In the vast expanse of the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA) in Zimbabwe, a heart-wrenching drama unfolded as a 3-month-old elephant calf faced the peril of a snare trap. The tale of survival, perseverance, and compassion emerged as a testament to the indomitable spirit of both wildlife and the dedicated humans who strive to protect them.
His right hind leg was severely swollen, leaving him in desperate need of medical attention. The camp manager took photos of the elephant and sent them to AWARE Trust Zimbabwe.
“These elephants roam the Greater Mapungubwe TFCA, into Tuli and Botswana, part of which is communal land,” Dr. Lisa Marabini, director of AWARE, told The Dodo. “I suspect the elephant picked up a snare set by a villager for the bushmeat trade.”
The ordeal began when a vigilant camp manager noticed a young elephant with a severely swollen hind leg, a sight that immediately triggered concerns for the calf’s well-being. The distressing condition prompted the manager to act swiftly, capturing images of the suffering animal and reaching out to AWARE Trust Zimbabwe, an organization dedicated to wildlife conservation and veterinary care.
“Immobilizations can only safely be performed in daylight as the drug takes 10 to 15 minutes to take effect, during which time an animal could run off and get lost in the darkness,” AWARE wrote on Facebook. “Additionally it would not have been safe to immobilize the baby elephant and its mother with up to 100 other elephants milling around.”
Upon receiving the distressing images, veterinarians from AWARE sprang into action, mobilizing resources and coordinating efforts to locate the injured calf. Their journey was fraught with challenges, from obtaining permission to search the vast parklands to navigating the rugged terrain in pursuit of the elusive elephant and his concerned herd.
“In the last 10 days, reports of sightings started to come in again at the same water hole, together with some pictures showing the calf’s deteriorating condition,” AWARE wrote in a Facebook post on July 24 recounting the rescue.
Dr. Lisa Marabini, director of AWARE, expressed her suspicions regarding the cause of the calf’s injury, suggesting that it might have fallen victim to a snare set by local villagers engaged in the bushmeat trade—a tragic consequence of human-wildlife conflict in the region.
Despite the team’s relentless efforts, the injured elephant and his herd remained elusive, disappearing into the wilderness before rescue efforts could materialize. The dwindling daylight and the risk of immobilizing the calf amidst a large herd posed formidable challenges, compelling the team to reassess their strategy and explore alternative avenues for rescue.
“Although he was thinner than he should be, from fighting the devastating injury, the calf was strong and was very stable under the anaesthetic,” AWARE wrote.
Undeterred by setbacks, the team persisted, leveraging technological aids such as drones and helicopters in their quest to locate the ailing calf. Their perseverance bore fruit when, weeks later, sightings of the calf resurfaced, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the vast wilderness.
The eventual reunion with the calf, affectionately named Keith, marked a pivotal moment in his journey towards recovery. Despite the severity of his injuries, Keith displayed remarkable resilience, buoyed by the unwavering support of his vigilant mother and the compassionate efforts of the rescue team.
Despite the injury, Keith had a good blood supply still running through the foot. Rescuers say Keith has a good shot at recovery because of his youth. The vet team cleaned Keith’s wounds and gave him pain relief medication, in addition to long-lasting antibiotics.
The extent of Keith’s injuries, including the deep embedding of the snare into his leg, underscored the harrowing challenges he faced. However, the team remained undeterred, administering essential medical care and pain relief to alleviate his suffering and expedite his healing process.
After the team patched Keith up, they woke up the calf and his mother. “The mother instantaneously got her bearings and we could swear she nodded at the calf, before they went trotting off in unison into the bush,” AWARE wrote.
The emotional moment when Keith and his mother ventured back into the wilderness, their bond unbroken by adversity, served as a poignant reminder of the resilience inherent in the natural world. Despite the likelihood of enduring a deformed foot, Keith’s indomitable spirit and the dedicated care of his rescuers offer hope for a brighter future.
The tale of Keith’s survival stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of organizations like AWARE and the collective effort to safeguard the precious wildlife that graces our planet. As we reflect on Keith’s journey, let us draw inspiration from his resilience and recommit ourselves to the preservation of our natural heritage.
In the face of adversity, the story of Keith serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the transformative power of compassion and the enduring bond between humans and wildlife.