Case 42 – 20th January 2023

Elephant Arrow Mara North Conservancy

The big bull was spotted by the Mara Elephant Project Rangers. The massive bull was reluctant to move and raised an alarm that there was a problem and on observation the elephant had several arrow wounds.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant was found alone in a swampy area. Approach was challenging as the animal was not accessible by vehicle due to the sloppy and swampy terrain. A drone had to be used to push the the big bull to a nearby plain. After a couple of tries there was success. The bull was in a good position and was darted on the hindquarters with 17mg Etorphine He attempted to run but vehicles blocked him from disappearing into the nearby bushy and rocky hill and he became immobilised in 10 minutes. On examination the animal was discovered to have 4 penetrating wounds with 2 arrow heads still in place.

The arrows were removed by forceps and the wounds cleaned with water. The wounds were then disinfected with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodide before Tetracycline spray was used as a fly repellant. The elephant was given given 35000mgs of Tetracycline and 40mgs Dexamethasone systemically

Prognosis

Good Prognosis. The big bull had minor injuries hence recovery is expected in short time.