This Woman Gets Daily Hugs From Elephants – The Reason Will Make You Cry!

In the heart of Kenya, where the sun rises over the savannah and the air is filled with the sounds of wildlife, there lived a remarkable woman named Daphne Henkins. Born on a timber farm near the village of Gilgill, Daphne’s love for animals blossomed at a young age. At just six years old, she visited her father at a nature reserve, and that single trip ignited a passion within her that would shape the rest of her life. The majestic creatures she encountered left an indelible mark on her heart, and from that moment on, she knew she wanted to dedicate her life to their care and protection.

Daphne excelled in her studies, attending Nakuru Primary and later the Kenya High School for Girls. Her academic achievements earned her a medical scholarship, but she made a life-altering decision to turn it down in favor of marrying her high school sweetheart, William. William worked as an assistant warden at Tsavo National Park, where Daphne’s journey into wildlife conservation truly began. It was here that she met David Sheldrick, the head warden of the park, who would later become her second husband. Their shared love for animals and commitment to conservation brought them together, and soon, they were inseparable partners in both life and work.

Together, Daphne and David dedicated themselves to the care of orphaned wildlife, particularly elephants. They understood the profound emotional bonds these animals formed and the devastating impact of poaching, drought, and illness on their populations. For 17 years, they worked side by side, nurturing and rehabilitating countless animals. Daphne’s love for writing also flourished during this time, as she penned short stories that she would read to David and their daughter, Jill.

Tragedy struck when David passed away suddenly from a heart attack. The loss left Daphne shattered, and for a time, she contemplated stepping away from her work. The thought of walking through the park without him felt unbearable. However, the animals they had cared for together still needed her, and she found the strength to continue. One day, while visiting the park, she encountered a newly orphaned elephant struggling to cope with the loss of its family. In that moment, Daphne realized that she could not abandon her mission. The spark of determination reignited within her, and she launched the Sheldrick Trust in Nairobi National Park, focusing on the rescue and rehabilitation of elephants and rhinos.

With the support of her two daughters, Jill and Angela, Daphne poured her heart and soul into her work. She became a well-known figure in wildlife conservation, earning accolades and recognition for her tireless efforts. Among her many honors, she was named a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, a testament to her unwavering commitment to protecting elephants and advocating for a worldwide ban on ivory.

As the years passed, the threats to elephants grew more severe. Poaching reached alarming levels, leaving many baby elephants orphaned and vulnerable. Daphne and her team worked tirelessly to rescue as many as they could, often finding them trapped in mud, injured, or alone after predator attacks. Each elephant was treated with the utmost care, given their own stalls, handlers, and even blankets to keep them warm. Daphne understood the importance of forming bonds with these gentle giants, but she also recognized the risks of overattachment. Handlers were rotated regularly to ensure the elephants did not become too reliant on any one person.

Despite her best efforts, Daphne faced heartbreaking losses. Many of the baby elephants that arrived at the sanctuary were severely traumatized and dependent on milk without their mothers. She experimented with various formulas, but the babies often remained weak and struggled to thrive. Determined to find a solution, Daphne dedicated years to researching and testing new milk recipes. She collaborated with nutritionists, studying the nutrients in elephant milk and experimenting with safer options. Her relentless pursuit of a breakthrough was fueled by the memory of the elephants she had lost.

One of the most challenging moments came when a young elephant named Amber was brought to the sanctuary. Amber had witnessed the brutal killing of her parents and arrived traumatized and in desperate need of care. Despite Daphne’s best efforts and countless gallons of milk, Amber never fully recovered and eventually passed away. The loss devastated Daphne, but she refused to give up. After 28 years of trial and error, she finally discovered a milk formula from Europe that included coconut milk, which turned out to be the closest match to real elephant milk. This breakthrough allowed her to become the first person to successfully raise infant elephants by hand.

With this newfound success, Daphne’s reputation as “Mama Elephant” grew. The elephants she cared for began to recognize her as their protector and nurturer. Whenever she stepped outside, they would line up to greet her with affectionate hugs, a testament to the deep bonds they had formed. Visitors to the sanctuary were often moved to tears as they witnessed the love and connection between Daphne and the elephants. They learned of her sacrifices and the years she had spent perfecting the milk formula just to save them.

In a world where some viewed elephants merely as sources of ivory, Daphne saw them for what they truly were: emotional, intelligent, and deeply caring beings. Her compassion and dedication resonated with the elephants, and they reciprocated her love in their own unique ways. Daphne’s legacy continued to grow, and when she passed away at the age of 83, people from around the world shared stories of the incredible Kenyan woman who had changed everything for orphaned elephants.

Today, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is run by her daughters, who carry on their mother’s mission with the same passion and commitment. They work tirelessly to protect elephants and keep Mama Elephant’s memory alive. Daphne Henkins’ story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the profound connections that can exist between humans and animals. Her legacy serves as a reminder that, with compassion and dedication, we can make a difference in the lives of those who cannot speak for themselves.

As we reflect on Daphne’s journey, we are reminded of the importance of caring for all living beings and the impact one person can have on the world. In the end, it is love that binds us all, transcending species and uniting us in our shared responsibility to protect the planet and its inhabitants.