Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

We're proud to have partnered with an organization that makes such a positive impact on the world. Between the illegal ivory trade, deforestation, infrastructure, and development, Africa's wildlife is being pushed to the brink of extinction—but we can all do our part to help.

For four consecutive years, a portion of net proceeds from August sales of our Smooth Sanctuary MacroBar® was donated to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. These projects include:

• Orphans' Project
  Rescue and rehabilitation back to the wild of orphaned infant elephants, rhinos, and other animals.

• Anti-Poaching
  Deploying boots on the ground for the protection of elephants, rhinos, and other wildlife species.

• Water for Wildlife
  Providing permanent and temporary water sources for wildlife.

In the years since its founding, here's just a sample of the incredible work Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has accomplished:

• 500,000+ trees planted in 2020

• 18 mobile de-snaring teams who have removed 159,250+ snares

• 38 known calves born to orphans released back into the wild

• 260+ rescued elephants

• 7,447 wild animals attended to by Mobile Veterinary Units

• 237,992 km patrolled by aerial teams

Based in Kenya, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's mission is to “protect Africa's wildlife and to preserve habitats for the future of all wild species.” The organization takes a holistic approach to conservation by addressing habitat preservation, protection of wildlife, and education. The organization's most well-known project is the Orphans' Project—an elephant and rhino orphan rescue and rehabilitation program—but they also undertake efforts that address poaching, safeguarding the natural environment, aerial surveillance, de-snaring, community awareness, animal welfare issues, and veterinary assistance.

Founded in 1977, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is named for famous naturalist and founding Warden of Tsavo East National Park, David Sheldrick, who spent over two decades implementing and managing all wildlife protection initiatives and security operations alongside his wife Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick. After David's passing, Dame Daphne, a recognized international authority on elephants and the rearing of wild creatures, was granted permission by the Kenyan Government to live in the Nairobi National Park to continue her conservation work. Today, their daughter Angela heads up the foundation, continuing her parents' important work to create a better future for both wildlife and mankind.

Vaarti, the orphaned elephant GoMacro previously adopted through Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, has an extraordinary story. In 2019, a female elephant brought a thin, malnourished calf to the gate of the rescue before disappearing back into the wilderness. It was determined that the older elephant was not the mother and that the calf was likely orphaned days before due to poaching.

After several recurring infections and close calls over the months that followed, the young elephant made a miraculous and complete recovery! He was given the name Vaarti, which means "luck" in the local Kamba language. Today, Keepers say Vaarti is a ray of sunshine in elephant form, bringing joy to everyone in his orbit. And to think, he's alive today all because of one brave female elephant who delivered him into safe hands. If you're interested in adopting an orphaned animal, learn more here.

To learn more about the Trust and its work, visit their website.