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A wire can be lethal. Join Benjamin and our SWT/KWS Ithumba Anti-Poaching Team as they track poachers and remove snares set for bushmeat – traps that can kill anything from a dik-dik to an elephant. Last year, our teams confiscated 13,978 snares. Read more about this lifesaving work:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

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15,078 views • 8 days ago •via X (Twitter)

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One minute to save a kudu’s life. During a targeted patrol, our SWT/KWS Anti-Poaching Team found four medium-game snares, and then a fifth, tethered to a tree, with its quarry still alive. The wire had wrapped around the kudu’s horns and face, tightening with each attempt to pull free. Every minute mattered. The team alerted Kaluku Headquarters and a plan was hatched. One that would involve lassoing the kudu and then quickly cutting away the wire. For this kudu, our team’s patrol made the difference between life and death, and because of the snares collected that day, other lives were spared, too. Full story:

One minute to save a kudu’s life. During a targeted patrol, our SWT/KWS Anti-Poaching Team found four medium-game snares, and then a fifth, tethered to a tree, with its quarry still alive. The wire had wrapped around the kudu’s horns and face, tightening with each attempt to pull free. Every minute mattered. The team alerted Kaluku Headquarters and a plan was hatched. One that would involve lassoing the kudu and then quickly cutting away the wire. For this kudu, our team’s patrol made the difference between life and death, and because of the snares collected that day, other lives were spared, too. Full story:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

21,924 views • 4 months ago

Monthly donations ensure that when that emergency call comes in, our teams can respond immediately. Like this. Our SWT/KWS Ithumba Anti-Poaching Team spotted a single drop of pus on an elephant trail during routine patrol. But they knew it meant he needed help. A week of searching followed. Our fixed-wing pilot flew every morning until he found the bull – ten kilometres on, with an oozing wound on his back left leg from a poisoned arrow. Dr Kariuki and one of our SWT/KWS Mobile Vet Units was flown in. The bull was darted, treated, and walked away with an excellent prognosis. All of this: a week of flights, the fuel needed, the veterinary equipment, was made possible because of our supporters, who ensure our teams are in the field to spot injured wildlife. And can respond to help. A monthly donation – whatever you can give – helps to keep our anti-poaching patrols on the ground and the aircraft in the air. Set up a monthly gift:

Monthly donations ensure that when that emergency call comes in, our teams can respond immediately. Like this. Our SWT/KWS Ithumba Anti-Poaching Team spotted a single drop of pus on an elephant trail during routine patrol. But they knew it meant he needed help. A week of searching followed. Our fixed-wing pilot flew every morning until he found the bull – ten kilometres on, with an oozing wound on his back left leg from a poisoned arrow. Dr Kariuki and one of our SWT/KWS Mobile Vet Units was flown in. The bull was darted, treated, and walked away with an excellent prognosis. All of this: a week of flights, the fuel needed, the veterinary equipment, was made possible because of our supporters, who ensure our teams are in the field to spot injured wildlife. And can respond to help. A monthly donation – whatever you can give – helps to keep our anti-poaching patrols on the ground and the aircraft in the air. Set up a monthly gift:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

12,952 views • 1 month ago

Our SWT/KWS Canine Unit is a power player in the field and a highly effective complement to our wider anti-poaching efforts. With incredible tracking skills and noses that are second to none, this talented team has been known to track poachers to their very front door. Of course, even the sharpest students need practice. To hone their skills and mimic situations they would encounter in the field, we often lay down mock tracks for the dogs to follow. Under the guidance of handler Simon, our newest recruit aced this training exercise! Learn more about our specialised Canine Unit at:

Our SWT/KWS Canine Unit is a power player in the field and a highly effective complement to our wider anti-poaching efforts. With incredible tracking skills and noses that are second to none, this talented team has been known to track poachers to their very front door. Of course, even the sharpest students need practice. To hone their skills and mimic situations they would encounter in the field, we often lay down mock tracks for the dogs to follow. Under the guidance of handler Simon, our newest recruit aced this training exercise! Learn more about our specialised Canine Unit at:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

11,151 views • 11 months ago

Finding a single injured buffalo in a herd is hard from the ground, straightforward from the air. Kipini Conservancy scouts first reported a bull with a wire snare cutting deep into his neck. Our pilot was already on aerial patrol along the northern coast, and our SWT/KWS Anti-Poaching Team was nearby. Circling above, the pilot located the injured bull. Dr Lawi of our SWT/KWS Southern Mobile Vet Unit linked up with the team on the ground. After darting from the air, they moved in, removed the snare, and cleaned the wound. The buffalo was revived and rejoined his herd. Full recovery expected. We fund aerial patrols, anti-poaching teams, and mobile vet units across Kenya, working together day in day out to save wild lives, like this. Follow for more from the field:

