In a gripping story of determination and compassionate intervention, the DSWT SKYVET initiative demonstrated its unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation by successfully rescuing a snared elephant near Chala, the Indian Ocean shore.
The distress call about the trapped elephant reached the DSWT Operation Room on the evening of April 4, 2018, prompting a rapid response to provide the necessary care for the distressed animal.
The ambitious mission involved deploying the DSWT SKYVET initiative’s fixed-wing aircraft from Kaluku to pick up the Amboseli vet at the Amboseli National Park Headquarters on April 5, 2018.
The team landed at Narasaa Airstrip, where they joined forces with three teams: two from KWS Mijira station and another from the Conservancy.
Navigating challenging terrain, the teams embarked on a three-kilometer trek on foot as the area was impassable by vehicles due to wet silt.
The lone elephant, grappling with severe lameness, struggled to keep up with its herd. The front right limb displayed distressing signs, featuring a pus-covered wound around the fetlock.
The traumatic wound had persisted for over a month and a half, resulting in significant swelling—the urgency for intervention escalated as the elephant intended to enter wet, silted grounds.
The vet team prepared two darts, each containing 15mgs of Etorphine, with one loaded into the Dan-Inject Dart Gun. The first dart expertly landed in the left rump.
After four minutes, the elephant assumed a sitting position, allowing the vet team to guide it carefully onto its side for treatment.
A winch wire snare knot, embedded 15cm deep, emerged from the pus-covered wound.
The team cautiously removed the wire, cleansing the wound with Hydrogen Peroxide and tincture of Iodine. Green wet clay was applied to stimulate tissue regeneration, and a topical application of Tetracycline wound spray followed.
Systemically, the elephant received injections of 30,000 Tetracycline, 250mgs Flunixin Meglumine, and 100 Multivitamins into different muscle sites.
To reverse the immobilization, 60mgs Naltrexone mixed with 24mgs Diprenorphine was injected into the superficial ear vein.
The elephant recovered from anesthesia after three minutes, sniffing the treated wound and expressing signs of relief.
Despite the injury, the elephant showcased remarkable strength and determination.
The conservancy team was instructed to monitor the animal and report any indications of further treatment needs.
This successful intervention not only granted the snared elephant a renewed chance for survival but also underscored the dedicated efforts of the DSWT SKYVET initiative, working in collaboration with other conservation teams.
Their commitment shines through, ensuring the protection and preservation of wildlife well-being in their natural habitats.
