(The photo mid-clip shows his injury)

He must have been probing his left nostril with his right tusk when he lost his balance. The tusk punctured the trunk and was then trapped in position. This made it extremely difficult for him to eat, drink, and even breathe properly.

He had been stuck this way for at least three days. Fortunately, help arrived. The SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit darted the patient, dislodged the trapped trunk from the right tusk, and then moved the bull into position to clean and treat the injury. With time, the wound will scar over and Dr. Limo is confident he will make a full recovery.

This was one of our more confounding cases, but it could have had fatal implications. The team was thrilled to see the elephant back on his feet, tusks and trunk unimpeded.