Finding a single injured buffalo in a herd is hard from the ground, straightforward from the air. Kipini Conservancy scouts first reported a bull with a wire snare cutting deep into his neck. Our pilot was already on aerial patrol along the northern coast, and our SWT/KWS Anti-Poaching Team was nearby. Circling above, the pilot located the injured bull. Dr Lawi of our SWT/KWS Southern Mobile Vet Unit linked up with the team on the ground. After darting from the air, they moved in, removed the snare, and cleaned the wound. The buffalo was revived and rejoined his herd. Full recovery expected. We fund aerial patrols, anti-poaching teams, and mobile vet units across Kenya, working together day in day out to save wild lives, like this. Follow for more from the field:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

10,585 views • 2 months ago

Every life matters, and our SWT/KWS Mobile Veterinary Units are at the forefront of saving Kenya’s wildlife. With expert teams equipped to respond to emergencies across the country, we treat injuries caused by snares, spears, human-wildlife conflict, and more. In November alone, our units stepped in to treat elephants, rhinos, lions, zebras, and many more species; giving wild animals in need a second chance at life. Whether it’s a lifesaving procedure require a rapid aerial response, or an in-field checkup, the veterinary teams are working tirelessly to alleviate suffering and protect Kenya’s incredible biodiversity. Support these critical efforts and help us be there for every animal in need:

Every life matters, and our SWT/KWS Mobile Veterinary Units are at the forefront of saving Kenya’s wildlife. With expert teams equipped to respond to emergencies across the country, we treat injuries caused by snares, spears, human-wildlife conflict, and more. In November alone, our units stepped in to treat elephants, rhinos, lions, zebras, and many more species; giving wild animals in need a second chance at life. Whether it’s a lifesaving procedure require a rapid aerial response, or an in-field checkup, the veterinary teams are working tirelessly to alleviate suffering and protect Kenya’s incredible biodiversity. Support these critical efforts and help us be there for every animal in need:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

10,272 views • 1 year ago

An extraordinary story from Ithumba Head Keeper Benjamin🔊 Several years ago, this bull appeared and calmly walked into a stockade. Such behaviour is highly unusual for a wild elephant — so Benjamin and the team went to investigate: They found he had been struck in the ankle by an arrow. Once he saw his message for help had been received, the bull walked back out of the stockade and waited. We mobilised the SWT/KWS Tsavo Vet Unit, who treated his injury. Joint wounds can have lethal implications, so this intervention very likely saved his life. Despite being wild from birth and wounded by human hands, he understood we offered a place of sanctuary in the landscape - likely communicated to him by our ex-orphans and other elephants we have treated over the years. The bull has returned from time to time ever since — as he did at the weekend — just checking in and saying hello to those who came to his aid. Read more:

An extraordinary story from Ithumba Head Keeper Benjamin🔊 Several years ago, this bull appeared and calmly walked into a stockade. Such behaviour is highly unusual for a wild elephant — so Benjamin and the team went to investigate: They found he had been struck in the ankle by an arrow. Once he saw his message for help had been received, the bull walked back out of the stockade and waited. We mobilised the SWT/KWS Tsavo Vet Unit, who treated his injury. Joint wounds can have lethal implications, so this intervention very likely saved his life. Despite being wild from birth and wounded by human hands, he understood we offered a place of sanctuary in the landscape - likely communicated to him by our ex-orphans and other elephants we have treated over the years. The bull has returned from time to time ever since — as he did at the weekend — just checking in and saying hello to those who came to his aid. Read more:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

78,659 views • 1 year ago

This is elephant conservation in action: moving mountains to save a life and secure a species’ future. 🐘 Last year alone, our teams: • Shepherded nearly 400 elephants off community land to safety • Treated 260 elephants for injuries in the field • Supported 17 elephant rescues from dams and wells This was one such operation: a herculean, four-day mission against time, terrain and rising tides to pull off one of our most challenging rescues yet. Discover more about our elephant conservation work later, as we count down to #WorldElephantDay. Support our work:

