In the heart of Kiboko, Kenya, a 40-year-old elephant found itself ensnared in a perilous situation, struggling unsuccessfully to break free from the grip of mud. The exact circumstances that led to the elephant’s predicament remained unclear, but suspicions arose that it might have been attempting to indulge in a mud bath, a common behavior among elephants.
The distressing situation caught the attention of the Big Life Foundation, a prominent wildlife conservation group dedicated to protecting and preserving the diverse fauna of the region. The elephant was discovered near an outpost used for monitoring wildlife and preventing illegal poaching activities. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Big Life Foundation collaborated with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), and the local community to launch a rescue mission.
Rob Brandford, the executive director of the DSWT, shed light on the importance of mud baths for elephants. He explained that elephants of various ages engage in this behavior to cover their skin, providing protection against the sun and acting as a natural insect repellent. However, this particular elephant’s prolonged entanglement in the mud posed severe threats to its well-being.
Despite the combined efforts of the rescue team, attempts to extract the elephant using the force of heavy vehicles proved to be immensely challenging. The mud had formed a stubborn adhesive around the elephant’s body, firmly holding it in place. As the days passed, the danger increased, with the primary concern being the elephant’s inability to eat, drink, or seek shade for cooling.
Brandford expressed the growing apprehensions, stating, “The prolonged period during which the elephant remained stuck in the mud posed an increasing danger. The inability to eat or drink, exacerbated by the animal’s attempts to free itself, depleted its energy and caused it to weaken.”
The team demonstrated relentless efforts, employing large trucks and makeshift water pipes to provide some relief to the distressed elephant. However, after initial success, the resilient animal slipped back into the mud overnight, intensifying the challenges faced by the rescue team. After three days of repeated attempts, the situation seemed dire, with vehicles frequently getting stuck in the hazardous terrain.
“By the third day, apprehensions grew as a result of the difficulties in positioning vehicles for extraction without causing harm. Nevertheless, these concerns fueled an increasing determination among all participants to achieve success,” Brandford explained.
Despite the formidable obstacles, the team achieved success by securing the elephant to three Land Cruisers using heavy straps. The exhausted but alive elephant was pulled to dry land, marking the end of a strenuous and emotionally charged rescue mission.
The most uplifting moment for Brandford was witnessing the elephant stand on its feet after three days of hardship. “Positioning him in a way that made this possible was anything but simple, and undoubtedly, there was a shared sense of joy and accomplishment among all those involved that the strenuous effort and extended days had resulted in success for this magnificent bull,” Brandford expressed.
Being a solitary bull, the elephant, now free from the mud that had ensnared him, embarked on his journey once again. Rangers from the Big Life Foundation observed him thriving remarkably well several miles away from the rescue site, a testament to the collective dedication and determination that led to the triumphant rescue of this magnificent creature.