The elephant’s plight came to the forefront when Taru Carr-Hartley, Daphne’s grandson, stumbled upon it on July 22 in the expansive Northern Area of Tsavo.

Given the challenging terrain and the urgent nature of the situation, DSWT pilots Taru and Neville Sheldrick wasted no time, taking as soon as first light broke the next day to pinpoint and assist the elephant. Following an intense three-hour aerial search on July 23, the injured bull was finally spotted within a dense bush. A ground team, armed with water, veterinary supplies, ropes, pangas, and axes, prepared for the challenging case ahead.

Darting the elephant from the ground was quickly dismissed as impractical due to the thick vegetation, leading to the deployment of the DSWT helicopter. KWS Veterinary Officer Dr. Jeremiah Poghon adeptly darted the bull from the hovering helicopter.

Post-darting, the team patiently awaited the tranquilized elephant’s descent. The ground team vehicles were skillfully navigated through the dense vegetation by a DSWT pilot overseeing from above.

Dr. Poghon, acting swiftly as the first responder, was airlifted to an open clearing approximately 500 meters away from the elephant, with guidance from the DSWT helicopter pilot. With speed and precision, the team set to work on the two arrows situated on opposite sides of the elephant’s body.

The necrotic was carefully excised, following which the received thorough cleaning and treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Natural green clay was then applied to the wounds to aid the healing process.

Given the elephant’s size, a meticulous operation was required to гoÉ©É© him over onto his other side, achieved using ropes secured around his legs and a grader to support his considerable weight. Once the procedure was successfully concluded, the anesthesia was reversed, and with a few powerful movements, the elephant managed to rise back onto his feet.

Over time, the Veterinary Units and Sky Vet, funded by DSWT in partnership with KWS, have provided care to a significant number of elephants, tallying 2,362, thus emphasizing the substantial impact of their joint efforts on wildlife conservation.