Elephants are fascinating creatures, the massive mammals are the largest animal in the wild and are very intelligent. Unfortunately, people illegally poaching elephants for their ivory tusks is a huge problem, and the main reason they’re listed as vulnerable to becoming endangered species. After this elephant was shot in the head by poachers, he walks up to a group of veterinarians to ask for help.
These vets’ jumped into action and saved this elephant’s life!
Elephant with a bullet lodged in his skull walks right up to a group of veterinarians to ask them for help
Elephants are the smartest animals in the wild, they have amazing memories, but also incredible problem-solving skills. Even so, these doctors in Zimbabwe were stunned when a gigantic African elephant strolled up to them asking for something.
It wasn’t until they took a closer look that they realized why he had come up to them, he had an infected wound where a poacher’s bullet had been embedded into his skull. Lucky for him, it was only centimeters away from being a guaranteed kill shot.
The gentle giant was obviously in excruciating pain and the doctors knew they had to act fast
At first, the veterinarians weren’t sure if the elephant was being territorial but they quickly noticed the bullet and realized he just needed help. It’s extraordinary that the elephant was able to distinguish the vets’ from poachers.
That’s when they jumped into action and started the process of helping the wounded animal, it’s a miracle that he had walked up to people that happened to be fully equipped and ready to help him.
First, they had to get the elephant sedated by shooting him with a powerful tranquilizer. They then took X-rays of his head to see exactly what they were dealing with
After taking the X-rays, the veterinarians could see the deformed bullet stuck deep into the elephant’s skull and immediately knew they needed to get it out and fast.
Trying to position the Xray – not an easy task on an adult bull elephant's skull.
Posted by Aware Trust Zimbabwe onTuesday, June 14, 2016
Every minute that went by meant more danger of this elephant not surviving, so the doctors decided to do something miraculous.
With no time to waste, the doctors decided they would operate on the spot
Instead of adding to the trauma and risk losing him by transporting the elephant to a facility to perform the operation, the vets begin removing the bullet right in the wild.
After what seemed to be an eternity, they successfully removed the bullet from the elephant’s head saving his life. Since he was heavily sedated, It took some time for the elephant to regain his composure. The group of veterinarians named the elephant Pretty Boy and made sure to stick around to make sure he was okay.
Pretty Boy slept it off under a tree, but eventually walked away bullet free and fully functioning
The story was picked up by Inside Edition, who posted it to YouTube where it’s been viewed over 13.7 million times. 119k have also liked the video and close to 10k have left comments praising the veterinarians.
Pretty Boy the day after treatment looking much happier and eating well. We were relieved to find he was also very relaxed around us.
Posted by Aware Trust Zimbabwe onTuesday, June 14, 2016
What a heartwarming story, this is truly divine intervention for this smart elephant. Poaching is a horrible and infuriating thing to do. Hopefully, one day we’ll live in a world free of people killing wild animals for material desires. To see this in more detail, watch the video below!
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