In the heart of Tsavo East National Park’s Tsavo Triangle, a compelling rescue mission unfolded on January 15, 2020, as the SWT/KWS Canine Unit sprang into action.
Their keen eyes initially fixed upon a forlorn, colossal bull elephant seeking solace beneath the shade of a towering tree.
Watch the video at the end.
However, a closer examination uncovered a grim reality—a substantial, infected abscess marred the elephant’s abdomen. It was a sinister mark of a poacher’s poisoned arrow.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and Dr. Poghon, the SWT/KWS Vet, was on leave, the elephant’s treatment had to be deferred.
The strategy shifted to summoning the SWT/KWS Sky Vet Unit to tend to the suffering animal the next day.
To ensure the elephant’s whereabouts were known, evening patrols were carried out by the SWT Super Cub, to be repeated at dawn.
Simultaneously, plans were set in motion to bring KWS vet Dr. Domnic Mijele, the SWT/KWS Mount Kenya Vet Unit head, from Nanyuki to administer treatment the following morning.
With the first rays of daylight, the Super Cub embarked on its mission to locate the wounded bull.
Despite adverse weather conditions—low clouds and limited visibility—the bull was fortunately spotted again, this time in the company of another bull.
Given the green light to fly Dr. Mijele from Nanyuki to their Kaluku field HQ, preparations were meticulously made, including securing additional assistance, straps, water, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle to handle the elephant in case of a fall on his injured side.
Dr. Mijele’s arrival marked a pivotal moment as he swiftly boarded a helicopter and soared to the site, where ground teams stood ready at a safe distance from the wounded elephant.
The operation unfolded smoothly, with the team first darting the elephant from the air. Remarkably, the elephant walked directly toward them, stopping within view of their vehicle before gently collapsing.
This positioning allowed the team to use the vehicle to roll the elephant over, enabling the vet to address the infected wound—a wound that, though not deep enough to reach the gut wall, posed a grave threat due to the poison.
The vet meticulously cleaned the wound, administered long-lasting antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, and revived the majestic creature.
The elephant rose to its feet with dignity and strength and gracefully retreated into the bush.
The team’s joy was immeasurable, as they had preserved the life of this magnificent being through timely intervention and the unwavering financial support of the Sky Vet.
