Yesterday morning, the Kenya Wildlife Service received reports of a trapped bull in Chakama. SWT pilot Roan Carr-Hartley flew down to the scene, where he met with the Kulalu Anti-Poaching Team and KWS.

It was a complicated situation: The bull was stuck shoulder-deep in a sinkhole. While it was too deep and steep to escape, he could move around inside, which made it challenging for teams to position the straps needed to free him. After discussing with Dr Limo of the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit, who was occupied with another operation, they opted to keep trying without anesthetising the bull.

Finally, the team managed to loop straps behind the bull and attached them to a vehicle. Inch by inch, they pulled him from his muddy trap. The elephant was guided to safety and KWS rangers continue to monitor his movements.

This was a very challenging operation, but the team didn’t give up. A life was saved, leaving all involved with a deep feeling of accomplishment.