Launched in 2008, our Aerial Unit quickly emerged as the single biggest differentiator in our field-level impact. In a landscape like Tsavo, aerial support is essential. Spanning more than 42,000 square kilometres — roughly the size of Switzerland — the Greater Tsavo Conservation Area is as vast as it is wild.

The Aerial Unit works in close partnership with our SWT/KWS Mobile Veterinary Units. Pilots spot injured elephants during morning patrols, then aircraft provide a platform for KWS veterinarians to dart patients from the air and guide them to open areas for treatment. Thanks to aerial capabilities, no animal in need is too remote or too difficult to reach.

In this film, SWT pilot Taru Carr-Hartley walks us through a day in which we helped save three elephants: two injured bulls who were spotted during a routine aerial patrol, and a third who was discovered in the process. It is important to note that a marathon day with multiple treatments is not unusual for our teams. Because of aerial support, we are able to locate animals in need, mobilise teams over vast distances, and save wild lives across Kenya.

The first treatment was tricky. The bull had a fresh arrow wound, with the arrowhead still wedged deep inside his abdominal muscles. Extracting it required hours of technical surgical work — all done in a challenging field environment.

As the helicopter waited for ground teams to converge for what was supposed to be the second treatment, Taru and Dr. Limo spotted an elephant with a severe limp. KWS vets and our pilots are meticulously observant and always inspect any passing elephants for signs of injury. It was very clear that this bull also needed treatment.

As it turned out, he had several serious arrow injuries — including a potentially life-threatening poisoned arrow lodged in the sole of his foot. Because of their timely aerial sighting, he was treated before the poison took effect.

Now, it was time to turn to the final treatment. This one was difficult for a different reason: The elephant was located in very thick bush, making it near-impossible for ground teams to access him. He had been speared in a case of human-wildlife conflict, but with timely intervention, is expected to make a full recovery.

Three successful treatments in one day demonstrate how aviation for conservation saves wild lives time and again. Every elephant patient was discovered from the air — and none could have been helped without the Aerial Unit, which brought all the moving pieces together and made these life-saving missions possible.