With a colossal frame reaching for the heavens and majestic tusks sweeping towards the ground, a prime bull elephant appears indomitable. Yet, the giants of nature are deceptively fragile — ironically, it is their very size that makes them a target.
The tale unfolded when news broke about a magnificent bull elephant in Kilifi County on the eventful day of June 25th, 2023. This majestic creature bore a grave injury to his front right ankle, seemingly caused by a spear. The SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit swiftly organized a treatment, but the outcome revealed a somber reality: the spear had pierced the ankle joint, a formidable challenge for any elephant to endure. After receiving care for his wound, the resilient bull ɱaпaged to rise once again. However, due to the severity of the injury, Dr. Limo cautiously offered a guarded prognosis for his recovery.
In the subsequent days and weeks, the diligent SWT Aerial Unit maintained vigilant surveillance over the patient, closely observing his progress during the recovery process. Nevertheless, tending to these magnificent creatures presents a unique challenge: an elephant cannot be sedated again until the initial anesthesia has completely dissipated from their system. Consequently, we often find ourselves compelled to wait for several weeks before conducting a follow-up treatment.
With utmost urgency, the team orchestrated the second treatment a mere 18 days after the initial operation. Fully aware of the immense proportions of the elephant and his compromised state, we embarked on an extraordinary endeavor. The odds were high that he would be too feeble to rise unassisted after the treatment, necessitating the deployment of additional support. To accomplish this, we enlisted the aid of a backhoe and a crane truck, capable of delicately lifting him back onto his majestic feet.
To provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the meticulous planning involved in such an operation, we have outlined the pre-treatment logistics:
1. Acquiring transport permits for the backhoe.
2. Arranging for the SWT/KWS Mount Kenya Mobile Vet Unit to be transported via SWT aircraft and stationed at Kaluku.
3. Preparing and fueling the backhoe, crane truck, and low-bed truck (used for backhoe transportation), and ensuring drivers are ready.
4. Verifying the drivability of roads for the low-bed truck.
5. Departure of the low-bed truck and backhoe, along with the crane truck, from Kaluku Field Headquarters at 3:00 am.
6. Departure of the Kaluku ground team at 5:00 am, embarking on a six-hour road journey.
7. Mobilizing the Galana team and SWT/KWS Kulalu 2 Anti-Poaching Team to provide ground support.
8. Coordinating with the team in a village near the treatment location to assess if the terrain is dry enough for the crane truck to navigate off-road.
9. If conditions permit, the SWT helicopter flies to the scene with the SWT/KWS Mount Kenya Mobile Vet Unit, enabling the commencement of treatment.
10. If conditions do not allow for the crane truck to go off-road, an alternative plan is devised.
Fortunately, at step nine, we received the green light, and the treatment began without a hitch. Dr. Poghon administered a tranquilizer dart to the bull from the air, and he succumbed to the anesthesia in a relatively open area. After cleansing the wound and administering another round of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, the revival drug was administered.
A collective hush fell upon everyone, holding their breath in anticipation. This was the pivotal moment that had filled us with grave apprehension: the lingering question of whether the bull would possess the strength to rise once more. Taking precautionary measures, the team carefully looped ropes around his majestic tusks and positioned the backhoe strategically behind him. The crane truck stood ready on standby, prepared to step in if required.
Fortune smiled upon us as the bull summoned the inner strength to hoist himself upright, standing tall once again. Dr. Poghon maintained a cautious outlook regarding his prognosis, but the fact that he ɱaпaged to rise unaided was an encouraging sign. Furthermore, the bull found himself in an area abundant with nourishment and water, eliminating the need for him to embark on long journeys during his recovery.
Regrettably, the somber reality persists that the bull’s recovery is far from certain. The heartbreaking truth is that a single spear, precisely aimed, could potentially truncate his majestic reign. Nevertheless, we have spared no effort in providing him with the utmost opportunity for survival. If circumstances permit and if necessary, a subsequent treatment will be administered in a few weeks’ ᴛι̇ɱe. Meanwhile, both ground and aerial teams will steadfastly monitor his progress, holding onto a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.