On the momentous occasion of World Elephant Day, a heartwarming story unfolded in the Masai Mara, where an ailing and distinguished old elephant desperately needed assistance.
Alert visitors first spotted this majestic bull as he sought solace by the Mara River, but what caught their attention was a grievous wound on his tail, seemingly inflicted by a spear.
Swiftly responding to the coordinates provided, the SWT/KWS Mara Veterinary Unit embarked on a mission to help him.
However, reaching the Mara Conservancy side, where the elephant was last seen, proved challenging due to their base’s location on the Keekerok side of the river. Despite their exhaustive search, he remained elusive.
Fortune smiled upon this elephant as the SWT helicopter happened to be nearby. Guided by the skilled pilot, the team located the elephant on the Keekerok side of the river.
Crossing the river once again, the elephant, driven by a need for change, was carefully guided back to his initial spot by the helicopter, ensuring minimal stress.
From the helicopter, Dr. Limo administered a tranquilizer, and the majestic creature gracefully descended after about seven minutes.
Even as the helicopter descended, the ground crew was ready to provide immediate care. One ranger ensured an open airway by gently inserting a stick into the elephant’s trunk, while another shielded him from the harsh sun by placing an ear over his eye.
The team then attended to the heavily infected wound, filled with maggots, through a meticulous cleaning process.
After Dr. Limo confirmed the removal of all pus and maggots, the wound was filled with healing green clay. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories were administered, and the anesthesia was reversed.
Slowly but surely, the bull elephant regained his feet, appearing unfazed by the recent ordeal, and continued his journey through the Mara.
This incredible rescue is a poignant reminder of the challenges elephants face in an ever-evolving world.
At an age well over 50, possibly even in his 60s, this magnificent creature bears the scars of a life marked by adaptation in a landscape under constant transformation.
Witnessing the shrinking of his habitat due to encroaching human settlements, he likely fell victim to a spear in what was once a haven for elephants. Yet, he is one of the fortunate ones, receiving the care needed for a promising recovery.
Today, he calls the Masai Mara National Reserve home, offering hope for his healing and thriving in a secure environment.
Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the SWT/KWS Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding Kenya’s precious wildlife.
We also extend our gratitude to the Minara Foundation, whose generous support has played a vital role in their noble efforts.
Over the past 14 years, this remarkable unit has provided essential medical treatment to countless elephants, rhinos, lions, and various other wildlife species, preserving the lives of Kenya’s noteworthy wildlife heritage.
