Surely the Light of this beautiful soul will continue to shine on her human and animal family, maybe even more strongly 🌟
It’s always such a shame when a good soul [pa.ss.es], especially one so young an loving. The elephants will remember her fondly and talk of her often in the their rumbling, secret language.
On the night of 3rd January 2026, Kirsty van Zeller, née Smith, [pa.ss.ed aw.ay] following a courageous [ba.tt.le] with [ca.nc.er]. She left us in the light of a bright, beautiful full moon, with her family by her side.💔
Kirsty was pure gold. Even if you did not know her personally, she no doubt touched your life. To know the “Trust” is to know Kirsty. She joined our team ten years ago, working as Angela’s right hand and helping build us into the organisation we are today.
Kirsty introduced people the world over to elephants. She preferred working behind the scenes, but her impact was felt everywhere. If you visited the Nursery or contacted the Trust, chances are you met Kirsty. Those who have followed our Nursery livestreams on social media, which she co-hosted, will recognise her warm, welcoming voice. Even the smallest interaction with Kirsty left a lasting imprint.
She saw brilliance in all of earth’s creatures — each one was worthy of her respect and her attention. Wherever Kirsty was, she was surrounded by a halo of animals. At the Nursery, the orphaned elephants would often post up beside her, legs crossed and eyes closed in relaxation as they suckled on her finger. Animals felt safe and seen in her presence.
Kirsty was so many things to so many people: she was a loving wife and wonderful mother, a cherished sister, daughter, and granddaughter, and a steadfast friend to so many. She [fo.ug.ht] valiantly to have more time with her daughter, who is only three. It is impossible to reconcile the [lo.ss] of someone so young and so very selfless.
Kirsty often reflected on a passage by the naturalist Henry Beston — Echoing the words she lived by, Kirsty “moved through the world finished and complete, gifted with the extension of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear.” We will miss her terribly, and we feel so blessed to have known her.
R.I.P Kirsty, we and the elephants that we love will never forget you. ❤️
Pray for her family and all that she enlightened in her life 🌹♥️🙏🏻🙏🏻
H/t: Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
