The Mara Veterinary Team has successfully treated a female sub-adult
elephant injured by a wire snare at the Naboisho Wildlife Conservancy,
highlighting ongoing efforts to protect wildlife through rapid response
interventions.
According to a statement released by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the elephant was found with a
snare cutting through her mouth and right ear, posing a serious risk to her
health and survival.
Snares, which are often set illegally to trap animals, can cause severe
injuries and prolonged suffering when wildlife becomes entangled.
Upon receiving the report, the Mara Veterinary Team mobilised quickly and
traced the injured elephant within the conservancy.
The team safely immobilised the animal to allow for close examination and
treatment.
Veterinary officers then carefully removed the snare, which had embedded
itself into the elephant’s tissue, before administering topical treatment to
prevent infection and aid healing.
“The elephant was safely immobilised, the snare removed, and topical treatment
administered,” the team said, noting that the intervention was carried out
successfully and without complications.
Following the procedure, the elephant was monitored as she regained
consciousness and rejoined her surroundings.
The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by illegal snares in
wildlife habitats, even within protected conservancies.
Rapid response by veterinary teams remains a critical component of wildlife
conservation, particularly in landscapes where human activity and wildlife
habitats overlap.
The Mara Veterinary Team reiterated its commitment to protecting wildlife
through swift medical intervention and continued monitoring, while also calling
for sustained efforts to address illegal activities that endanger animals in
conservation areas.
