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On this day, our pilots spotted two elephants in critical situations — an orphaned calf and an injured bull — which enabled us to mobilise life-saving operations for both.

It started during a morning anti-poaching patrol, when our pilot observed a young calf who was clearly orphaned and alone. As the team mobilized to rescue the little one, our second helicopter made another life-saving sighting: an elephant with an advanced snare wound. The snare was fully encircling his front foot, slicing several inches deep into the skin and turning every step into a struggle.

With an injury of this gravity, there isn't a moment to spare. Fortunately, our Aerial Unit and the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit are poised to respond to such emergencies. After KWS veterinarian Dr. Limo darted the patient from the air, the team moved in to extract the snare and clean the wound. With treatment complete, the elephant was revived and walked off into the bush.

We know his injury looks grisly, but elephants are resilient. While this bull will always bear a scar from his ordeal, Dr. Limo is confident he will make a full recovery.

Another happy update: Arthi, the little orphan who was rescued that day, is now safely at our Nairobi Nursery! Learn more about Arthi.