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David Sheldrick

1919 – 1977

British zoologist

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About David Sheldrick

Lived 1919 – 1977 (aged 57). David Sheldrick was a British and Kenyan zoologist and farmer, known for David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Major David Leslie William Sheldrick, MBE (23 November 191913 June 1977) was a Kenyan farmer and park warden, in memory of whom the eponymous David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) was created by his widow, Daphne (later Dame Daphne Sheldrick) in Nairobi.

Early years David Sheldrick, an only child, came to Kenya as an infant with his parents. His father had served with the British Remounts during World War I, resettled near Nyeri and became a coffee farmer at Mweiga.

World War II Educated at the Canford School, David Sheldrick returned to Kenya until World War II began in 1939. He served in the King's African Rifles (KAR), seeing active service in Abyssinia and Burma. He was promoted to Major, the youngest officer in the KAR to achieve this rank.

The 21 meter-high Sheldrick Falls in Shimba Hills National Reserve were named after him. Sheldrick's reed frog (Hyperolius sheldricki) is named in his honour.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Known for
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Awards
Member of the Order of the British Empire

People in David Sheldrick's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped David Sheldrick's

Frequently asked questions

Who was David Sheldrick?

British zoologist (1919–1977)

When was David Sheldrick born?

David Sheldrick was born on 23 November 1919 in Egypt.

When did David Sheldrick die?

David Sheldrick died on 13 June 1977 in Kenya.

What was David Sheldrick's occupation?

David Sheldrick was a zoologist and farmer.

What was David Sheldrick known for?

David Sheldrick was known for David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

What nationality was David Sheldrick?

David Sheldrick was British and Kenyan.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: David Sheldrick

· Wikidata: Q1176626

· DBpedia: David Sheldrick

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). David Sheldrick. https://biography.guide/david-sheldrick/

MLA: "David Sheldrick." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/david-sheldrick/.

Chicago: "David Sheldrick." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/david-sheldrick/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-22 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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