When dealing with elephants, handling and relocating them unfolds in various stages. This was particularly true for a male elephant that crossed our path in the wild.
On June 20th, our SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit received a request for medical assistance for a wild animal with a severe ankle wound caused by a sharp object.
This animal had ventured into the nearby community lands bordering the Tsavo Conservation Area, inadvertently becoming entangled in a human-wildlife conflict.
After successfully treating its injury, we decided to monitor the elephant closely, ready to provide further medical care or transport it elsewhere.
Nevertheless, we remained hopeful that it would find its way back to the safety of the park on its own.
By July, the bull elephant had integrated into the community but posed some challenges. To address its injuries and return it to Tsavo National Park, the team scheduled a follow-up treatment for July 12th.
They allowed at least two weeks between anesthesia treatments to ensure the patient had fully metabolized all drugs.
Moving a full-grown elephant was a formidable task. The SWT helicopter darted the elephant while KWS and SWT ground teams assembled on-site.
Once the patient was under anesthesia, the team cleaned and disinfected the foot wound, which required additional care.
Using specially designed elephant straps, they carefully hoisted the patient onto the bed of a crane truck, taking care to avoid further injury to its ankle.
This vehicle has proven to be a valuable addition to their fleet, revolutionizing their operations. Two KWS veterinarians were present to ensure the patient’s continued sedation and security throughout the journey.
As the SWT helicopter gracefully soared through the sky, Dr. Poghon skillfully aimed and deployed darts at the elephants below.
The ground team stood ready to begin their work as soon as the anesthesia took effect on the bull.
While the elephant’s presence initially caused unease in the community, it received a grand farewell as it embarked on its journey.
The convoy garnered the attention of many as it turned onto the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, passing through Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks.
Ultimately, the convoy safely reached Tsavo West, where the elephant would enjoy the freedom and safety of the protected wilderness.
The SWT/KWS Tsavo veterinary team assessed and treated the injury using their unique crane truck explicitly designed for elephant transport.
Upon arrival, they released the bull near a famous watering hole frequented by other elephants. This strategic move ensured close supervision and monitoring by the Mtito Anti-Poaching Team.
Supplementary food, in the form of lucerne, was provided to prevent the elephant from traveling long distances in search of browse.
This location and support system offered the resources needed to transition smoothly to its new environment.
Just before the patient regained consciousness, final checks were conducted. This successful operation underscores the critical importance of wildlife relocation in preserving lives and safeguarding the livelihoods of communities.
When using a helicopter to move animals from densely populated areas is not feasible, translocation becomes the sole option, often making the difference between survival and extinction.
Through collaboration with KWS, the Trust has tirelessly worked to establish a robust unit to address complex human-wildlife conflicts. We are excited to present a practical solution for such scenarios.
