This was a special treatment. A little elephant was just a week into the world when her mother was struck by a spear. Her injuries can put the whole family in peril — but fortunately, we were there to answer the call.
As reported by our SWT/KWS Mara Mobile Vet Unit:
“This afternoon, Elephant Aware alerted us to an elephant cow with her little, week-old calf. The mother had a spear injury on her hind leg. We mobilised a treatment and darted her, while her calf remained by her side. Given her baby’s young age, she did not need to be sedated, but all present agreed to minimal contact with her.
The mother’s spear wound was deep but had not caused irreversible damage. We thoroughly cleaned and disinfected the site before administering antibiotics and green clay. With treatment complete, we reversed the patient. She got up with her calf by her side. Both walked off to rejoin their herd, who were waiting in the nearby bushes.
Dr Aminga has given her a good prognosis for a complete recovery.”
Wherever possible, our goal is to keep wild families together. Bravo to the Mara Team for acting quickly and sensitively, tending to the mother’s wounds and ensuring a seamless reunion post-treatment.