It really takes a village! Baby elephants are a handful, and mothers rely on a support system of friends and relatives to raise their young. At Umani Springs, three of our older girls became first-time mums within a very short span of time. While Lima Lima is happy for just about anyone to look after her son (she is incorrigible!), Zongoloni and Sonje are more hands-on. Zongoloni runs a particularly tight ship with her son, Zigi. However, even she has her limits. On this day, Zongoloni was hover

12K views · 527 reactions | In 2015, Nat Geo Photographer Charlie Hamilton James visited the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya to document his experience with orphaned elephants. Today, he reflects on his assignment and the critical role elephants play in our ecosystem. Video by Charlie Hamilton James. | National Geographic History | Facebook

Raising an orphaned elephant is a true labour of love. When an orphan is rescued, so begins a journey that can span upwards of a decade. Day and night, our wonderful Keepers nurture them as their own, until the elephant is grown and ready to reclaim their place in the wild. Even then, the commitment continues, as we provide support and secure the habitats they call home. To date, we have successfully raised more than 320 orphaned elephants. It is telling that, when a wild-living orphan gives bir

From our Orphan Units and all of us at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas. To every person that has stood with us this year, we are enormously grateful for your steadfast support and generosity. You kindness during these times has been inspiring and humbling. As we watch over wildlife, and provide for the rescued elephants, rhinos, antelopes, buffaloes and warthog in our care, we are so very aware that it is with your help that we are able to offer the