The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Aaah that's so lovely - imagine a dung beetle stopping an ele! I wish someone had caught that on camera

Thanks Anne-Marie that was much needed, i've just read the piece DSWT wrote on the life and death of Mawenzi which left me in floods of tears

Lai

Me too Lai!! Poor little baby!! It really was a moving piece!! So well written!! I was glad I read the daily entry on the keepers diary after that as it did then make me smile. There was a good entry on little Maalim as well which will bring a smile to you face:

July 28th
Maalim is a real character and loves to keep his evening ritual with his mattress. This morning he decided to take his beloved mattress with him when he left his stockade. The keepers had to work hard to convince him to leave it behind.

Maalim is such a character - you'll love seeing him Anne-Marie, and I bet he still loves his mattress when you go.

Lai

I just wanted to share this link with you all:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/gallery/2010/sep/01/protector-of-the-giants-photo-exhibition#/?picture=366139650&index=0

Both myself and Lai will be attending on the Tuesday to listen to the keynote speech by Dame Daphne Sheldrick. I am so very very excited to be able to attend this event, and to see the exhibition.

If anyone else is in London next week, the exhibition is free and is open all day here is the link:
http://forellies.com/ForEllies/Exhibit.html

I just can't wait Anne-Marie. It should be great, both the talk and the exhibition. I hope I am not going to

What time are you getting there? I'm meeting one of my friends at 6.30pm in the bar and not sure about the other friend yet.

Look forward to catching up with you then.

Lai

You are both going to have the most wonderful time, what an event to be going too. Don't drink too much in that bar Lai because we will need a full report, it's just going to be so amazing to hear what Dame Daphne Sheldrick is going to say. I don't need to say have a good time because that goes without question that you will.

Thank you so much for posting the links Anne-Marie, the photos are just so touching, they are stunning but there is also some sad ones like the poor eles that were masacred. They are all incredibly special but one of my favourites was Sisterly Love with Shukuru and Tano

Ooooo you two are just going to have such a magical time but I imagine it may also be sad in parts but I cant wait to hear all about it.

littlewid-x-

I hope you and Lai have a great time as I'm sure you will. It must seem like an extra Birthday present. Thanks for the Links
WS

Hope you have a fabulous time AM and Lai. It sounds like it will be quite and event. If you can get pictures please share, for though I would love to go it is just not possible at the moment. I am now a bonus mum to a 13 year old who moved in with us on Monday and spare time has completely vanished.

Enjoy!

SM

The time has certainly come round very quickly!! It seemed so long ago when the tickets went on sale!!

I hope the underground staff call off their stupid strike. Getting a taxi is going to be a nightmare!! I think I'll put my walking shoes on ready for the three mile trek from the train station!!

Lai, I think our plan is to find somewhere to eat close by at around 5pm and then head in when the doors open at 6pm!! I shall look out for you at the bar! It will be lovely to meet you!! You'll have to give me some photography tips whilst we are there

I'm going to take a packet of tissues with me, because I can guarantee I'll cry!! Always do when it comes to elephants, even when nothing sad is happening!

Just read the email about the underground so walking shoes a must!

We'll catch up in the bar then, also going to look at the exhibition - so much to do

Can't wait - bigger box of tissues on order, i can feel it!

Lai

I am just a little bit excited!! I've just requested to book a private visit at the DSWT next year. Rob says its on a first come first served basis so I hope no one else has requested that date!!

Here's hoping you are first on the list - it can be a little chaotic there (we weren't on the list although I had booked and that was not for the private visit but the late afternoon for fosterers) but we got in. Send lots of reminder emails, you will just love it Anne-Marie.

Lai

Its all confirmed!! I've got my private visit with the baby eles next year!!!! I am SO excited!!!

Fantastic - how exciting. You'll see all your eles (sure you'll have more by then) and their new black Rhino Solio.

Lai

Fantastic news AM - you're gonna have a ball

http://www.telegram.com/article/20110411/NEWS/104119961/1011

The 40-minute Warner Bros. documentary, narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman, opened Friday in IMAX theaters across the country.

It is a breathtaking look at the lives of two women and the animal orphanages they built half a world apart.

Daphne M. Sheldrick, 76, runs her elephant nursery on the edge of Nairobi National Park near Kenya, Africa.

Birute Mary Galdikas, 64, runs her Orangutan Care Center and Quarantine in the jungles of Borneo.

Does anyone know when this is going to be shown in the UK? It sounds like a fascinating film.

I know this is also relevant to orangutans but I didnt want to post twice

Lai

For anyone who is interested in the Born to be Wild film it will be shown in the UK in June

http://www.bfi.org.uk/whatson/bfi_imax/coming_soon/born_to_be_wild_3d

and http://www.imax.com/borntobewild/#/the-film/synopsis/elephants for some info on the film

Lai

Not sure were I nearest Imax would be, but I think the BFI is a bit too far.

SM

I think we have to go to Manchester - shame there aren't more around locally

Lai

The DSWT have given the release date for Born to be Wild in the UK to be 14th June. I've also seen it as 17th June but no tickets on sale yet. I think we will head down to London to see it and make a day of it

Thanks for the nudge Anne-Marie. If you find out when and where please let us know. I think Pete & I will definitely head to London for it if we can't see it here in Manchester.

Lai

The release of 3 of the little eles to Ithumba. Kibo is one of our little eles.

Lai