Desperate Elephants Shot With Poison Arrows Travel To Humans For Help

[Kaleidoscope]

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust 

 

 

 

Last month, a wild elephant and two of his friends were attacked by poachers. Wounded by poisoned arrows, they trudged across the African landscape to the one place that could help them: the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT). 

 

 

Though the wild elephant had never been a resident at DSWT, he knew elephants who had. He had mated with two former orphans who were raised at DSWT's Ithumba Reintegration Centre, who now lead their own wild herd. In 2011, he fathered babies with them, whom DSWT named Mwende and Yetu. 

 

And DSWT is certain he knew this group of humans meant help. 

 

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust 

 

 

 

"We are sure that Mwende's father knew that if they returned to the stockades they would get the help and treatment they needed because this continuously happens with the injured bulls in the north; they all come to Ithumba when in need, understanding that there they can be helped," DWST wrote. 

 

 

And while it might be surprising to imagine an elephant seeking out humans for help — especially when he had just been injured by people — it's not unbelievable. 

 

Elephants have remarkable spatial reasoning abilities and are able to craft detailed mental maps that help them navigate their territory. Considering their intelligence and high sociability, it's possible that former orphans or elephants who have been treated by DSWT could have communicated that it was a place of safety. 

 

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

 

 

 

"Every day, we are awed by Kenya's wildlife," DSWT said. 

 

 

Fortunately, these elephants wound up in exactly the right place. Over several hours, the veterinary team sedated the three bulls and treated their arrow wounds, cleaning out the poisoned areas and filling them with antibiotics and protective clay. 

 

 

And according to DWST, they've done quite well after their surgeries — and seem to be thankful. 

 

David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

 

 

 

"Mwende and Yetu's dad has remained in the area with his friends and they have regularly been seen since undergoing treatment," the rescuers wrote. "Thankfully all their wounds have healed beautifully so they have all made a full recovery," they added. 

 

 

If you'd like to help DWST care for more injured and orphaned elephants, you can make a donation online.

 

 

https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/

 

[Lovemwakpop]

Poor elephants   i'm glad they are ok.

[sgtninjago]

Its bad enough that these animals are being hunted to near extinction.

 

But to poison they where they have to suffer?

 

Fuck you to these hunters

[KimHeeSung]

poor things 

[mgl]

I saw this today, I almost felt like shedding a tear 

[gummybear_dragon]

that's so sad. I'm glad they're better now, I wasn't ready for another sad story of beautiful animals dying by hunters

 

why do poachers have to be suck dicks :/

[Iron Girl]

let me found the guy who did this so I can poison him too 

 

elephants extinction is real and no one give a shit about it 

[maybe]

It's amazing that they searched for help even tho humans were the ones who caused their wounds. I'm glad they are fine now, hope those disgusting hunters get poisoned by their own weapons.

[Nowhere Boy]

Damn :(

[Gyujin]

wow.

[QueenElizabeth]

I think we still underestimate the intelligence of animals like Elephants. The fact that they can differentiate between bad and dangerous humans and helpful good humans is something very few animals can. 

[Bom]

The intelligence of the elephant is remarkable. They seem to have a grasp on the concept of pain, death, fear, loss and depression, and also positive emotions like remembering good people too. They really are remarkable. 

[Tentacruel]

This brings to mind the iconic Rolo ad from back in the '90s.

 

Glad the elephants got the help they needed.

[......]

i wish we could poach poachers...

 

glad the elephants are ok...

[Lakerol]

I would have shot these poachers.

 

Hopefully more elephants get the help they deserve. Poor things.

[baechulgi]

Poor elephants

[김밥]

Glad they survived. I always had a fascination with animals. Would love to visit a wildlife reserve and see these animals

[Hoplz]

I just don't understand humans

I can't

Even knowing an animal is going extinct we still destroy them for money and pleasure

[Big Stupid Jellyfish]

That's terrible. Glad they are alright.