“Yesterday evening, Barsilinga arrived at the Ithumba stockades. I had not seen him for more than one month. I realised that he had a small wound, probably from an arrow or a spear.” Head Keeper Benjamin immediately understood this was not an evening social call from ex-orphan Barsilinga – it was a call for help. He alerted the SWT Field Headquarters, who prepared for an early morning treatment. Accompanied by some of his fellow ex-orphans, Barsilinga appeared at first light on 12th February and with that our teams kicked into gear.

Our fixed-wing pilot collected the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit from Voi and flew them to the scene. There was no drama or fuss from Barsilinga or his elephant friends as KWS veterinarian Dr Limo walked up to him and darted him. As Barsilinga succumbed to the anaesthetic and treatment commenced, the other elephants remained calm. They clearly knew that we were there to help. Barsilinga’s injury is the result of a spear wound – he’s been sighted since treatment took place and is recovering well from the operation. 

Being orphaned - as Barsilinga was when only weeks old, after poachers killed his mother - is just the beginning for the animals we rescue. Our commitment to each and every elephant lasts a lifetime, and with your support we can respond in times of need and enhance elephant protection projects to prevent incidents from occurring in the first place.

Find out more and read the full story of Barsilinga’s treatment at sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/news (link in profile)

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