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Daphne Jenkins Sheldrick
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Love, Life, and Elephants: An African Love Story Kindle Edition

by Daphne Jenkins Sheldrick (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 2,996 ratings
Editors' pick Best Biographies & Memoirs
“Enchanting . . . Sheldrick and her pioneering game warden husband David have often been ahead of science in their understanding of African wildlife.” —The Daily Telegraph (London)

Daphne Sheldrick, whose family arrived in Africa from Scotland in the 1820s, is the first person ever to have successfully hand-reared newborn elephants. Her pioneering work in perfecting the right husbandry and milk formula have saved countless elephants, rhinos, and other baby animals from certain death.

In this heartwarming and poignant memoir, Daphne shares her amazing relationships with a host of orphans, including her first love, Bushy, a liquid-eyed antelope; Rickey-Tickey-Tavey, the little dwarf mongoose; Gregory Peck, the busy buffalo weaver bird; Huppety, the mischievous zebra; and the majestic elephant Eleanor, with whom Daphne has shared more than forty years of great friendship.

But this is also a magical and heartbreaking human love story between Daphne and David Sheldrick, the famous Tsavo Park warden. It was their deep and passionate love, David’s extraordinary insight into all aspects of nature, and the tragedy of his early death that inspired Daphne’s vast array of achievements, most notably the founding of the world-renowned David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Orphans’ Nursery in Nairobi National Park, where Daphne continues to live and work to this day.

Encompassing not only David and Daphne’s tireless campaign for an end to poaching and for conserving Kenya’s wildlife, but also their ability to engage with the human side of animals and their rearing of the orphans expressly so they can return to the wild, Love, Life, and Elephants is alive with compassion and humor, providing a rare insight into the life of one of the world’s most remarkable women.
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  1. Print length
    353 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Farrar, Straus and Giroux
  4. Publication date
    May 8, 2012
  5. File size
    9.8 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

When Sheldrick (not yet a Dame Commander of the British Empire) fostered milk-dependent orphaned elephants in Tsavo National Park in Kenya in the 1960s, she faced almost certain heartbreak. Unlike the impala, mongoose, dik-diks, and other small mammals that she had raised, baby elephants do not tolerate cow’s milk. Undeterred by repeated failure, she tested new formulas until she successfully saved tiny, fuzz-covered Shmetty in 1974. Since then, she and her team of keepers outside Nairobi have raised more than 200 orphaned elephants, many of whom have returned to the wild. In this highly personal autobiography, she recounts a lifetime of fostering orphan mammals, reptiles, and birds while raising a family and helping her valiant husband develop Kenya’s national parks in an era of political turmoil and rampant poaching. Filled with eyewitness accounts of African conservation, astute wildlife observations, and a touching love story, Sheldrick’s book will delight nature-loving readers. --Rick Roche

Review

“A remarkable portrait of [the Sheldricks'] love and life's work.” ―People

“If Dame Daphne hadn't already been honored by the Queen of England, I would peronally lobby on her behalf. This extraordinary woman has saved hundreds of orphaned baby elephants left parentless by poachers, as well as rhinos, gazelles and other African animals . . . As if that wasn't enough, she can write, too.” ―Chloe Schama, Smithsonian magazine

“Love, Life and Elephants has an animal population big and personable enough to fill a zoo.” ―Janet Maslin, The New York Times summer reading list

“[Sheldrick] gives a lyrical yet droll voice to her rollicking life in Kenya, where she has spent more than 50 years rehabilitating orphaned wildlife . . . [A] rich memoir.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Five Stars . . . [Sheldrick] and her pioneering game warden husband David have often been ahead of science in their understanding of African wildlife. Cynics scoffed for years at the ‘thrilling in the air' many people claimed to feel around elephants, and at the rumours that they could communicate over many kilometres--until it was proved that infrasonic calls at a frequency of 21 hertz were responsible for both phenomena . . . An enchanting memoir . . . This book raises many questions about who belongs where: both people and animals.” ―Helen Brown, The Daily Telegraph (UK)

“In this highly personal autobiography, [Sheldrick] recounts a lifetime of fostering orphan mammals, reptiles, and birds while raising a family and helping her valiant husband develop Kenya's national parks in an era of political turmoil and rampant poaching. Filled with eyewitness accounts of African conservation, astute wildlife observations, and a touching love story, Sheldrick's book will delight nature-loving readers.” ―Rick Roche, Booklist

