A Miraculous Comeback: Saving Kenya’s Majestic ‘Big Tusker’ Elephant, Wide Satao, From Poisoned Dart Peril

In a heartwarming tale of determination and efforts to preserve, Wide Satao, an impressive ‘large tusk’ elephant, defied the odds and survived after being struck by a poacher’s lethal poisoned arrow in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya.

The urgent race to save this kind-hearted giant began when medical professionals swiftly arrived at the scene to treat Wide Satao, knowing that without immediate action, the poison would take his life within 48 hours.

A massive elephant has experienced a miraculous recovery after being brought down by a solitary poacher’s poisoned arrow in a Kenyan park.

As a ‘large tusk’ elephant, Wide Satao had tusks that were over 40 years old, making him a prime target for poachers eager to profit from the lucrative ivory trade. The estimated value of each tusk was astonishing, totaling over $130,000 (£85,000).

British photographers Victoria Peckett (45) and Philip Ladmore (50) captured the dramatic images of the ailing elephant.

The medical professionals had to act swiftly to save the gentle giant, named Wide Satao, after it was hit by a poisoned dart in Tsavo East National Park in Kenya.

Fortunately, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Kenya Wildlife Service came to his aid. The rescue mission involved sedating Wide Satao with a dart, cleaning his wound, and administering a crucial dose of antibiotics.

Philip Ladmore, a company director from Middlesex, England, recounted the emotional experience: “As we approached Wide Satao, we noticed the poacher’s poisoned arrow lodged in his side.

After relocating him with the assistance of a plane, we waited for the veterinarian to arrive and perform the operation to extract the dart, clean the wound, and bring him back to consciousness. We witnessed him struggling to stand, but eventually, he rejoined his group of male elephants.”

The significance of this rescue extends beyond the individual elephant, shedding light on the desperate situation of African elephants as a whole.

Shockingly, between 2011 and 2014, an estimated 100,000 elephants fell victim to poaching for their ivory across the continent, with demand predominantly fueled by Asian markets, particularly China, where a kilogram of ivory could fetch up to $3,000.

Wide Satao’s tusks, weighing over 100 pounds each, are highly sought after on the illegal ivory trade market, contributing to the decline of majestic elephants like him.

The poisoned arrow is gradually removed from the elephant after the massive beast is sedated. If left untreated, the poison would have claimed the life of the magnificent bull elephant within 48 hours.

While the challenges of elephant conservation persist, Wide Satao’s remarkable recovery stands as evidence of the importance of efforts to protect wildlife.

His survival provides hope that, through collective action and dedication, we can safeguard these awe-inspiring creatures for future generations to admire.

The medics operate swiftly as the enormous creature regains consciousness. The team that treated the kind animal were conservation organization Tsavo Trust and the Kenya Wildlife Service.

Wide Satao is a ‘massive tusker’ – a phrase used to depict elephants with tusks aged over 40 years, which are pursued for their valuable ivory – with each tusk estimated to be valued at over $130,000.

 

Wide Satao awakens after his life-saving procedure. The captivating photographs were captured by British couple of photographers Victoria Peckett, 45, and Philip Ladmore, 50.

The illicit poaching trade is driven by demand in Asia, specifically China – where one kilogram of ivory can be sold for up to $3,000. Mr. Ladmore disclosed that ivory belonging to large tuskers like Wide Satao is highly sought-after due to its remarkable weight.

Wide Satao was sedated with a dart and had its wound cleansed while receiving a substantial dosage of antibiotics – yet was ready to face another day.