In a swift and decisive aerial rescue mission, the veterinary team of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) sprang into action to attend to an injured elephant near Amboseli National Park.
The distress call triggered an immediate response to offer vital medical attention and care for the distressed pachyderm.
Initially spotted by the DSWT de-snaring team during routine patrols, the severity of the situation prompted the initiation of a rescue operation.
The veterinary team was swiftly gathered from the Komboyo airstrip and airlifted by a DSWT helicopter to the Sala gate area of Tsavo East, where the injured elephant was located with a tightly wound wire snare around its neck.
Upon arrival, a dart containing 16 of Etorphine was swiftly prepared and administered. The injured elephant was successfully darted from the helicopter and immobilized within six minutes.
The veterinary team proceeded with great care to remove the wire snare that had deeply cut into the elephant’s neck, meticulously eliminating pus, dirt, debris, and necrotic tissues from the wound.
Prioritizing the elephant’s well-being, the wound was thoroughly cleaned using a Hydrogen peroxide solution mixed with water.
It was then treated with tincture of iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray.
Wetted green clay was applied to aid in healing and prevent contamination by dirt and flies.
Long-acting antibiotics and Dexamethasone Hcl were administered to support the elephant’s recovery.
Post-successful intervention, the effects of anesthesia were reversed using Diprenorphine at three times the Etorphine dose.
The elephant received a favorable prognosis, signaling a promising outlook for its recovery.
This well-coordinated and timely rescue exemplifies the dedicated efforts of wildlife conservation organizations such as DSWT in promptly addressing emergencies and providing crucial medical assistance to ensure the health and survival of elephants in their natural habitats.
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