805K views · 4K reactions | In 2015, Nat Geo Photographer Charlie Hamilton James visited the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya to document his experience with orphaned elephants. Today, he reflects on his assignment and the critical role elephants play in our ecosystem. Video by Charlie Hamilton James | National Geographic | Facebook

SAVING ELEPHANTS: Kenya's orphaned elephants are getting a second chance at life, thanks to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. More than 200 elephants have been saved -- read more about how the trust is doing it --> http://nbcnews.to/2zNYlXN | NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas

Watch the heart-warming rescue of a baby elephant that was trapped in a man-made watering hole. | National Geographic

From our Orphan Units and all of us at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas. To every person that has stood with us this year, we are enormously grateful for your steadfast support and generosity. You kindness during these times has been inspiring and humbling. As we watch over wildlife, and provide for the rescued elephants, rhinos, antelopes, buffaloes and warthog in our care, we are so very aware that it is with your help that we are able to offer the

Give a gift of life this holiday season At the SWT, miracles come in the form of rescued orphan elephants and rhinos who have survived against the odds. A gift of an adoption this festive season will not only keep them safe and warm, but also bring a sense of joy to your loved ones beyond measure. As Daphne Sheldrick best put it after meeting an orphan for the first time, “he touched my heart and made me want to protect him forever”. For those looking for a meaningful gift, our Adoption Program