On Friday 25th September, we welcomed 200 guests to London's prestigious Landmark Hotel for our flagship event to celebrate all that has been achieved for Kenya's wildlife over the past 38 years.

We were delighted to witness the arrival of supporters from around the globe coming together in support of our work, to raise vital funds for threatened wildlife and habitats. Following a drinks and canapés reception in The Drawing Room, guests took to their seats in The Ballroom as African Kora player Mamadou filled the room with a soft melodic tone.

In the presence of the Sheldrick family (Chairman Dr. Dame Daphne Sheldrick, CEO Angela Sheldrick, Taru Carr-Hartley, Jill Woodley and Emily Chavrier) HRH Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and guests enjoyed a 3-course meal with exceptional, heartfelt speeches from our key speakers including Nicky Campbell OBE, HRH Prince Michael of Kent and Kristin Davis. 

The room fell quiet as actress Alisen Down took to the stage to deliver her speech, ‘The kinship I feel with elephants and rhinos, my fellow living beings whom I have never officially met, is the same kinship I feel with humans. No bullet, no spear, no snare…will get through us. Not anymore.’

Each speaker delivered open, honest and passionate speeches highlighting their personal connection with The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) whilst thanking each and every person who was in attendance, and of course those around the world who could not join us on the evening.

Our live auction was soon underway led by energetic auctioneer Charlie Ross who delivered a nail-biting and exciting auction involving everyone in the room. Lots included an original Angela Sheldrick watercolour, little Ndotto’s footprint in clay and a DSWT Safari of a Lifetime. Finally, the band took to the stage performing mellow jazz to close a successful evening. 

We would like to thank everyone who attended, including our keynote speakers, our fantastic team of volunteers, our many event sponsors, including our partners British Airways who sponsored tickets so that the Sheldrick familycould join us on this special occasion.

With the support of everyone involved, we raised an astonishing £100,000 for wildlife. This is a fantastic amount and one which will enable continued development and support for Kenya's wildlife and our life-saving projects for years to come.