I’m in Nairobi.
They call Nairobi “The Green City in the Sun”—and honestly, it lives up to its name. I fell in love with Nairobi as soon as I left the airport. What added to the long list of things I liked was that I could take a safari to see the Big Five at Nairobi National Park, located in the heart of the city.
Wild, right?
The name Nairobi originates from the Maasai phrase “Enkare Nairobi.” It means, a place of cool waters. It’s inspired by the river that flows through the city.
There’s something about Nairobi that feels both alive and grounded—a little chaotic, a whole lot of beautiful, and filled with surprises.
The Surprise!
Tucked away in the city of Nairobi, Kenya, is a small nursery that’s home to orphaned elephants, known as the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
On a scorching afternoon, as the sun beat the hell out of me, I stood curious among many other travelers from all over the world, excitedly waiting for baby elephants to make their debut appearance.
Can I be honest with you? I had no idea what I was signing up for. The visit to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust was just a line item in a safari package I booked through TravelNet. I thought, Okay, cool, baby elephants—sounds cute.
But whatever came next would end up being the highlight of my entire trip.
A man stepped forward with a microphone in hand, his uniform was a clear blue raincoat with boots up to his knees. His presence was quiet but commanding, and as he began to speak, I found myself leaning in and drawn to the cadence of his voice. The gravity of his accent and the tone in his voice grabbed me at hello. Then, all of a sudden, the thicket behind him, came the thunder of huge, small feet— oh my gosh, baby elephants. I died.
They were rushing toward him in a gentle, chaotic stampede. I’ve never witnessed such a thing.
Their ears flapped like flags in the wind. Their trunks swayed with no care in the world. Dust rose around them, catching the light in a way that made the whole moment feel unreal.
I stood there, stunned, heart wide open. I couldn’t believe my eyes. These weren’t just animals. These were orphans!
I’m also an orphan, and I could recognize our plight of living in this world without parents in their movement. We’re survivors. Each one carried a story—stories the speaker would soon begin to share—of loss, of violence, and the quiet, careful healing taking place here at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
A lot of these babies that reside at the home have lost their mothers due to poaching.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a sanctuary for elephants who have lost their families, their homes, and their childhoods due to poaching.
Humans can be so cruel.
It’s a place of healing.
We all need a refuge after traumatic experiences. Kenya has provided a place of solace where these baby elephants can learn to be curious infants again. They’re taught not to trust humans, to play, to grow strong enough to return to the wild.
The Lesson I Took Away.
I lost my parents a few years ago, I get it.
Their stories of dealing with loss made me think about resilience. A lot of people don’t understand what it means to lose everything and still find a way forward. It hurts.
Sometimes, the kindness of a stranger goes a long way. These elephants, in their innocence, were teaching me something about survival.
Healing isn’t about forgetting the trauma; it’s about growing despite past scars.
I’m not here to sell you anything, but in case you wish to be a part of their story
Here’s how you can keep in contact with baby elephants:
• Adopt an Elephant: For as little as $50 a year, you can sponsor an orphan, receive updates, and follow their journey back to the wild.
• Donate: Every contribution helps provide milk, medical care, and the resources needed to protect and rehabilitate these elephants.
• Share Their Stories: Awareness is a form of activism. By sharing their work, you help ensure these elephants are not forgotten.
Leaving With More Than I Came With
When I left the sanctuary that day, I carried more than dust on my skin. I carried the weight of what I had seen. I felt the quiet understanding that we are all connected in ways we do not always recognize. The elephants reminded me of something simple but profound—survival is not just about endurance; it is about community. I needed that.
This entire excursion reminded me that on this journey called life, it’s possible to find those who will walk beside you until you are strong enough to walk alone.
If you ever find yourself in Nairobi, make time for this place.