We'll do whatever it takes to help an animal in need. For this snared buffalo on the coast of Kenya, that meant a two-day operation and careful shepherding by air, land, and sea.
On 19th October, we received reports of a snared buffalo on Manda Island, off Kenya's northern coast. We mobilised Sky Vets, our aerial veterinary initiative, and headed north to find him.
The bush on Manda is very dense, making it incredibly challenging to spot wildlife from the ground and a formidable task even from the air. Our first afternoon searching was unsuccessful. We overnighted near the island's only water point, hoping the buffalo would come to drink.
The next morning, we got word that a buffalo herd had crossed to a small neighbouring island, separated from Manda by a narrow strip of ocean. They were already swallowed up by the bush — flying overhead, the only sign of the animals’ presence was shaking treetops as they moved below.
With the vegetation so thick, it would be impossible to identify and treat the patient on the small island. We would have to shepherd the herd onto the beach to confirm if the injured buffalo was among them. The tide had dropped slightly, giving us a crucial 200-metre stretch of water and sand — a tiny window of opportunity before he vanished back into the bush.
As soon as he stepped onto the main beach and was identified, pilot Taru positioned the aircraft so veterinarian Dr Lawi could land the dart. Roan (taking the video) and ranger Kemboi, guided by the helicopter overhead, tracked the patient down on foot.
What they found was dire: the wire snare, set by poachers, was wound tightly around the buffalo’s front left leg. In a matter of weeks, it would have cut clean through his ankle joint. The team removed the snare and treated the wound. While the injury was severe, we are confident that he will make a full recovery.
This was a complicated operation. Thick bush, tidal timing, and a herd on the move made finding and darting the right buffalo incredibly challenging. But when an animal's life hangs in the balance, we don't give up. Two days, two islands, and one committed team later, this buffalo has a second chance.
Our thanks to Manda Bay for spotting this buffalo and supporting the treatment!