Loading video...

Video Failed to Load

There was a problem loading this video. This could be due to a temporary network issue or the video might be unavailable.

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... show more

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

250,323 subscribers

14,335 views • 9 months ago •via X (Twitter)

Anya Rossi• Live Now

Private livecam show

0 Comments

No comments available

Comments from the original post will appear here

Related Videos

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

When our pilot spotted this magnificent bull elephant with a poisoned arrow wound on his right side, swift action was vital. The SWT/KWS Tsavo Veterinary Unit, supported by our Air Wing provided a rapid response; removing the arrowhead and treating the wound, to give this giant of the plains a second chance. Thanks to your support, we have responded to more than 3,600 elephant cases, helping these animals when they needed us most. Read the full story:

Sensitive content

When our pilot spotted this magnificent bull elephant with a poisoned arrow wound on his right side, swift action was vital. The SWT/KWS Tsavo Veterinary Unit, supported by our Air Wing provided a rapid response; removing the arrowhead and treating the wound, to give this giant of the plains a second chance. Thanks to your support, we have responded to more than 3,600 elephant cases, helping these animals when they needed us most. Read the full story:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

13,438 views • 1 year 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

This #WorldAnimalDay, we're spotlighting an extraordinary rescue that unfolded earlier this week. During a morning patrol, our pilot spotted two bulls with arrow wounds. Mid-flight to help the elephants, we received an urgent call from Kenya Wildlife Service: An infant elephant was trapped in a well, with frantic mother standing guard and not allowing anyone to get close to rescue him. We immediately diverted to the scene. Pilot Hamish dropped the team nearby, then used the helicopter to shepherd the mother away from the well. On the ground, Roan leapt into the water and, with a few determined pushes, managed to heave the calf to freedom. The baby bolted toward his mum and the team watched them happily reunite, before returning to their original task: helping the two arrowed elephants. Both were successfully darted and treated by the SWT/KWS Tsavo Vet Unit, rounding out the afternoon with three successful, life-saving operations. With your help, we can be there for wildlife in need:

This #WorldAnimalDay, we're spotlighting an extraordinary rescue that unfolded earlier this week. During a morning patrol, our pilot spotted two bulls with arrow wounds. Mid-flight to help the elephants, we received an urgent call from Kenya Wildlife Service: An infant elephant was trapped in a well, with frantic mother standing guard and not allowing anyone to get close to rescue him. We immediately diverted to the scene. Pilot Hamish dropped the team nearby, then used the helicopter to shepherd the mother away from the well. On the ground, Roan leapt into the water and, with a few determined pushes, managed to heave the calf to freedom. The baby bolted toward his mum and the team watched them happily reunite, before returning to their original task: helping the two arrowed elephants. Both were successfully darted and treated by the SWT/KWS Tsavo Vet Unit, rounding out the afternoon with three successful, life-saving operations. With your help, we can be there for wildlife in need:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

45,169 views • 11 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

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

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

As dusk approaches, a matriarch leads her family across the Athi River, in Tsavo East. Your support is helping us protect this family, and thousands of others. Discover how we work with KWS to safeguard Tsavo’s landscapes and support Kenya’s wildlife: #ConservationInAction

As dusk approaches, a matriarch leads her family across the Athi River, in Tsavo East. Your support is helping us protect this family, and thousands of others. Discover how we work with KWS to safeguard Tsavo’s landscapes and support Kenya’s wildlife: #ConservationInAction

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

23,475 views • 1 year ago

What started as an unfortunately all-too-common snare removal ended with a stunning show of love in the wild. In March 2025, our rangers spotted a snared zebra on the northern coast of Kenya. Our aerial veterinary initiative flew a SWT/KWS Vet Unit to the scene and found a herd being unusually protective of their own. Among them, a young foal and older daughter – we presume – were very reluctant to leave her side. These moments are what our teams are equipped for. We coaxed them to one side so the Vet Unit could promptly cut away the cable snare and tend to her injury. Once she started stirring, her family – who were a full kilometre away – took off. They started galloping towards her, and they didn't stop until they reached her side. Follow us for more moments like this.

What started as an unfortunately all-too-common snare removal ended with a stunning show of love in the wild. In March 2025, our rangers spotted a snared zebra on the northern coast of Kenya. Our aerial veterinary initiative flew a SWT/KWS Vet Unit to the scene and found a herd being unusually protective of their own. Among them, a young foal and older daughter – we presume – were very reluctant to leave her side. These moments are what our teams are equipped for. We coaxed them to one side so the Vet Unit could promptly cut away the cable snare and tend to her injury. Once she started stirring, her family – who were a full kilometre away – took off. They started galloping towards her, and they didn't stop until they reached her side. Follow us for more moments like this.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

18,269 views • 3 months ago

Your donations don’t just help elephants. They rescue, treat and save any wild animal in need of help. This speared giraffe in remote Tsavo was spotted by our aerial team on patrol. We flew a KWS vet to the scene in our helicopter, who carefully removed the spear gave the patient lifesaving veterinary care on the ground. Reticulated giraffe numbers have fallen by around 50% in three decades. Every individual saved counts for the future of the species. See more from our field teams:

Your donations don’t just help elephants. They rescue, treat and save any wild animal in need of help. This speared giraffe in remote Tsavo was spotted by our aerial team on patrol. We flew a KWS vet to the scene in our helicopter, who carefully removed the spear gave the patient lifesaving veterinary care on the ground. Reticulated giraffe numbers have fallen by around 50% in three decades. Every individual saved counts for the future of the species. See more from our field teams:

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

40,305 views • 2 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

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

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

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

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