This is elephant conservation in action: moving mountains to save a life and secure a species’ future. 🐘 Last year alone, our teams: • Shepherded nearly 400 elephants off community land to safety • Treated 260 elephants for injuries in the field • Supported 17 elephant rescues from dams and wells This was one such operation: a herculean, four-day mission against time, terrain and rising tides to pull off one of our most challenging rescues yet. Discover more about our elephant conservation work later, as we count down to #WorldElephantDay. Support our work:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

22,072 views • 23 days ago

Day and night, rangers lace up their boots and head into the most remote corners of Kenya – patrolling vulnerable habitats, responding to field emergencies, and tackling wildlife crime. This is just a glimpse into their vital work. This World Ranger Day, we’re celebrating our rangers on the frontlines. Working in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service, our 30 SWT/KWS Anti-Poaching Teams and Canine Unit tackle the greatest threats to conservation, secure wild spaces, and support critical operations across Kenya. Since our first team was deployed in 1999, SWT/KWS rangers have patrolled more than 4.2 million kilometres in the service of wildlife conservation. Supporters like you help keep our teams equipped, trained, and ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. Please consider making a donation in honour of #WorldRangerDay – every contribution furthers our conservation work in the field:

Day and night, rangers lace up their boots and head into the most remote corners of Kenya – patrolling vulnerable habitats, responding to field emergencies, and tackling wildlife crime. This is just a glimpse into their vital work. This World Ranger Day, we’re celebrating our rangers on the frontlines. Working in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service, our 30 SWT/KWS Anti-Poaching Teams and Canine Unit tackle the greatest threats to conservation, secure wild spaces, and support critical operations across Kenya. Since our first team was deployed in 1999, SWT/KWS rangers have patrolled more than 4.2 million kilometres in the service of wildlife conservation. Supporters like you help keep our teams equipped, trained, and ready for whatever challenges lie ahead. Please consider making a donation in honour of #WorldRangerDay – every contribution furthers our conservation work in the field:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

10,934 views • 1 month ago

Our Ithumba orphans have a complicated relationship with the wild calves born to our ex-orphans. They adore them, but they also know that - thanks to the backing of their mums, nannies, and siblings - the little ones can get away with absolutely anything. Understandably, this can lead to a bit of resentment! On this day, Kindani decided that enough was enough. Baby Subiri did something to offend her, so the seven-year-old dependent orphan got her revenge with a tail pull, a shove, and a kick for good measure. Don’t worry about Subiri - her mum, ex-orphan Sunyei, and loyal nannies were over in a flash. As for Kindani, she had already made herself scarce! Learn more about our pioneering elephant conservation work:

Our Ithumba orphans have a complicated relationship with the wild calves born to our ex-orphans. They adore them, but they also know that - thanks to the backing of their mums, nannies, and siblings - the little ones can get away with absolutely anything. Understandably, this can lead to a bit of resentment! On this day, Kindani decided that enough was enough. Baby Subiri did something to offend her, so the seven-year-old dependent orphan got her revenge with a tail pull, a shove, and a kick for good measure. Don’t worry about Subiri - her mum, ex-orphan Sunyei, and loyal nannies were over in a flash. As for Kindani, she had already made herself scarce! Learn more about our pioneering elephant conservation work:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

24,008 views • 10 months ago

Our SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit first treated this elephant on 19th August, recovering an arrowhead from a wound on his left torso. More than a month later, our pilot spotted him again during an aerial patrol — this time with another wound on his front left leg, likely from a spear. We mobilised a second treatment. Watch the successful treatment unfold and read the full story at: These lifesaving interventions are only possible with your support 🐘♥️

Our SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit first treated this elephant on 19th August, recovering an arrowhead from a wound on his left torso. More than a month later, our pilot spotted him again during an aerial patrol — this time with another wound on his front left leg, likely from a spear. We mobilised a second treatment. Watch the successful treatment unfold and read the full story at: These lifesaving interventions are only possible with your support 🐘♥️

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

10,526 views • 11 months ago

The hardest rescue mission our teams have been called to? This operation to haul a bull elephant out of a sinkhole is up there. It unfolded last month when the Kenya Wildlife Service received reports of a trapped bull in Chakama. One of our pilots flew to the scene, where he met the Kulalu Anti-Poaching Team and KWS. It was a complicated situation: the bull was stuck shoulder-deep and, while he couldn't escape, he could move around inside, which made it challenging for teams to position the straps needed to free him. After consulting Dr Limo of the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit – who was occupied with another operation – they opted to keep trying without anaesthetising the bull. Finally, the team managed to loop straps behind him and attach them to a vehicle. Inch by inch, they pulled him from his muddy trap. Your support helped fund every aspect of this life-saving mission – find out how you can be part of our next one:

