Wildlife experts in Liwonde National Park, Malawi, recently carried out a dramatic rescue operation to save a young elephant caught in a lethal wire snare.
The injured elephant was found struggling with a wire deeply embedded in its leg near the foot, making it unable to move, feed, or find water.
While poachers typically set snares to trap smaller wildlife, they can be deadly for larger animals like elephants.
In this case, the trapped elephant’s condition drew significant attention and sparked outrage on social media, with one commenter on Facebook expressing, “Humans, the only species capable of such ‘inhumanity’; we should be ashamed.”
A team from the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, Cluny Wildlife Trust, and African Parks quickly mobilized to aid the distressed elephant.
Using tranquilizers, the veterinarians sedated the elephant and expertly removed the embedded snare.
Dr. Amanda Salb from Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, alongside Derek Macpherson from Cluny Wildlife Trust, led the operation with support from the Rhino Protection Team and African Parks scouts.
In a tense moment captured in a photo, the team carefully sedates the elephant by inserting a needle into its ear, allowing them to monitor its vital signs during the procedure.
The team then used sharp side cutters to remove the snare while carefully applying disinfectant to the wound. The operation revealed a severely infected and deeply cut leg, almost to the bone.
Despite the severity of the injury, Dr. Salb and her team successfully removed the snare and treated the elephant’s wound with antibiotics and topical ointments.
A radio collar was placed on the elephant to facilitate future monitoring, ensuring the animal’s well-being. After the procedure, the groggy elephant was closely monitored as it regained consciousness.
The elephant’s rescue offered a glimmer of hope in the ongoing battle against poaching and the damaging impact of snares on wildlife.
African Parks and the Rhino Protection Team play a crucial role in safeguarding these animals, ensuring they can thrive in their natural habitats.
Following the rescue, the Lilongwe Wildlife Trust shared a positive update: just two days after the operation, the elephant was seen at a watering hole with its herd, engaging in typical bathing behavior and showing signs of recovery.
This story is a testament to the resilience of wildlife and the dedication of those who work tirelessly to protect them.
Efforts like Operation Safe Haven, which began in 2014 and removed thousands of poachers’ traps from Liwonde National Park, have been instrumental in reducing poaching incidents and apprehending wildlife traffickers.
These ongoing conservation efforts bring hope that future incidents like this one will be less frequent, allowing elephants and other wildlife to thrive in a safer environment.
