk feed. Afterward, the elephants playfully engage in dust baths or splash around in the mud, offering a delightful experience for both locals and international tourists.
However, access to the orphanage is by reservation only, and visitors are encouraged to book their slots early due to the limited daily capacity. This ensures that the elephants are not overwhelmed by large crowds and allows for a more intimate and educational experience.
Entrance Fees to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage
The entrance fees to the elephant orphanage were revised on June 1, 2023, to ensure sustainable support for the facility’s operations. The updated rates are as follows:
- Adults (12 years and older): Ksh 2,000 or USD 20 per person
- Children (5-11 years): Ksh 500 or USD 5 per person
- Children under 5 years: Free, provided they are accompanied by a paying adult.
It is important to note that groups larger than ten individuals must contact the orphanage directly to arrange for a special booking. This policy helps manage the visitor experience and ensures that the facility can accommodate larger groups without compromising the welfare of the animals or the quality of the visitor experience.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has designed these fees to help support their ongoing conservation efforts, which include not only caring for the orphaned elephants but also initiatives such as anti-poaching patrols, veterinary support for injured wildlife, and community outreach programs aimed at mitigating human-wildlife conflict.
Importance of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Work
Beyond its vital work with elephants, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is involved in a range of conservation activities. These include the operation of mobile veterinary units that provide emergency care for injured animals across Kenya’s national parks, anti-poaching teams that patrol vast tracts of wilderness, and aerial surveillance to monitor and protect wildlife from poachers.
The orphanage’s commitment to wildlife extends to other species as well, with the SWT providing care for orphaned rhinos and fostering biodiversity in the ecosystems where they operate. The Trust also emphasizes community involvement, understanding that successful conservation requires cooperation with local populations to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and raise awareness about the importance of preserving Kenya’s rich natural heritage.
How to Book Your Visit
Booking a visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage is simple and can be done online via the Trust’s official website or through their contact information:
- Phone: 020 2301 396 | 0111 044 200
- Email: info@sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
Because the orphanage operates within Nairobi National Park, it is accessed through the KWS Central Workshop Gate on Magadi Road. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, as the feeding and play session starts promptly at 11:00 AM.
Supporting Conservation Through Your Visit
The fees collected from visitors play a critical role in maintaining the orphanage and supporting its broader conservation initiatives. As the threats to Kenya’s wildlife continue to evolve, institutions like the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust remain crucial in the fight to protect vulnerable species. By visiting the orphanage, you not only get an unforgettable experience with some of nature’s most majestic creatures but also contribute to their long-term survival.
In a world where elephant populations are rapidly declining, efforts like those at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust give hope for the future. Every visit, donation, or sponsorship helps the Trust continue its vital work of caring for orphaned elephants and rehabilitating them for a return to the wild, where they can contribute to their species’ survival and the health of Kenya’s ecosystems.
A visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Elephant Orphanage offers more than just a chance to interact with elephants—it is an opportunity to be part of a broader movement aimed at wildlife conservation. With reasonable entrance fees and a dedication to making each visit an educational experience, the orphanage invites both locals and international guests to witness the incredible work being done to safeguard Kenya’s wildlife heritage.
