A single snare can destroy so much. Simple yet lethal, these wire loops are capable of killing an elephant and tearing apart a herd. This weekend, we were able to spare a calf from that fate, and keep a growing family together.
A calf was spotted with a snare wrapped taut around his neck in the Mara
On the evening of Saturday, 22nd January, we received a startling report from the Mara: A young calf was in grave danger, with a snare wrapped taut around his neck. Most likely with the help of his mother, he had broken away from the snare’s fixed point. While this succeeded in freeing him, it also left him with a noose-like wire cutting into his throat. It was already inhibiting his feeding and causing excruciating pain.
Optimal as it was, the fact that the calf was with his family complicated proceedings
Dr Limo of the SWT/KWS Mara Mobile Vet Unit was not in situ at the time, so we organised for our nearby Rift Valley Vet Unit to take on the case. Dr Kaitho and his team drove down to the Mara first thing Sunday morning. They found the calf in the company of his herd, valiantly attempting to browse — although the effort clearly cost him.
After darting his mum, the team restrained the calf for treatment
We wouldn’t have it any other way, but the presence of a protective mother always complicates proceedings. First, our team darted the mum, which allowed them to safely commence treatment. After physically restraining the calf, they administered a light anaesthetic.
We can only imagine the pain and fear this snare caused its young victim
The snare was wrapped taut, requiring a delicate hand to cut it away from the delicate neck skin. While it had created a grievous injury, it hadn’t yet cut into the oesophagus. After thoroughly cleaning the area, the team administered long-acting antibiotics, which should expedite the healing process.
While the wound was grisly, it had not yet caused mortal damage
By the time treatment was completed, the calf and his recumbent mum were about 100 metres apart. Upon reviving the tiny patient, we shepherded him back to her side. We can only imagine how comforting it must have been for this stress-wracked mum to wake up and find her baby by her side. Reunited and snare-free, the pair walked off into the Mara together, happily ever after.
All considered, this calf is lucky: Snares can kill adult elephants, let alone youngsters
This may look like a grisly wound — and it is — but we have seen this scale of snare injury many times before. Time is of the essence in cases like these, and we were able to treat the calf before the snare caused irreversible damage. The patient has age on his side and is otherwise healthy, so Dr Kaitho is confident he will make a full recovery. Of course, we remain poised to offer follow up treatment, should he need it.
With treatment complete, the calf ran back to his mother's side
Our thanks to all involved who helped save this calf from a tragic fate, including the Kenya Wildlife Service and Mara Elephant Project.