The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust runs an elephant orphanage at the edge of Nairobi National Park in Langata, rescuing and rehabilitating elephant and rhino calves whose mothers have been killed by poachers or who have become separated from their herds. Founded by Daphne Sheldrick, it is one of the most successful elephant conservation programmes in Africa.
The orphanage is open to the public for one hour each morning (typically 11am–noon), when the young elephants are brought out for feeding and a mud bath. Keepers narrate the story of each animal. The calves are surprisingly bold with visitors; those old enough may approach the crowd directly.
Admission is by donation to the foundation. A foster-parent programme allows visitors to sponsor individual animals; foster parents can attend an additional early-morning private viewing hour. The orphanage is on Magadi Road in Langata — easily combined with a visit to Nairobi National Park, whose gate is nearby.