A captivating story unfolded in the heart of the wilderness as the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit responded to a call involving an impressive male elephant on June 20.
This majestic creature had ventured into community lands bordering the Tsavo Conservation Area, falling victim to human-wildlife conflict with a deep ankle wound caused by a sharp object.
If you prefer not to read the full story,
Skip ahead to watch the video ->
Swiftly, the team treated the wound and closely monitored the situation, hoping the elephant would return to the safety of Tsavo National Park. However, by July, the bull had become a prominent yet troublesome figure in the community.
He was scheduled for a follow-up treatment on July 12; the challenge lay in addressing the wounds and safely moving him back into the park.
Managing a full-grown elephant requires precision, and the operation kicked off with the SWT helicopter darting the bull.
Ground teams from KWS and SWT meticulously disinfected the wound, secured the elephant with straps, and delicately lifted him onto the specially designed crane truck.
This innovative solution proved to be a game-changer in ensuring the elephant’s safety during transportation.
A grand farewell party marked the convoy’s departure, generating excitement as it traversed the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, cutting through Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks.
The journey concluded at Tsavo West, providing the elephant a secure haven within the expansive protected wilderness.
The elephant was released near a waterhole frequented by others, close to the Mtito Anti-Poaching Team’s base.
This strategic location ensures easy monitoring and supplementary food, such as lucerne, to support the bull’s transition.
The story mirrors the real-life adventure of a compassionate escort guiding the elephant through the jungle, facing challenges and finding strength together.
The elephant, now safely translocated, undergoes final checks before being revived, emphasizing the crucial role of translocation in preserving wildlife and mitigating human-wildlife conflict.
In densely populated areas where helicopters aren’t viable, translocation becomes a lifeline, illustrating the significance of the partnership between SWT and Kenya Wildlife Service.
Together, they offer a viable solution for intricate human-wildlife conflict scenarios, bridging the gap between life and death for majestic creatures like our unlikely patient.
Read more Elephant News.