The hardest rescue mission our teams have been called to? This operation to haul a bull elephant out of a sinkhole is up there. It unfolded last month when the Kenya Wildlife Service received reports of a trapped bull in Chakama. One of our pilots flew to the scene, where he met the Kulalu Anti-Poaching Team and KWS. It was a complicated situation: the bull was stuck shoulder-deep and, while he couldn't escape, he could move around inside, which made it challenging for teams to position the straps needed to free him. After consulting Dr Limo of the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit – who was occupied with another operation – they opted to keep trying without anaesthetising the bull. Finally, the team managed to loop straps behind him and attach them to a vehicle. Inch by inch, they pulled him from his muddy trap. Your support helped fund every aspect of this life-saving mission – find out how you can be part of our next one:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

41,761 views • 4 months ago

Earlier this year, a speared tusker took us on a true Tsavo odyssey: it took a month and a hundred kilometres of tracking to find him, plus the coordinated efforts of multiple SWT teams, in order to treat him. In pursuit of alleviating wildlife suffering, our teams do not give up! The initial report came in late at night. Our pilot took off at first light to locate him, but he had evaporated into the wilderness. For the next two weeks, we extensively patrolled the area, but he was nowhere to be found – no small feat for huge elephant. We had a breakthrough a month later when another SWT/KWS Anti-Poaching Team spotted a bull with the same injury. Comparing photos of the two, we knew it had to be the same elephant. Incredibly, he had walked more than 95 kilometres (60 miles) from the initial sighting. Again, it was late in the evening, so we organised a treatment for the following morning. From there, we left nothing to chance. The SWT/KWS Mobile Vet Unit mobilised to the scene – and not a moment too soon. The wound was serious – more than 18 inches deep and dangerously infected. Watch the successful treatment unfold, one of 3,918 elephant cases our SWT/KWS Veterinary Units have attended thanks to donations, which make life-saving interventions like this possible. (Catch a full write up of the operation here: )

Earlier this year, a speared tusker took us on a true Tsavo odyssey: it took a month and a hundred kilometres of tracking to find him, plus the coordinated efforts of multiple SWT teams, in order to treat him. In pursuit of alleviating wildlife suffering, our teams do not give up! The initial report came in late at night. Our pilot took off at first light to locate him, but he had evaporated into the wilderness. For the next two weeks, we extensively patrolled the area, but he was nowhere to be found – no small feat for huge elephant. We had a breakthrough a month later when another SWT/KWS Anti-Poaching Team spotted a bull with the same injury. Comparing photos of the two, we knew it had to be the same elephant. Incredibly, he had walked more than 95 kilometres (60 miles) from the initial sighting. Again, it was late in the evening, so we organised a treatment for the following morning. From there, we left nothing to chance. The SWT/KWS Mobile Vet Unit mobilised to the scene – and not a moment too soon. The wound was serious – more than 18 inches deep and dangerously infected. Watch the successful treatment unfold, one of 3,918 elephant cases our SWT/KWS Veterinary Units have attended thanks to donations, which make life-saving interventions like this possible. (Catch a full write up of the operation here: )

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

412,971 views • 9 months ago

A snared giraffe. A vast wilderness. This giraffe’s story could have ended right there. Thankfully, that’s exactly why our aerial patrols exist: to scour remote landscapes looking for things out of place. The tracks of poachers, signs of trees being cut down or, in this case, an injured animal. From then on, our routine daily patrol morphed into a rapid‑response mission to save this snared giraffe – and, as you’ll see, it ended with the patient rising back to their feet, snare‑free and much happier. We’ve shared more about how these animals are targeted by snares – and, as you’ll read, donations make it all possible:

A snared giraffe. A vast wilderness. This giraffe’s story could have ended right there. Thankfully, that’s exactly why our aerial patrols exist: to scour remote landscapes looking for things out of place. The tracks of poachers, signs of trees being cut down or, in this case, an injured animal. From then on, our routine daily patrol morphed into a rapid‑response mission to save this snared giraffe – and, as you’ll see, it ended with the patient rising back to their feet, snare‑free and much happier. We’ve shared more about how these animals are targeted by snares – and, as you’ll read, donations make it all possible:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

