Facing the looming threat of snares, a recent incident in the Shimba Hills underscores resilience and hope.
Heartbreaking reports emerge of a baby elephant ensnared in a trap. Let us join hands to raise awareness and advocate for their protection.
With the absence of prompt intervention, the specter of infection loomed, jeopardizing the young elephant’s mobility and eventual survival.
In response to the urgent plea, the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit and Airwing swiftly mobilized. A helicopter, prepared to transport Dr. Poghorn, was dispatched to the scene.
The initial crucial step involved sedating the protective mother, ensuring a secure approach to the injured calf.
With skillful guidance from the pilot, the pair was steered to an open area, and with a meticulously administered dart, the mother was placed under anesthesia.
Hovering above, the helicopter crew ensured the mother’s comfort, taking precautions to prevent overheating and maintain clear breathing channels. Meanwhile, the ground team readied themselves for the vital task of treating the severely wounded calf.
Concurrently, the helicopter embarked on a challenging mission to locate the baby elephant, who had wandered away in the dense and bewildering terrain of the Shimba Hills.
Within the labyrinth of greenery, the pilot’s unwavering determination and acute eyesight proved instrumental as they successfully pinpointed the separated calf.
The team collaborated seamlessly to remove the snare, tend to the wound, and administer necessary treatments while navigating the challenging forest terrain.
Ensuring the comfort of both mother and baby during treatment, the team confronted the distressing sight of a brutal snare that had ensnared the calf’s leg. The thick wire had formed an inescapable noose, resulting in a severe wound.
After a strenuous effort to liberate the calf, the team painstakingly cleaned the wound, administered antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, and packed it with green clay to prevent infection.
With the successful treatment completed, the challenging task of reuniting the baby with her mother commenced.
Navigating over 400 meters of challenging terrain, the team painstakingly carried the young elephant uphill to reunite her with her mother.
The reunion marked a moment of triumph, with the mother and baby, awakening from sedation, sharing a tender moment before vanishing into the forest.
Despite the severe injury, hope prevails for the mother’s full recovery, as elephants are renowned for their remarkable resilience.
Under the vigilant watch of ground teams during the recovery period, the baby elephant now faces a promising future, a testament to the timely assistance she received when it mattered most.
