In a recent report, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) showcased its rapid intervention to treat a young male elephant that had fallen victim to two arrow wounds near the Tiva River area.
The dedicated efforts of rangers, working in collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), played a crucial role in the successful rescue mission.
Upon receiving the distressing report, teams from DSWT and KWS acted swiftly, keeping a close eye on the injured elephant while awaiting the arrival of the DSWT helicopter from Voi.
Recognizing the situation’s urgency, the primary goal was to provide prompt medical attention to the wounded elephant.
The rangers, displaying unwavering dedication, located the young elephant with ease. Taking a cautious approach, they immobilized the majestic creature with a precisely administered dose of 10 mg of Etorphine delivered through a dan inject dart system.
In just seven minutes, the elephant peacefully succumbed to slumber, allowing the team to create a safe space by clearing branches and debris from the vicinity.
During the inspection, experts discovered two fresh arrow wounds on the elephant’s left rump, with the arrowhead protruding from one of them.
Swiftly, the team removed the arrowhead, cleansed the injuries with clean water and hydrogen peroxide, and treated them with a tin of iodine.
A layer of dampened green clay was applied to cover the wounds to aid the healing process.
Long-lasting antibiotics were injected into the muscle, and Dexamethasone Hcl was administered intravenously through a noticeable vein in the ear.
After the treatment, the administration of anesthesia was reversed, and within a few minutes, the majestic elephant regained its feet.
The outlook for a complete recovery is promising, showcasing the effectiveness of the DSWT’s swift and dedicated intervention in protecting and healing wildlife.
