In the heart of the Karisia Wildlife Conservancy, an awe-inspiring story of survival and resilience has unfolded, showcasing the indomitable spirit of a sub-adult male elephant that defied all odds to recover from a severe fracture in its left hind leg.
This young elephant’s journey to healing stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment to protecting the majestic creatures of our wildlife.
The elephant had previously undergone treatment twice in the nearby Mpala Wildlife Conservancy over two months and had already shown significant progress.
However, a third and final treatment was considered necessary to ensure a complete recovery.
With support from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and helicopter use, the elephant was located in an open area, making it accessible for the required intervention
The immobilization process was carried out with remarkable precision as the elephant was darted from the helicopter using 16 milligrams of Etorphine Hcl via a 3-milliliter Dan-inject dart.
The elephant was fully immobilized and prepared for examination and treatment in a mere seven minutes.
Upon assessment, it became evident that the elephant’s left hind leg had made remarkable progress. The swelling had subsided, and the leg had regained its strength.
Astonishingly, there were no external wounds or injuries on the affected leg, underscoring the elephant’s incredible resilience and the expert care it had received.
To expedite the recovery, the elephant was treated with a substantial dose of Vitamin B12 and Calcium (Calciject®).
A Dexamethasone injection and a multivitamin were administered intramuscularly to alleviate pain and facilitate healing.
This third treatment marked a pivotal milestone in the elephant’s journey toward full recovery.
Post-treatment, the elephant was carefully and compassionately revived from anesthesia using 36 milligrams of Diprenorphine Hcl, in conjunction with 50 milligrams of Naltrexone, administered intravenously through the superficial ear-vein.
The young elephant rose with a palpable sense of relief, clearly displaying its progress.
The outlook for this resilient elephant is remarkably optimistic, given its encouraging response to previous treatments and outstanding recovery.
The dedicated security team at the Karisia Conservancy continues vigilantly monitoring the elephant’s progress, ensuring its flourishing in the wild, where it belongs.
This remarkable tale of survival and resurgence serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact of conservation efforts on the lives of these magnificent creatures.
