On September 26, 2023, the incredible team at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) launched a rescue operation to aid an injured male elephant in Tsavo West. The poor animal had suffered a serious injury to its trunk, but the team’s prompt response led to a heartening tale of recuperation.
The DSWT Mobile Vet Team promptly acted upon receiving a distress call concerning an injured elephant. Utilizing a helicopter, they tranquilized the bull with 20 mg of Etorphine Hcl to immobilize it.
Within a span of only 12 minutes, the team was able to completely control and manage the bull, enabling them to safely position it on its side using ropes. The veterinarians subsequently conducted an examination and discovered a serious and extensive wound that extended up to the upper portion of the elephant’s trunk. The severity of the wound was so profound that it could accommodate forceps as long as two feet, pointing towards a probable injury caused by a tusk during a bullfight.
In order to prevent any bacterial infections, the bull was given 100ml of Amoxicillin (Betamox LA®). To further promote the healing process and decrease the chances of infection, a green clay paste was gently applied to the wound. The DSWT Mobile Vet Team acted quickly and provided excellent treatment, ensuring that the injured elephant bull received the necessary care. This compassionate effort gives hope for the bull’s full recovery and eventual return to its natural habitat.
