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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...

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Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

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12,128 views • 9 months ago •via X (Twitter)

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The big bull first caught the attention of onlookers because of his unusual cargo: He strolled by Satao Camp holding a large wooden log in his trunk. They quickly realised that more nefarious cargo was onboard: Cinched around the bull’s front leg and dragging behind was a thick, wire snare. As soon as Save the Elephants raised the alarm, we mobilised our Aerial Unit and SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit to the scene. Watch the treatment unfold — and to read the full story, at: #2024Moments
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The big bull first caught the attention of onlookers because of his unusual cargo: He strolled by Satao Camp holding a large wooden log in his trunk. They quickly realised that more nefarious cargo was onboard: Cinched around the bull’s front leg and dragging behind was a thick, wire snare. As soon as Save the Elephants raised the alarm, we mobilised our Aerial Unit and SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit to the scene. Watch the treatment unfold — and to read the full story, at: #2024Moments

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

30,878 views • 1 year 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:
1:36

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

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:
1:20

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 • 3 months ago

After tourists reported him with a snare around his neck, it took two days of aerial patrols to find this snared giraffe. But we didn’t give up. As soon as he was located, our helicopter flew the SWT/KWS Southern Vet Unit to the scene. Dr Lawi darted the giraffe from the air, then ground teams took over and roped him down for treatment. Even by giraffe standards, this was a particularly daunting operation - this giraffe was notably large and pumping with adrenaline. Watch to see why they are already among the most challenging creatures to treat, and see how donations funded this lifesaving operation. This #WorldGiraffeDay, be a part of more lifesaving treatments by donating:
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After tourists reported him with a snare around his neck, it took two days of aerial patrols to find this snared giraffe. But we didn’t give up. As soon as he was located, our helicopter flew the SWT/KWS Southern Vet Unit to the scene. Dr Lawi darted the giraffe from the air, then ground teams took over and roped him down for treatment. Even by giraffe standards, this was a particularly daunting operation - this giraffe was notably large and pumping with adrenaline. Watch to see why they are already among the most challenging creatures to treat, and see how donations funded this lifesaving operation. This #WorldGiraffeDay, be a part of more lifesaving treatments by donating:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

40,467 views • 3 months ago

When elephants need help, we answer the call. This year alone, our veterinary initiative (in partnership with KWS) has treated more than 100 elephant cases - including this rare twin calf. A poacher’s snare left him in agony and unable to keep up with his family. With dense forest - and hundreds of miles - between us, we deployed Sky Vets to fly the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit to the coast. The team waited in a remote glade until dusk. When the calf finally appeared, they launched into action. Pilot Roan shares what happened next. These lifesaving interventions are only possible with your support 🐘♥️
2:13

When elephants need help, we answer the call. This year alone, our veterinary initiative (in partnership with KWS) has treated more than 100 elephant cases - including this rare twin calf. A poacher’s snare left him in agony and unable to keep up with his family. With dense forest - and hundreds of miles - between us, we deployed Sky Vets to fly the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit to the coast. The team waited in a remote glade until dusk. When the calf finally appeared, they launched into action. Pilot Roan shares what happened next. These lifesaving interventions are only possible with your support 🐘♥️

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

14,335 views • 10 months ago

An elephant's trunk contains around 40,000 muscles, allowing the trunk to twist, shorten, elongate, and bend in any direction. Enkesha proved it as a yearling: after a poacher's snare almost severed her trunk, three vets spent three hours stitching it back together – within two days she had popped every stitch, her trunk simply too mobile for sutures to hold. It was left to heal naturally, and now she uses those same muscles to close the whole in her trunk, caused by the snare, when filling her trunk with water! Discover Enkesha's story:
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An elephant's trunk contains around 40,000 muscles, allowing the trunk to twist, shorten, elongate, and bend in any direction. Enkesha proved it as a yearling: after a poacher's snare almost severed her trunk, three vets spent three hours stitching it back together – within two days she had popped every stitch, her trunk simply too mobile for sutures to hold. It was left to heal naturally, and now she uses those same muscles to close the whole in her trunk, caused by the snare, when filling her trunk with water! Discover Enkesha's story:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

16,059 views • 1 month 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: )
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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

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:
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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

A herder peered into a derelict tank on Galana Ranch and found a young female lion trapped at the bottom. The tank was deep and smooth-sided – she'd been stuck there for at least two days, her paws rubbed raw from desperate attempts to escape. She needed help - fast. That’s exactly what our field teams are there for. Our SWT helicopter flew the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit to the scene and mounted an urgent intervention which unfolded earlier this year. Donations make this possible, fuelling our aircraft, equipping the Vet Units and helping us save precious wild lives. Support our field operations:
1:34

A herder peered into a derelict tank on Galana Ranch and found a young female lion trapped at the bottom. The tank was deep and smooth-sided – she'd been stuck there for at least two days, her paws rubbed raw from desperate attempts to escape. She needed help - fast. That’s exactly what our field teams are there for. Our SWT helicopter flew the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit to the scene and mounted an urgent intervention which unfolded earlier this year. Donations make this possible, fuelling our aircraft, equipping the Vet Units and helping us save precious wild lives. Support our field operations:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

25,250 views • 10 months ago

If you’ve ever had a stone stuck in your shoe, you can begin to imagine how uncomfortable this poor elephant was. Our pilot spotted him on KARI Ranch, limping heavily but with no obvious wounds. The SWT helicopter flew the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit to the scene, where Dr Limo darted the patient. It turned out the bull had an old spear injury on his foot. While the wound itself had healed, swelling had caused the footpad to separate from the sole. Rocks and other debris had become trapped inside, rubbing the area raw and making every step excruciating. Fortunately, his situation was easily rectified. Dr Limo and the team cleaned out the area and administered antibiotics and medication to support the healing process. The bull was revived and walked off — already looking much more comfortable. Your donations make these veterinary interventions possible:
1:02

If you’ve ever had a stone stuck in your shoe, you can begin to imagine how uncomfortable this poor elephant was. Our pilot spotted him on KARI Ranch, limping heavily but with no obvious wounds. The SWT helicopter flew the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit to the scene, where Dr Limo darted the patient. It turned out the bull had an old spear injury on his foot. While the wound itself had healed, swelling had caused the footpad to separate from the sole. Rocks and other debris had become trapped inside, rubbing the area raw and making every step excruciating. Fortunately, his situation was easily rectified. Dr Limo and the team cleaned out the area and administered antibiotics and medication to support the healing process. The bull was revived and walked off — already looking much more comfortable. Your donations make these veterinary interventions possible:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

13,146 views • 1 year 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:
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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 • 2 months ago