Help for an Elephant With a Spear-Inflicted Sore Foot

Published on the 4th of July, 2025

If you’ve ever had a pebble stuck in your shoe, you can begin to imagine how uncomfortable this poor elephant was.

Our pilot spotted him on KARI Ranch during a routine aerial patrol, limping heavily but with no obvious wounds. The SWT helicopter flew the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit to the scene, where Dr Limo darted the patient.

It turned out the bull had an old spear injury on his foot. While the wound itself had healed, swelling had caused the footpad to separate from the sole. Rocks and other debris had become trapped inside, rubbing the area raw and making every step excruciating.

Fortunately, his situation was easily rectified. Dr Limo and the team cleaned out the area and administered antibiotics and medication to support the healing process. The bull was revived and walked off — already looking much more comfortable.

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