In the vast plains of the Mara, a remarkable series of rescues unfolded as two elephants were saved from dangerous situations in one dramatic day.
The day began with a distressing scene: a young calf trapped in a wire snare with cuts across its face. Later, a bull elephant, injured by spears, was rescued by dedicated wildlife veterinarians and rangers.
On December 18, urgent calls for help brought in Sky Vets, a team specializing in rapid medical aid for wildlife in remote or critical areas. Dr. Poghon, a seasoned veterinarian with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), was dispatched from Nairobi to lead the rescue efforts in the Mara.
First, the team focused on the calf, visibly distressed by the snare. Dr. Poghon and his team sedated the calf’s mother to provide treatment, a necessary but complex step since the calf relied on her for milk.
They expertly freed the calf from the wire and treated his wounds to ensure a safe recovery. Once reunited with his mother, the team shifted focus to the subsequent rescue.
The next challenge was aiding a wounded bull elephant found on the outskirts of the Mara Triangle. The team, supported by the Mara Conservancy, local rangers, and the Anne K. Taylor Fund, navigated through dense forests to reach the injured bull. Despite the fading daylight, they swiftly treated the severe wounds, likely caused by spears.
After administering medication, the bull recovered quickly, rejoining his herd soon after. These rescues were possible thanks to the collaborative efforts of numerous partners and the generous contributions from supporters.
Without their dedication and teamwork, these compassionate rescues might not have happened.
