Love, Life, and Elephants

In engrossing detail and with empathy and humor, conservationist Dame Daphne Sheldrick (former co-warden, Tsavo National Park, Kenya) recounts not only her ancestors' original settlement in Kenya but also her own life and childhood. After a short, failed marriage, she fell in love with David Sheldrick (1919–77), the renowned game warden notable for his passion for conservation and study of animal behavior. The couple dedicated themselves to antipoaching efforts, establishing national park status for the Tsavo Game Preserves, as well as rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned wildlife. After suffering nearly fatal injuries inflicted by an elephant that led to surgeries, bone grafts, and months of therapy, Dame Daphne learned to walk again. The experience prompted her to write this book so that she could pass on her knowledge and understanding of Kenya and its wildlife as a legacy.