This was not a straightforward case. The bull had found himself on the wrong side of the fence separating the park from community land and flatly refused to go back. Over the course of several weeks, many attempts had been made to shepherd him back into Tsavo East — sometimes with the assistance of two helicopters. Each time, he stood his ground, charging the aircraft and refusing to move anywhere near the fenceline.

His continued presence on community land had become a serious problem. He was causing significant damage to crops and water tanks, and his increasingly aggressive behaviour was putting lives at risk. With no options remaining, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) mobilised a full translocation operation to return him to the safety of the park.

Translocations are a last resort, only to be mobilised in situations where elephants cannot be safely pushed back into protected areas by vehicle or helicopter. Usually, even the most unruly bulls can be coaxed in a certain direction, but five aerial attempts later, this bull would not be persuaded.

After our fixed-wing aircraft located the bull near a farmer’s field, we mobilised to the scene. With KWS and the SWT/KWS Canine Unit supporting on the ground, our crane truck and backhoe moved into position. Dr Limo of the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit (interviewed in the film) darted the bull from the air, and once he was safely immobilised, our teams got to work.

The backhoe cleared a path for the crane truck to reach the anaesthetised bull, who was carefully lifted on board and secured for his journey back home. Dr Limo and team remained by his side throughout, monitoring his vitals.

The drive back into Tsavo East took just under an hour. Inside the park, the young bull was revived on his feet and quickly disappeared into the bush. This sector of Tsavo East is familiar territory for him and has plenty of food and water, so he will feel right at home.

This operation underscores the lengths to which we go to protect both people and wildlife. Thanks to swift action and close coordination between KWS and SWT teams, this defiant bull was safely returned home.