Our pilot discovered this bull among a group of six. He had been struck by an arrow, and the heavy suppuration around the wound suggested poison was at work — a clear sign that he had been targeted by poachers.

Time was of the essence. The SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit rushed to the scene while our pilot kept eyes on the patient. He was in the Dida Harea plains, a vast, open area that meant the treatment could be done on the ground.

Dr Limo darted the bull, and as the anaesthetic took effect, the team guided him onto the ‘right’ side for treatment. The wound was serious, with a large arrowhead embedded inside. As suspected, it had been coated in poison — a common poaching tactic. The team thoroughly cleaned the injury and administered all necessary medications.

Poisoned arrows are designed to be fatal, but thanks to swift intervention, this bull is expected to make a full recovery. Once revived, he rose to his feet, gathered his bearings, and strode off to join his friends, who were waiting nearby.