Sheldrick was named a dame by Queen Elizabeth II earlier this year for her work -- the first such honor to be awarded in Kenya since the country became independent in 1963.

Over the last three decades, Sheldrick has lived and worked in the Nairobi National Park, with her home serving as a nursery for baby elephants.

She's the widow of David Sheldrick, who died in 1977 after working as a leader in the movement against poaching elephants for the ivory from their tusks. After his death, she founded the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, committed to wildlife conservation in Kenya, with a focus on protecting elephants and the black rhino.