In Nairobi now, getting ready to head to Uganda for gorilla trekking and then on to the orphanage.
Yesterday, I visited the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant sanctuary. They've rescued about 80 elephants and I had the chance to see bout 15 of them, ranging in age from just a few months to a few years.
The elephants are so awkward on their feet - clumsy. They kept falling over, some could barely get back up.
Most of the elephants are victims of poaching - either they have been injured in snares or orphaned when their mothers were killed. As babies, they are so delicate and the keepers stay with them 24 hours a day to help them grow. They are fed with oversized bottles of baby formula.
When they are old enough they are released into the wild - the elephants decide for themselves when they want to go - and often come back to visit the nursery.
More info can be found here: www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org. It's definitely worth a quick peek!
Say NO to ivory.
Friday, January 8, 2010
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Hey Karen,
ReplyDeleteIt's so nice to hear that these nice people are taking care of these elephants. It's so cute that they come back to visit the nursery. They know there are people that they can trust there, and I'm sure they feel safe.
I saw that Nairobi is a city. Do you stay in a hotel there overnight to rest before you go to Uganda?
Where do you sleep & what do you eat?
Lack of pictures notwithstanding, you paint a beautiful picture with your words. It sounds magical. Looking forward to reading more.
ReplyDeleteBarb Turnbull
Hi Karen,
ReplyDeleteI'm such a huge fan of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's work! I stumbled upon their web site once upon a time and fell in love with all the stories about their rescued elephants and rhinos. I can't believe you actually met them!! That's so exciting.
I sent a bookmark to my elementary school teacher and she loves it! Best of luck over there and keep us posted.
Hi Karen!
ReplyDeleteI just finally had a chance to catch up on your blog. Sounds like your trip is pretty amazing so far. I'm quite jealous. I know you'll say that I just got back from my own adventure, but that doesn't matter.
Can't wait to hear more and see some of the pics!