12,756 views • 6 months ago

Our SWT/KWS Veterinary Units exist to alleviate animal suffering. This successful operation to save a snared elephant's trunk earlier this year is a powerful reminder of the difference they make. The bull had lived with a snare slicing around his trunk for months. Left untended, it likely would have severed his trunk. His plight was spotted when our SWT helicopter was called to shepherd him off community land, into the safety of Tsavo East National Park. In the process, our pilot noticed a poacher’s snare, cinched tight around his trunk. The SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit rushed to the scene and, with support from our Aerial Unit, darted the patient. From there, treatment was swift and straightforward. The snare had been in place for at least three months, and in that time, the wound had completely healed over. Fortunately, a single snip of the snare was all it took to save the trunk. Despite the lasting damage, the bull's trunk will grow normally and he will be able to lead a full and healthy life. As snare victim Enkesha has demonstrated, even with holes or scar tissue, elephants can adapt to use their trunks to eat and drink without issue. To date, more than 3,800 elephants – including this bull – have been offered life-saving treatment by our SWT/KWS Veterinary Units. Positioned across Kenya's key ecosystems, they can respond at a moment's notice. Catch up on more lifesaving vet operations made possible by donations:

Our SWT/KWS Veterinary Units exist to alleviate animal suffering. This successful operation to save a snared elephant's trunk earlier this year is a powerful reminder of the difference they make. The bull had lived with a snare slicing around his trunk for months. Left untended, it likely would have severed his trunk. His plight was spotted when our SWT helicopter was called to shepherd him off community land, into the safety of Tsavo East National Park. In the process, our pilot noticed a poacher’s snare, cinched tight around his trunk. The SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit rushed to the scene and, with support from our Aerial Unit, darted the patient. From there, treatment was swift and straightforward. The snare had been in place for at least three months, and in that time, the wound had completely healed over. Fortunately, a single snip of the snare was all it took to save the trunk. Despite the lasting damage, the bull's trunk will grow normally and he will be able to lead a full and healthy life. As snare victim Enkesha has demonstrated, even with holes or scar tissue, elephants can adapt to use their trunks to eat and drink without issue. To date, more than 3,800 elephants – including this bull – have been offered life-saving treatment by our SWT/KWS Veterinary Units. Positioned across Kenya's key ecosystems, they can respond at a moment's notice. Catch up on more lifesaving vet operations made possible by donations:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

12,128 views • 9 months ago

It started with a lucky sighting on the Great Plains camera: At first glance, it looked like the Chyulu lions were just enjoying a lazy morning. But then, starkly visible through the thermal lens, a wire snare was seen cinched around one of the male’s necks. Treatment to save him unfolded last Sunday (our SWT/KWS Mobile Vet Units always being on-call), & took place seamlessly, without a hitch. Fortunately, the deadly snare hadn't yet caused a grievous injury: the team carefully removed the trap, treated the wound, revived the patient, & watched as he rejoined his coalition nearby. Our thanks to KWS and Great Plains, along with Big Life & Lion Guardians, who monitored the lion from daybreak & were present for his treatment. Through our habitat protection, anti-poaching, aerial operations, & mobile vet initiatives, we are working to secure a future for Kenya’s big cats. Discover more about our conservation work:

It started with a lucky sighting on the Great Plains camera: At first glance, it looked like the Chyulu lions were just enjoying a lazy morning. But then, starkly visible through the thermal lens, a wire snare was seen cinched around one of the male’s necks. Treatment to save him unfolded last Sunday (our SWT/KWS Mobile Vet Units always being on-call), & took place seamlessly, without a hitch. Fortunately, the deadly snare hadn't yet caused a grievous injury: the team carefully removed the trap, treated the wound, revived the patient, & watched as he rejoined his coalition nearby. Our thanks to KWS and Great Plains, along with Big Life & Lion Guardians, who monitored the lion from daybreak & were present for his treatment. Through our habitat protection, anti-poaching, aerial operations, & mobile vet initiatives, we are working to secure a future for Kenya’s big cats. Discover more about our conservation work:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

30,017 views • 2 years ago

After his neck became caught in a poacher’s snare, this buffalo carried a horrific injury for more than 60 kilometres as he tried to outrun his fate! Thanks to a keen sighting from our rangers, a dogged follow-up search from the air, and rapid veterinary intervention by our SWT/KWS Tsavo Vet Team, his life was saved. Full story at:

After his neck became caught in a poacher’s snare, this buffalo carried a horrific injury for more than 60 kilometres as he tried to outrun his fate! Thanks to a keen sighting from our rangers, a dogged follow-up search from the air, and rapid veterinary intervention by our SWT/KWS Tsavo Vet Team, his life was saved. Full story at:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

18,694 views • 1 year ago