In the heart of the wilderness, there are no weekends – only a continuous call for help, any day, at any hour.
This was the case last July 2nd when the Mara Naboisho Conservancy’s general manager urgently contacted Sky Vets.
The distressing news was that a mother elephant had fallen victim to a spear, leaving her with a severe abdominal wound, a dire situation compounded by the fact that she had young calves dependent on her for survival.
While the SWT/KWS Mara Mobile Vet Unit was unavailable, Sky Vets had a contingency plan in motion.
This remarkable airborne veterinary program could reach far-flung locations and fill in for other teams during breaks.
Without hesitation, they contacted the SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit, extending their typical coverage area to the heart of the Mara ecosystem.
Upon arrival, the sight was heart-wrenching. A mother elephant, accompanied by her calf and a dependent young one, had been speared on her left flank, leaving a gaping wound with protruding tissue. Left untreated, infection loomed, posing a grave threat to her life.
Dr. Aminga, part of the Sky Vets team, acted swiftly. After administering a sedative, they carefully removed contaminated tissue, halted the bleeding, and sutured the peritoneum. The wound was then covered with green clay.
Miraculously, the mother elephant was revived and joyously reunited with her offspring. Optimism surrounds her full recovery, thanks to timely intervention.
The second life-saving endeavor of the Sky Vets involved a young bull struck by an arrow in the jaw.
A potentially fatal injury if left untreated, the team acted promptly upon receiving a report from a nearby conservancy.
They administered a tranquilizer, removed the arrow, treated the wound, and sent the bull with a promising prognosis.
It’s vital to note that facial injuries in elephants can lead to severe consequences, including the inability to feed due to infection.
This story underscores the pivotal role that Sky Vets play in saving the lives of these majestic creatures.
With their aerial expertise and teams scattered across Kenya, they rescued not one but two elephants, safeguarding their lives and the futures of their dependent calves.
This remarkable work is made possible by the generous support of donors who consistently enable these missions to take flight, ensuring that wild creatures in crisis receive the care they so desperately need.
