In November 2023, our fixed-wing pilot was patrolling the northern sector of Tsavo East National Park when he spotted a bull with evidence of a snare wound around his front left leg. The SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit was in the midst of another urgent treatment, during which time the bull disappeared. We conducted multiple aerial searches to try to locate him again, but he had evaporated into the Tsavo wilderness.

Until now. On 10th July 2024, our same fixed-wing pilot was patrolling over the Ithumba area of northern Tsavo East when he spotted a bull with a small spot of pus on his front left leg. He circled back to investigate and saw a ring of inflamed skin around his leg, where a snare would be — only it wasn’t a snare, but something subcutaneous.

Suddenly, it clicked: This was the snare victim from nine months ago. The skin had grown over the wound, perhaps encasing the snare underneath.

This time, the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit was ready. We mobilised the SWT helicopter to the scene, which was essential: Given the very dense bush in Ithumba at the moment, this would be a fully mobile treatment — there was no way vehicles could access the bull.

After Dr Limo darted the patient from the air, the helicopter landed nearby and treatment commenced. Sure enough, the team found the remains of a wire snare embedded in the bull’s leg. Part of it had snapped off, but a six-inch segment remained. Over time, skin grew over the snare. Without intervention, grave infection could have set in.

Fortunately, the treatment was a success and Dr Limo has given the patient a good prognosis for a complete recovery. Thanks to an extraordinary aerial sighting, we are thrilled to finally close the chapter on this bull’s painful saga.