Amazing teamwork saves a bull elephant from danger!

The injured elephant came to light when Taro Carr-Hartley, Daphne’s grandson, discovered it on July 22 in the Northern Area of Tsavo.

Given the challenging terrain and the urgency of the situation, DSWT pilots Taro and Neville Sheldrick took flight at first light the next day to locate and assist the injured elephant.

After an intense three-hour aerial search on July 23, the injured bull was found within a dense bush. A ground team equipped with water, veterinary supplies, ropes, pangas, and axes prepared for the challenging rescue operation.

Lifting the elephant from the ground was deemed impractical due to the dense vegetation, necessitating the deployment of the DSWT helicopter.

KWS Veterinary Officer Dr. Jeremiah Poghop successfully darted the bull from the hovering helicopter.

After being darted, the team patiently waited for the tranquilized elephant to descend. The ground team vehicles were guided through dense vegetation by a DSWT pilot monitoring from above.

Dr. Poghop, the first responder, was airlifted to an open clearing approximately 500 meters away from the elephant, guided by the DSWT helicopter pilot.

With speed and precision, the team addressed two poisoned arrow wounds located on opposite sides of the elephant’s body.

The necrotic tissue was surgically removed, and the wounds underwent thorough cleaning and treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Natural green clay was packed into the scars to support the healing process.

Due to his size, the massive bull had to be carefully rolled over onto the other side, which was achieved using ropes strapped around his legs and a grader to handle his considerable weight.

Once the procedure was completed, the anesthesia was reversed, and with a few powerful movements, the elephant successfully rose back to his feet.

Despite the disorientation and probable enduring discomfort, the injured elephant received a favorable prognosis, bringing relief to the committed rescue team.

This achievement highlights the successful partnership between DSWT and KWS in their ongoing endeavors to rescue and safeguard injured wildlife.

With steadfast backing from DSWT donors, these organizations will continue their mission to aid injured elephants and other wildlife species.

Throughout the years, the Veterinary Units and Sky Vet, supported by DSWT in collaboration with KWS, have delivered care to 2,362 elephants, emphasizing the substantial influence of their collaboration in wildlife conservation.

The collective efforts of the teams iпvolved iп these rescυes exemplify their υпwaveriпg dedicatioп to saviпg lives aпd preveпtiпg tгаɡіс fatalities amoпg Keпya’s wildlife.