In February 2020, BKSDA Aceh, the local wildlife authorities, urgently requested the Wildlife Ambulance to rescue and treat a wild Sumatran elephant calf.
The calf, later named Dilan, was around five years old and had suffered severe injuries from a snare deeply embedded in his foot. The injury had cut through his skin and muscle and into the carpal joint.
The rescue team sedated Dilan, carefully removed the snare, and administered first aid in the jungle.
Later that month, Dilan was transferred to the Elephant Conservation Centre (ECC) Saree in Aceh, where he could receive ongoing care and treatment.
The Wildlife Ambulance team has continued to visit ECC Saree regularly, providing follow-up care for Dilan and the other elephants at the center.
Photos from October 2020 show the progress in Dilan’s healing, thanks to the dedication of the Wildlife Ambulance team, BKSDA, and the caregivers at ECC Saree.
Since his rescue, Dilan’s recovery has been remarkable. When the Wildlife Ambulance returned to ECC Saree in October 2020, they noted that Dilan had gained 300 kilograms, a sign of his improving health and eating habits.
His scar also showed signs of healthy healing, with his skin, muscles, and bones gradually recovering. However, some scar tissue and joint stiffness persist, causing occasional swelling in his foot.
Despite his progress, Dilan’s recovery is ongoing. Due to safety concerns and the severity of his injuries, he remains at ECC Saree, where his movements are somewhat restricted.
While the area surrounding the center is bordered by farmland, allowing Dilan full freedom could lead to conflicts with local farmers if he encroaches on crops.
Nevertheless, Dilan’s life at ECC Saree includes time each day grazing in a nearby forest patch, enjoying supervised bathing, and roaming under the watchful eye of a mahout.
Dilan may carry the lasting effects of his snare injury for the rest of his life. Though he’s received excellent care and continues to heal, the trauma from the illegal poaching trap will likely leave permanent reminders. His story is a powerful example of the devastating impact of illegal poaching.
As of August 2021, Dilan remains under human care, unable to safely navigate the jungle alone. With little chance of reuniting with his herd, Dilan’s return to the wild seems unlikely.
However, as he continues to grow and heal, there remains a slim possibility that he could one day be reintroduced to the wild. Recent photos show Dilan looking healthy and content, especially during feeding time.
Dilan’s ordeal underscores the importance of maintaining regular forest patrols and removing dangerous snares to prevent other elephants from suffering similar fates.
