Sylvie VdB Photography Picturethedream

23/11/2025

I am taking you back in time - June 2012, my 2nd visit to the David Sheldrick elephant orphanage in Kenya where my adpoted baby elephant Naipoki lived — a tiny orphan rescued from a well.

Today, she’s living wild and free in VOI… and just yesterday she returned to proudly show her keepers her wild-born baby boy. 💛🐘

This is what the Wildlife Trust does.

Their Adoption Programme rescues, heals and releases orphaned elephants back into the wild — giving them a future, and even a family of their own.

With Thanksgiving, Sinterklaas, Christmas and New Year coming up, even small contributions can make a huge impact.
Adopting an elephant is a meaningful gift that protects wildlife and restores hope.

Let’s help more little ones grow up to roam free. 🌿✨

https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/orphans

Interested in seeing more of my (travel)pictures

30/10/2025

What does it take to save a species?
That is the question. I invite you to listen to Nicholas Dyer 's speech at the Wildlife Conservation Network's (WCN) Expo in San Francisco.
Not only is he an amazing photographer he is also a conservationist, passionate and devoted to the preservation of my beloved African wild dog. He, and the Painted wolf organisation , are true warriors, heroes, living and fighting to keep this species from extinction. https://youtu.be/wFsvOGWfPg4?si=AniyJp9ufEVovGdo.

If you are in a position to donate, take this into account:
DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT NOW!
A generous supporter will match every donation given to the Painted Dog Fund, up to US$25,000 until year end.
Your impact is doubled and your gift will help us:
Invest in new landscapes where painted wolves are unprotected
Support proven painted wolf projects and scale what works
Deliver rabies vaccination programmes to protect vulnerable packs
Train Africa's future painted wolf conservation leaders and build local expertise
Back initiatives that can transform the species's future across Africa
DONATE TODAY: Your gift is matched 1:1 up to US$25,000 until year end
Below are some of my humble pictures of this amazing creature!
Let them not go extinct!

02/10/2025

Remembering Dr Jane Goodall.
Back in 2012 I visited Ol Pejeta Conservancy where, if I remember correctly, rescued chimps from Burundi were housed.

I sat only a few meters away from one (fence in between us). The feeling that went through me when he looked straight into my eyes... I can't describe it. Dr Jane Goodall lived amongst them, observed them, learned from them, and taught us!!

“In what terms should we think of these beings, nonhuman yet possessing so very many human-like characteristics? How should we treat them? Surely we should treat them with the same consideration and kindness as we show to other humans; and as we recognize human rights, so too should we recognize the rights of the great apes? Yes.”
― Jane Goodall

Copyright: Sylvie VdB Photography

13/09/2025

What's on my mind, FB asks? I let you be the judge Wildlife ACT - Focused Conservation

20/07/2025

My garden is a bee-heaven at the moment. I have planted lot's of sunflowers and other wild flowers and it is such a delight to see what this does to the bees, butterflies and other insects.

Sitting in my garden, watching them from a distance with my R5 and RF 100-400, pure joy and happiness.