In a remarkable display of collective dedication to wildlife well-being, scouts associated with the Samburu Trust recently raised concerns about an elephant exhibiting a rare trunk deformity that hindered its normal feeding and drinking abilities.
Swift and coordinated action ensued, involving Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers stationed at the Ol Donyiro outpost, with aerial support provided by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT).
This joint effort successfully located and examined the distressed elephant on November 12th.
Addressing the Challenge: Immobilization, Examination, and Treatment
To facilitate the examination process, the wildlife conservation teams employed Captivon®, an immobilization agent delivered through a 1.5cc Dan-Inject dart from a DSWT helicopter.
Given the challenge of observing the elephant within its herd, a brief pursuit into open terrain was necessary. Although the initial dart missed its mark, a second attempt proved effective.
This led to the elephant assuming a ‘dog sitting’ posture before being gently guided into a left lateral recumbent position for a thorough examination.
During the examination, the team discovered an old wound on the mid-ventral aspect of the elephant’s trunk, resulting in scar tissue formation and a noticeable deformity.
The precise cause of this traumatic injury remains unclear, underscoring the difficulties in determining the origins of wildlife injuries in their natural environment.
Thankfully, no additional treatment was required during the examination.
However, recognizing the potential risks of infection due to immobilization stress, the dedicated team administered antibiotics as a precautionary measure.
A Triumph of Compassion and Collaboration
The successful immobilization, examination, and treatment of the elephant with a trunk deformity underscore the unwavering commitment of wildlife conservation teams to protect the health and welfare of animals in their natural habitats.
The collaboration between the Samburu Trust, KWS rangers, and the invaluable support from DSWT exemplifies the significance of proactive interventions to address challenges faced by wildlife, ensuring their ongoing well-being and conservation.