“Heartfelt . . . fascinating.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“[Love, Life, and Elephants] is both an incredible memoir of a life and two romances. The first of these blossoms when the young author moves to Tsavo with her first husband and falls head over heels for the park and its famous warden, David Sheldrick. The second love story follows Daphne and David as they devote their lives to rescuing baby elephants from poachers and finding homes for orphan elephants, all the while campaigning against the ever-present threat of the ivory trade.” ―GQ (UK)

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0071VUQW8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Farrar, Straus and Giroux; 1st edition (May 8, 2012)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 8, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 9.8 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 353 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 2,996 ratings

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Daphne Jenkins Sheldrick

Daphne Jenkins Sheldrick

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
2,996 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a compelling read with an incredible true story of an amazing woman who dedicates her life to wildlife conservation. The writing is well-crafted, with one customer describing it as a beautifully written memoir, and customers appreciate its emotional depth, with one noting how it broadens understanding of animal emotions. Customers praise the author's dedication to wildlife, with one review highlighting her compassionate approach to animal care.

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245 customers mention "Readability"245 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a compelling and beautiful read, with one customer noting it's a must-read for those who love nature.

"...It is a real life story which is both unique and fascinating about two extraordinary, but unaffected people with an understanding of, and passion for..." Read more

"...An amazing and tender story!!!" Read more

"...The stories and victories of the animals she loved, nurtured and lost are truly lovely and often heartbreaking...." Read more

"...This book does a wonderful job of not only describing the current efficient operation, but also conveying the colorful, sometimes dangerous, always..." Read more

220 customers mention "Story quality"220 positive0 negative

Customers describe this book as an incredible true story that is soul-satisfying and an exciting life adventure, with one customer noting the extraordinary setting and life lived.

"...It's a book that makes you cry, laugh, and learn so very much about Africa, wildlife and the incredible life of this amazing woman...." Read more

"...It is a real life story which is both unique and fascinating about two extraordinary, but unaffected people with an understanding of, and passion for..." Read more

"...An amazing and tender story!!!" Read more

"...but also conveying the colorful, sometimes dangerous, always demanding journey of Dame Daphne from the daughter of a small farmer to the present-day..." Read more

112 customers mention "Insight"112 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and inspiring, describing it as fascinating and informative.

"...It is a real life story which is both unique and fascinating about two extraordinary, but unaffected people with an understanding of, and passion for..." Read more

"...It's important to read this as an autobiography that gives insight into history and into a geographical area...." Read more

"...to survive. Daphne Sheldrick obviously is a woman of great energy and dedication...." Read more

"Fascinating for anyone interested in the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust or African wildlife/conservation. Also enlightening about modern African history...." Read more

104 customers mention "Love for animals"104 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's focus on wildlife, with multiple reviews highlighting its fabulous insights into animal life and dedication to African conservation.

"...book that makes you cry, laugh, and learn so very much about Africa, wildlife and the incredible life of this amazing woman...." Read more

"...people with an understanding of, and passion for, the preservation of wild life, particularly African Elephants...." Read more

"...Trust in Kenya is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants and rhinos, playing a crucial conservation role...." Read more

"...Her love for the animals, for the land, for David Sheldrick, and for her daughters is so clear and personally-described...." Read more

94 customers mention "Writing quality"87 positive7 negative

Customers praise the book's writing quality, describing it as a brilliant and well-crafted memoir that is highly readable.

"This book is the life story of two very interesting, passionate, strong, courageous and loving people...." Read more

"...It's important to read this as an autobiography that gives insight into history and into a geographical area...." Read more

"...You race through books you enjoy, and this was a speedy read. Bravo to the author. Enjoy!!!" Read more

"...It’s written at a gentle flowing pace you would feel if you were sitting on the veranda watching the tranquil safari sunset...." Read more

70 customers mention "Emotional content"63 positive7 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as a heart-wrenching tale that broadens understanding of the emotional lives of both humans and animals.

