Protecting Wild Elephant Families: Recent Incidents Underscore the Urgency of Conservation Efforts

Our organization is widely recognized for its commitment to caring for orphaned elephants, with the overarching mission of keeping wild elephant families intact.

The profound bond between mother elephants and their calves is pivotal, and our tireless efforts are geared toward preserving this connection, especially in challenging situations. Recent events underscore the critical importance of our conservation work.

In commemoration of World Elephant Day, we embarked on a demanding nighttime rescue mission to save a mother elephant and her calf trapped in a cesspit.

Despite the formidable circumstances, our dedicated team successfully executed the rescue, with the mother elephant actively cooperating.

This incident serves as a testament to the significance of our ongoing conservation efforts. For more details on this operation, refer to our comprehensive report.

Within a short span, the SWT/KWS Tsavo Vet Unit received distressing news about a young elephant calf trapped in a poacher’s snare.

The wire had tightly coiled around the calf’s trunk, leaving the distressed mother helpless.

Acting swiftly, Dr. Poghon administered anesthesia to both mother and baby, removing the snare before irreparable harm occurred.

Thankfully, the calf was reunited with its mother, and they walked off into the sunset together, relieved that the ordeal was finally over.

Last week, the SWT/KWS Mount Kenya Mobile Vet Unit responded to a distress call from Loisaba Wildlife Conservancy concerning a limping calf struggling to keep up with its herd. Upon arrival, the team found the calf abandoned by its pack but with its mother.

Dr. Ndambiri treated the injured calf, likely caused by a fall, ensuring pain management and treating its bruises.

Following the intervention, both mother and calf were successfully revived, with the calf immediately resuming suckling, rejoining their herd.

These young elephants have a promising future, much like us.

While elephants can live up to 70 years, unforeseen events such as falls, snares, or encounters with human-made dangers can abruptly end their lives.

With your steadfast support, our SWT/KWS Mobile Vet Units can swiftly intervene, preventing such tragedies and securing a vibrant future for wild elephant families.