Heroic Aerial Rescue: Saving an Injured Elephant Mother in the Wilderness

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In the heart of the untamed wilderness, a mother elephant found herself suffering from a septic wound on her lower left abdomen.

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Her agony did not go unnoticed as the management of the Olarro Conservancy swiftly called for assistance from the Mobile Veterinary Unit.

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This courageous mother was not alone in her ordeal; she was accompanied by her two devoted calves, one around six months old and the other approximately five years of age.

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They had taken refuge on a bushy hill, a location inaccessible by vehicles, necessitating the deployment of a helicopter for an aerial rescue.

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The mission was clear: safely relocate the mother and her young calves to an open area for medical treatment.

A helicopter hovered above, remotely delivering 15 milligrams of Etorphine Hydrochloride through a 1.5-milliliter dart.

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As the helicopter team gently guided the elephants down the hill, the drugs took effect in just nine minutes.

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The vigilant older calf watched over the younger one as they carefully distanced themselves from their sedated mother, who had gracefully lain down.

A team of rangers closely monitored the calves, ensuring their safety as they waited nearby.

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With the mother under sedation, the veterinary team could assess her condition. They discovered a septic wound on her left abdomen, which a spear had caused; though it was approximately a week old, probing revealed no foreign bodies.

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Luckily, the spear had not penetrated the peritoneal cavity; it was confined to the abdominal muscles.

The healing process began with removing necrotic tissues and pus, facilitated by Hydrogen Peroxide and gauze swabs.

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Copious amounts of water were used to thoroughly cleanse the wound before applying Tincture of Iodine for disinfection.

To expedite healing, green clay was carefully packed into the wound, absorbing toxins, preventing sepsis, and promoting recovery.

To support her recovery, the elephant cow received Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin Meglumine anti-inflammatories through parenteral administration.

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This marked the beginning of her journey towards recovery, offering hope and relief to this resilient mother.

This heartwarming narrative underscores the dedication and collaboration of individuals and organizations committed to protecting wildlife’s well-being.

The story of this brave mother and her calves represents the triumph of compassion and unity in the face of adversity.

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