Dramatic Moment Vets Save Elephant's Life In Kenya After It Was Speared

*This article contains graphic images that you may find distressing*

Emotional pictures show an elephant being rescued by vets in the wild after conservationists suspected it had been speared in a horrific attack.

The elephant was spotted at Mara Conservancy on 11th August, and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) - a conservation charity in Kenya - were called to its aid.

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In the shots, the mobile veterinary team, operated in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service, can be seen surrounding the elephant, which has an infected tail, and cleaning it with antibiotics and anti-inflammatories in order to nurse it back to health.

Eventually, after lots of TLC, the elephant managed back on its feet and has been given a positive prognosis for his recovery.

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Rob Brandford, executive director at the SWT, said: "We suspect he was speared when he travelled across land that was once elephant territory, but has since been appropriated by man, built on for development and agriculture, blocking traditional routes of elephant migration.

"One ranger wedged a stick in his trunk to keep his airways open, while another gently flopped an ear over his eye to shield him from the glaring sun. They then manoeuvred the bull's giant tail to inspect the damage. His injury was heavily infected and full of maggots.

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"Thanks to this urgent intervention, KWS Vet Dr. Limo has given him a good prognosis for recovery, and now he is deep in the Masai Mara National Reserve, where we hope he will remain to convalesce in safety."

He added: "Even in slumber, this elephant looked majestic and regal.

"He has wandered the earth longer than many people reading about his story which serves as a poignant reminder of the changing world elephants must grapple with.

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"He is truly a magnificent fellow, well into his 50s or possibly even his 60s, with ivory worn from years of survival.

"In the half-century this old boy has roamed this earth, he has bore witness to a shrinking habitat and a growing human footprint, which leads to inevitable conflict."

Conflict between humans and wildlife is becoming a growing issue for elephants around the world, and we're seeing a number of catastrophes - from animals being electrocuted by power lines to killings in retaliation to crop raiding.

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In fact, the SWT-funded Mobile Vet Units has attended to 2,772 elephants in total, which makes up around 7 per cent of Kenya's entire elephant population.

We're so happy this elephant made it out alive.

You can support the Kenya Wildlife Service in helping elephants like this one by donating here.

Topics: Life News, Life, elephants

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

@joannafreedman