A remarkable event unfolded on April 16, drawing widespread attention as authorities swiftly responded to a distressing situation involving a solitary elephant trapped at the KWS airstrip in Shimba Hills.
The majestic creature had fallen victim to a cable trap tightly wound around its front left leg, leading to its separation from the herd and escalating the urgency of the rescue mission.
Responding promptly to the crisis, a team embarked on a mission named ‘Sky Vet.’ Taking off from Kaluku at 1:30 pm in a Cessna 206 aircraft, the capable team, led by KWS vet Dr. Poghon, reached the Shimba Hills National Reserve on the picturesque south coast of Kenya within just thirty minutes.
Fully equipped and prepared, they were ready to provide crucial medical assistance to the distressed elephant.
Collaborating with KWS rangers, scouts, and private landowners, the team initiated a search that led them through dense vegetation to discover the wounded elephant.
Administering a tranquilizer dart posed challenges due to the thick foliage, but the team persisted and succeeded.
After sedating the elephant, the dedicated rescue team embarked on the delicate task of freeing it from a sturdy wire cable snare, similar to those used in robust winches.
They coaxed the flexible snare with gentle precision and used bolt cutters to detach it.
The injured area received prompt attention with pain-relieving medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, and antibiotics.
Remarkably, within thirty minutes of treatment, the elephant regained autonomy, standing unaided and finally liberated from the entangling wire trap.
Despite this positive outcome, given the severity of the injury, ongoing medical care is expected.
Local teams will vigilantly monitor the elephant’s condition and provide updates on its progress.
The successful rescue stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of wildlife professionals in ensuring the well-being of these majestic creatures.