THE SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST AND MISSION CHRISTMAS
As one of Africa’s oldest wildlife charities and a leading conservation organisation, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) embraces all measures that complement the conservation, preservation and protection of wildlife.
Established more than 40 years ago, the charity is best known for its Orphans’ Project, the first and most successful elephant orphan rescue and rehabilitation program in the world. Working across Kenya, projects include anti-poaching, safeguarding the natural environment, enhancing community awareness, addressing animal welfare issues, providing the veterinary assistance to animals in need, rescuing and hand rearing elephant and rhino orphans, along with other species that can ultimately enjoy a quality of life in wild terms when grown.
Wildlife, and in particular elephants, were one of the passions of Kath Gale, one of the GFT’s founding trustees. Having become aware of the SWT during 2021, the trustees have formed a good relationship with the SWT’s UK office and discussions have been held exploring how the GFT can become long term supporters of Sheldrick in memory of Kath. Whilst these discussions progressed, an idea came to mind that would benefit the SWT as well as providing interesting presents for our Mission Christmas 2021 appeal.
2 charities helped in one go!
The GFT are putting together 470 Wildlife Boxes as Christmas presents, aimed at children between the ages of 4-6, which will include a number of items based around the SWT. The core of the box is a storybook telling the true story of Garzi, an 18-month-old elephant, who was orphaned and rescued by the SWT. Garzi was hand reared by them until he was old enough to be integrated back into the wild. With the book are 2 cuddly toys, one a giraffe and the other an elephant, an elephant topped pencil and an African inspired string of beads which were made and painted by children in this country who belong to the UK Kids Tusk Force.
The children make these beads and sell them with any proceeds being donated to the SWT.
The SWT benefit to the tune of about £4 per box made.
