Olarro Conservancy’s dedicated rangers recently rescued a young bull elephant found with a spear wound during their routine patrols.
The rangers noticed the injury while monitoring a herd of nearly 40 elephants. They contacted the management team quickly, leading to a swift and decisive response to care for the injured elephant.
The rangers discovered the 15-year-old bull with a seeping wound on his right thigh. They recognized the urgency and enlisted specialized assistance to ensure the elephant’s safety and recovery.
A chemical restraint was administered with 10 milligrams of etorphine hydrochloride through a 1.5ml Daninject dart.
After eight minutes, the elephant calmly settled on his left side, allowing the team to examine the week-old wound.
The wound showed signs of infection, with visible sepsis and a ventrally directed orientation. The team created a ventral opening to treat the wound and promote drainage and healing.
The wound was then lavaged with water, debrided with hydrogen peroxide, and disinfected with tincture of iodine.
To further aid healing, they packed the wound with green clay, known for absorbing toxins and encouraging recovery.
The elephant also received injections of amoxicillin, an antibiotic, and flunixin meglumine, an anti-inflammatory, to support the healing process.
Once treatment was complete, the team reversed the chemical restraint by injecting 24 milligrams of diprenorphine hydrochloride into a prominent ear vein.
In just four minutes, the young bull was up and rejoined the rest of his herd, indicating a successful outcome.
The compassionate and skilled intervention by Olarro Conservancy demonstrates their deep commitment to preserving wildlife and protecting ecosystems.
This successful rescue and treatment highlights the importance of rapid response and expert care in maintaining a delicate balance between human activities and wildlife conservation.
