Instagram – Aug 03, 2020 @ 16:19

Since our visit last year, we have kept a close eye on what’s been happening in Tsavo and we were devastated to hear about this majestic bull elephant. ⁣

The teams spotted him walking with a limp and on further investigation, saw he had been shot with a poisonous spear- picture 2. COVID-19 has had a devastating impact across the world and in Africa, incidents like this are on the rise thanks to a severe loss of jobs across the travel and safari industry. ⁣

Very thankful that this bull will hopefully live on for many years, and enormous thanks to the @sheldricktrust teams for keeping the wildlife of Tsavo safe 🏼⁣

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For decades, a distinctive one-tusked bull has roamed the plains of Tsavo East. Last week, he was spotted along the far eastern boundary of the park, but something was amiss: He was walking in an unusually effortful manner, dragging his rear leg behind him. It looked like he was the victim of a poaching attempt.

Our SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit was called to provide treatment. Working with the KWS and Galana Conservancy, we were able to locate and anesthetize the patient. Dr. Poghon removed a poisoned arrow, embedded deeply in his leg joint. The injury is grave, but with veterinary intervention, we are optimistic that he will make a full recovery. In two weeks time, we will conduct a second operation, and in the meantime, our aerial teams will continue to monitor the bull from the air.

This elephant is another example of the coronavirus pandemic’s toll on our natural world. Widespread loss of jobs and lack of income from the tourism industry has led to an increase in illegal activities, which we fear will only continue to rise in the coming weeks and months. While we are hopeful this magnificent bull will continue to preside over Tsavo for years to come, his story could have ended very differently.

This was a logistically challenging treatment, made possible through your donations. To read the full account, visit:
sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/news

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Photos Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

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