ORPHANED ELEPHANT PORTRAIT PROJECT
The Sheldrick Wildlife Fund has graciously given me permission to paint a series of their rescued orphaned elephants from photos on their website. The work Sheldrick does, including water conservation, wildlife conservation, education, anti-poaching efforts and community building in addition to saving and raising orphaned elephants, rhinos, giraffes and other wildlife is nothing short of heroic. I hope you will visit their website (www.sheldrickwildlifefund.org) and read about this amazing organization, the nail-biting rescues, the silly antics of the baby elephants and the incredible story of the Sheldrick family that has been immersed in wildlife conservation since 1947.
The elephant paintings on this page are for sale. Prints are also available. I will also take commissions to paint an elephant of your choosing from their website. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to elephant rescue. Contact me with any questions.
Portraits of Sheldrick's Orphaned Elephants
Mokogodo
Rescued 2/13/2023
Keepers will roll a baby elephant's trunk in their hands to strengthen the muscles. They blow into the trunk so the baby learns to identify them. Sheldrickwildlifetrust.org
Nyambeni
Just 3 months old stuck in a pit and abandoned by her herd, she arrived at SWT just as her first molars were popping through, a fraught period for infant orphaned elephants, as teething puts intense stress on the body with a suppressed immune system and leads to a marked loss in condition.
The connection between orphans and their keepers is close and loving. Keepers often sleep in the stalls with the new orphans especially if their health condition requires monitoring.
Shujaa
Swahili for hero, brave.
Rescued from a muddy embankment as a tiny calf only a few months old. Prolonged time in mud can be disastrous for a young elephant, causing a variety of lung and stomach issues. Shujaa joined Mzinga, Nyambeni and Mageno as part of the 'blanket brigade' at Sheldrick and is thriving.
Ndotto and Keeper Walter
Voi Reintegration Unit Elephants never forget a scent. Orphans greet Keepers with an extended trunk, inviting them to blow into it. It’s their equivalent of a handshake.