The commitment of the rangers at Olarro Conservancy shone through when they came across a young bull with injuries among a group of elephants. Acting quickly and decisively, they were able to ensure the safety and health of this remarkable animal.
While out on their usual patrols, the park rangers came across a 15-year-old male elephant with an infected wound on his thigh. They immediately notified the park management and began the process of finding the necessary medical assistance. Realizing the significance of the young elephant’s condition within a large herd of around 40 elephants, the conservancy wasted no time in bringing in specialized experts to handle the situation.
With precision, we skillfully injected 10 milligrams of etorphine hydrochloride using a 1.5ml Daninject dart from our vehicle. The bull swiftly but calmly settled into a comfortable left lateral recumbent position within a mere eight minutes. This allowed us to conduct a detailed examination of the spear wound on his right thigh, which appeared to be approximately a week old.
Timely action was essential for treating the wound, which had an opening facing downwards and displayed evident signs of infection. To facilitate drainage and speed up the healing process, a cut was cautiously made on the underside, followed by a thorough rinsing with plenty of water. Hydrogen peroxide played a crucial role in cleaning out dead tissue, while iodine solution acted as a potent germ killer. Lastly, the wound was carefully filled with green clay, renowned for its healing capabilities, to soak up toxins and aid in the continuous healing journey.
Additional procedures involved giving the young bull a combination of amoxicillin, an antibiotic, and flunixin meglumine, an anti-inflammatory, through injections, to ensure a thorough approach to his healing process.
In wrapping up our treatment, we efficiently and securely gave the bull 24 milligrams of diprenorphine hydrochloride through a prominent ear vein to reverse its effects. It was quite remarkable to see the bull regain consciousness in only four minutes and effortlessly rejoin its fellow herd members in the conservancy.
Olarro Conservancy’s strong commitment to preserving wildlife is evident in their caring and expert actions. They carefully manage conservation activities to safeguard ecosystems, showcasing their deep dedication to nature’s welfare.