During a recent encounter at Loisaba Wildlife Conservancy, conservationists were captivated by the sight of a mature female elephant and her charming one-and-a-half-year-old calf.
However, the joyful moment was overshadowed by concern as both elephants showed signs of distress.
The mother elephant, visibly limping with a swollen leg, signaled that previous treatment attempts had been inadequate, underscoring the urgent requirement for further medical intervention.
The rescue operation commenced by cautiously maneuvering through thick vegetation to reach the distressed elephant. A 15mg dose of etorphine Hcl was administered using a 3ml Dan-inject dart from a vehicle to immobilize, assess, and treat the injured elephant.
As the mother elephant received vital medical attention, her watchful calf remained nearby, never straying too far.
Interestingly, during the examination, it was discovered that the calf’s left front leg was swollen, indicating a dislocation at the elbow joint.
Remarkably, there were no visible cuts or external wounds to account for the injury, leading conservationists to speculate whether it resulted from a vigorous mating encounter or an unfortunate tumble from a nearby cliff.
To facilitate recovery and address potential internal infections and joint pain, the treatment included Vitamin B12, Calcium (Calciject®), Dexamethasone injection, and Betamox® antibiotic.
Following the treatment, the elephant regained consciousness after receiving a 48mg dose of diprenorphine Hcl administered into its superficial ear vein, signaling a positive milestone in its healing journey.
