In a gripping tale of determination and compassionate action, the DSWT SKYVET initiative demonstrated unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation by successfully freeing a trapped elephant near Chala, along the Indian Ocean shore.
The call for help regarding the ensnared elephant reached the DSWT Operation Room on the evening of April 4, 2018, prompting a rapid and effective response to provide the necessary care for the distressed animal.
The ambitious undertaking included mobilizing the DSWT SKYVET initiative’s fixed-wing aircraft from Kaluku to fetch the Amboseli vet at the Amboseli National Park Headquarters on April 5, 2018.
Upon landing at Narasaa Airstrip, they collaborated with three additional teams: two from KWS Mijira station and another from the Conservancy.
Traversing demanding landscapes, the teams initiated a three-kilometer journey on foot, as the area proved impassable for vehicles due to wet silt.
The lone elephant, grappling with severe lameness, encountered challenges in keeping pace with its herd. The front right limb exhibited distressing signs, including a pus-covered wound around the fetlock.
Persisting for over a month and a half, the traumatic wound had resulted in significant swelling. The urgency for intervention intensified, especially as the elephant aimed to enter wet, silted grounds.
The veterinary crew readied two darts, each containing 15mgs of Etorphine, and injected one into the Dan-Inject dart gun. The initial dart adeptly located its target on the left rump.
Within a brief four minutes, the elephant elegantly took a seated posture, facilitating the veterinary team in gently maneuvering it onto its side for treatment.
While conducting the procedure, the pus-covered wound revealed a winch wire snare knot, entrenched at a depth of 15cm.
The team proceeded with utmost precision, delicately removing the wire and purifying the wound using Hydrogen Peroxide and tincture of Iodine. To enhance tissue regeneration, they applied green wet clay, followed by a topical spritz of Tetracycline wound spray.
For comprehensive treatment, the elephant received injections comprising 30,000 Tetracycline, 250mgs Flunixin Meglumine, and 100 Multivitamins distributed across various muscle sites.
To reverse the immobilization, a blend of 60mgs Naltrexone and 24mgs Diprenorphine was administered into the superficial ear vein.
The veterinary team meticulously prepared two darts, each loaded with 15mgs of Etorphine, and carefully inserted one into the Dan-Inject dart gun. The initial dart skillfully found its target in the left rump.
In just four minutes, the elephant gracefully assumed a sitting position, allowing the veterinary team to gently guide it onto its side for treatment.
During the procedure, the winch wire snare knot, embedded 15cm deep, became visible through the pus-covered wound.
The effective intervention not only granted the ensnared elephant a renewed opportunity for survival but also underscored the unwavering commitment of the DSWT SKYVET initiative in collaboration with other conservation teams.
Their steadfast dedication ensures the safeguarding and preservation of wildlife well-being in their natural habitats.