Mbegu
Every herd needs a leader and among the real-life orphan herd at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Mbegu is ours. Her story serves as a timely reminder that we, as humans, can have a positive impact on nature and save wild lives.
Mbegu’s story begins in heart-break, but ends in hope. A victim of human-wildlife conflict, she almost died at the hands of a hostile crowd intent on killing her in retribution for the death of a community member by elephants. Mbegu was hit with spears and stones in the attack but despite the trauma she suffered, she immediately sensed her rescuers from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust were there to help her and immediately responded to their kindness and care. In time, she has grown up to become one of the wisest and most loving orphans in the care of the Trust and a marvelous matriarch in waiting. Read more.
If you feel inspired by Mbegu’s story, and want to support her care, you can adopt through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Adoption Program. Our ability to raise orphaned elephants so that they will grow up as healthy, loved and supported animals is completely reliant on donations and the generosity of others.
Creating Mbegu’s sculpture
Expertly created by acclaimed public artists Gillie and Marc in bronze, Mbegu’s sculpture exemplifies the wisdom of matriarchs who lead their herd through thick and thin. Something that can inspire us all.
Raising awareness for elephants
Elephants once roamed the plains of Africa in their millions but now, the species are officially endangered. Poachers and habitat loss, amongst other threats, has brought African savanna elephants like Mbegu to the brink of extinction, while their forest elephant cousins are listed as critically endangered. There is a very real possibility we might be the last generation to see elephants in the wild.
By sharing Mbegu’s story, we hope to raise awareness and engage people in the plight of elephants, and how our own actions could help save a species.