"...It's a book that makes you cry, laugh, and learn so very much about Africa, wildlife and the incredible life of this amazing woman...." Read more

"...book is the life story of two very interesting, passionate, strong, courageous and loving people...." Read more

"...the animals she loved, nurtured and lost are truly lovely and often heartbreaking...." Read more

"...All combined, it's a heart-wrenching tale that glues you to the page...." Read more

41 customers mention "Woman"41 positive0 negative

Customers describe Daphne as a remarkable woman and true heroine, with one customer highlighting her dedication.

"...and learn so very much about Africa, wildlife and the incredible life of this amazing woman...." Read more

"...She has devoted her life to these magnificent beings, and in doing so has written a most interesting, entertaining, heart-warming and heart-..." Read more

"...Her achievement is awesome and her driving force - love - shines through her writing...." Read more

"...spreading great love all around us~ Daphne Sheldrick is clearly an amazing lady...." Read more

31 customers mention "Storyteller"29 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the book's storytelling, with one noting how Daphne Sheldrick relates her experiences with honesty, while others describe it as a gripping tale of life.

"...from South Africa to a remote part of Kenya in 1907, and tells of her family's struggles, their heartbreaks, and celebrations as they forge a new..." Read more

"...Dame Daphne is my hero and to read her story in her words is magical! I finally have time to read it and I cannot put it down...." Read more

"...It's an enchanting tale, refreshingly honest, and a tender tribute to her beloved husband, David Sheldrick, and his life's work...." Read more

"...Dame Daphne Sheldrick tells her amazing life story, from her recent ancestors move to Kenya, to her current role running the David Sheldrick..." Read more

For elephant lovers!
5 out of 5 stars
For elephant lovers!
If you love elephants, read this book. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants and rhinos, playing a crucial conservation role. An amazing and tender story!!!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Meg
    5.0 out of 5 stars Best book you'll ever read! True story of an incredible woman and the elephants she saved.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    After reading this book I began adopting elephants at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and I've never regretted it for a second. I'm a foster mom to Olorien, Kindani, Kerrio, Mzinga, Nyambeni, Doldol, and Mokogodo. My first adopted baby, Ziwadi, died this February, very suddenly, after suffering a seizure. She had epilepsy and was a fragile elephant. I still donate in her memory. I also have an adopted rhino baby named Raha. When you read this book you'll learn the history of the Tsavo Park system in Kenya, how Daphne's husband David created it, and how Daphne went on to save the lies of orphaned baby elephants. It's a book that makes you cry, laugh, and learn so very much about Africa, wildlife and the incredible life of this amazing woman. You won't be able to put it down, and you'll want to go on their website to see all the orphans and read their stories. Just when you think the world is a horrible place--you find the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and life is good.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Christopher Bakewell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Books You Will Never Forget!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This book is the life story of two very interesting, passionate, strong, courageous and loving people. It is a real life story which is both unique and fascinating about two extraordinary, but unaffected people with an understanding of, and passion for, the preservation of wild life, particularly African Elephants. Daphne and her husband David Sheldrick are both very human but both have qualities which set them apart but not removed from everyday life. This book will grip you, fascinate you, horrify you, uplift you and bring tears to your eyes. It compares with another great read I enjoyed two years ago, The Elephant Whisperer - Lawrence Anthony, (also available on Kindle). These two books will change your understanding of elephants and bring you in awe of these modern day warriors who never gave up on their quest to preserve the African elephant. Sadly, these two wonderful men have died but their legacy lives on and Daphne continued in her own right to raise over 200 elephants!
    These are feel good books that inspire and enrich the reader. I cannot write more highly of them. I may be slightly biased because I lived on farms in Kenya briefly during the early part of Daphne's story and can relate strongly to her life. Enjoy! Christopher Bakewell
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  • P. Aguilar
    5.0 out of 5 stars For elephant lovers!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    If you love elephants, read this book. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants and rhinos, playing a crucial conservation role. An amazing and tender story!!!
    Customer image
    P. Aguilar
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    For elephant lovers!

    Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2024
    If you love elephants, read this book. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants and rhinos, playing a crucial conservation role. An amazing and tender story!!!
    Images in this review
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    One person found this helpful
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  • C. Kane
    4.0 out of 5 stars A compelling read, best understood as a journal
    Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Like another reviewer, I have visited the Wildlife Preserve and have supported it financially. The work and devotion Dame Sheldrick has given to the wildlife of Kenya is most praise-worthy. Her love for the animals, for the land, for David Sheldrick, and for her daughters is so clear and personally-described. It's important to read this as an autobiography that gives insight into history and into a geographical area. As a novel reader, I am likely more familiar with stories that talk to the motivations, feelings and thoughts of multiple characters. In this way, we get to know Dame Sheldrick and to some extent the animals, but David Sheldrick still seems a bit remote. Her devotion and admiration is in no way remote; this is touching. And it is the revery of a woman who was born in the 1930s in a certain context.
    Despite - or perhaps because of - her colonial context, we see less of black Africa as people. There are black Africans who work and have worked with Dame Sheldrick, but we do not get to know them personally, with small exception. Sheldrick is a native of Kenya, speaks Swahili and has a deep and lasting love of the land and animals. I don't see a personal relationship with the indigenous people, and this element may be challenging for those who are more accustomed to a more modern context. Just as I would make exceptions for an older family member for not having a modern language in talking about people and cultural context, I tried to apply this to Sheldrick.
    The stories and victories of the animals she loved, nurtured and lost are truly lovely and often heartbreaking. And her writing and examination of the consequences and risks of the actions taken in the name of conservation and progress are fascinating. If one finds a dying elephant, should he take the tusks to keep them from poachers? With the Park's collection of tusks, should the agency sell them to fund anti-poaching and conservation projects? Or should they be destroyed to aid the progress of banning ivory entirely? There are certainly dilemmas uncovered in this book that will cause you to think and to challenge assumptions.
    Truthfully, I'm a little more inclined to rate it 3.5, so I have increased to 4. The proceeds of this book will support a lady who has given her life as a (mostly unpaid) public servant who has made a tremendous difference to the wildlife of Africa. If your purchase funds her comfortable retirement in a modest place and later the lovely baby elephants and Maxwell the rhino, it's a good spend.
    17 people found this helpful
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  • Dana Cradeur
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you for sharing your beautiful story!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I truly enjoyed reading and learning about Africa’s wildlife and your life with your orphans! Thank you and your family for your years of dedication and service in protecting our beautiful wildlife!
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Rajeshree9
    5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome read
    Reviewed in India on March 14, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    One of the best memoirs I have read. Hats off to David and Daphne for their contribution and selfless dedication to wildlife.
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  • DigbyJunior
    5.0 out of 5 stars An African Love Story: Love, Life and Elephants
    Reviewed in Australia on December 8, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Loved this book
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  • Eva
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enthralling read
    Reviewed in Germany on October 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    One of the most wonderful books I have read! It immerses you in the wildlife of Kenya. An intimate account of a life spent protecting wild animals, filled with insights into their behaviors, their bonds to each other and humans. A passionate story, extremely well written!
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  • Monica Castro
    5.0 out of 5 stars El contenido y la hoistoria de esta maravillos fundacion
    Reviewed in Mexico on December 7, 2023
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    Me encanta el contenido y la portada
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  • Animal Lover
    5.0 out of 5 stars I did not want this book to ever end. It is a simply beautiful life story.
    Reviewed in Canada on August 1, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    One of the best books on Kenya/Africa I have ever had the pleasure of reading. I lived in Kenya as a child from age 5 to age 10 in 1975-1979 and I know Kenya and the parks and the animals and the smells and the breathtaking beauty - and the pain of poaching and of men's greed. Part of my heart will always be in Kenya. It is a magical place and to read this book was like reading part of my life. The extraordinary measures and risks that Ms. Sheldrick took to care for God's magnificent creatures is an example to all. My heart rejoiced and tears flowed the next. For anyone who has loved Kenya and animals and Africa - it is a must read. Deeply impactful and important. And her work continues today and her legacy remains. She has saved countless lives and the message is - what would the world be like if we all were a convicted as Daphne Sheldrick? A quiet message flows throughout the book. See if you catch it - it's Eleanor. She is there all along the way as decades go by and it is the subtle yet poignant example of how long an elephant lives and how precious these beautiful beings are. I tear up now just mentioning her name. She is my hero. Thank you Daphne for this book. I loved it to pieces.
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