The snare removal was relatively straightforward — fortunately, it hadn’t yet caused grave injuries — but there is nothing simple about treating giraffes.

Giraffes have very high blood pressure, which means it is vital to revive them before the anaesthetic takes full effect. Dr Aminga darted the patient from the car, and the moment he started to show signs of sedation, ground teams moved in to rope his legs and safely bring him to the ground. Once down, they secured his head. Giraffes cannot stand up without swinging their head, so this ensured the patient would be — quite literally — in safe hands for the duration of treatment.

While this giraffe was unlucky enough to find him snared, his story had a happy ending. After cutting him free, the team released his head. He swung easily to his feet and strode safely off into the bush — standing tall and spared from terrible fate.