In the heart of Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe, a team of dedicated vets and conservationists work tirelessly to protect and care for the incredible wildlife that inhabits this UNESCO world heritage site. One such team received a distress call about an injured elephant, and what they found would leave them stunned.
The elephant, later named “Pretty Boy,” approached the vets’ truck with an unusual calmness, considering the severity of his injury. Upon closer inspection, the vets were shocked to discover a bullet lodged in the elephant’s head, just inches away from a fatal wound.
According to the vets, Pretty Boy had likely been shot several weeks prior, and the bullet had glanced off his skull, causing a depression fracture of the bones in his sinuses. The wound had become infected, and a gray pus was seeping out, a sight the vets had never seen before.
The team quickly sprang into action, removing fragments of bone, disinfecting and cleaning the wound, and administering antibiotics. The X-ray revealed the bullet’s proximity to Pretty Boy’s brain, a chilling reminder of the cruelty he had endured.
Despite the trauma he had suffered, Pretty Boy’s calm demeanor was a testament to his gentle nature. The vets believed he had probably been shot outside the park and had wandered in seeking refuge. As he recovered from surgery, Pretty Boy found a quiet spot next to a tree and napped, a heartwarming sight for the team.
Thanks to the tireless efforts of the vets and conservationists, Pretty Boy made a remarkable recovery. He was once again happy and relaxed, safe within the boundaries of the national park. This incredible rescue story highlights the importance of protecting these majestic creatures and the need to raise awareness about the devastating impact of poaching.
