Elephant devoid of mud after getting stuck at Kenyan dam

These remarkable photos reveal an elephant that was conserved from a mud pit by a group of conservationists.

The group saved the animal after it ended up being stuck at Oldonyiro neighborhood conservancy, Isiolo County, Kenya.

Dr Kieran Avery, 34, from Kenya, a veterinary cosmetic surgeon and conservationist, became part of the rescue last month. 

He took pictures of the elephant captured in mud after getting a call from residents to notify him the animal required assistance.

Dr Avery stated: ‘Members of the neighborhood sent us images to assist us on what would be required to eliminate her.

‘She was stuck on her own and her herd had actually moved far from the dam.

‘She was plainly distressed and tired – however she still had a battle in her which is constantly a great indication that there is hope.

‘To free an elephant of this size you have to have the right tools. This included a tractor, heavy-duty straps and shackles, and knowledge of elephant behaviour.’

It took the group an hour and a half to release the stuck elephant.

Dr Avery stated the procedure included thoroughly placing the straps to enable the tractor to pull her out and make sure the elephant didn’t get them with her trunk, which would lead to major injury to the group.

He included: ‘Ideally the straps ought to be positioned around her bottom, listed below her tail.

‘The tractor then uses cautious stress and we observe the elephant and the position of the straps – if all looks excellent then the tractor continues to pull up until the elephant is well clear of the mud and on steady ground.

‘It doesn’t take a huge group – simply a handful people with the right tools.

‘Elephants are stunning animals with an enormous existence. Being up close with a wild grownup like this makes you recognize how effective and smart they are.

‘Their eyes record you and you can see their feelings in their expressions. It is humbling.

‘To me, there is nothing better than seeing free-roaming wild elephants across the landscape, and to be able to free one from an inevitable death trap and watch her walk away back into the wilderness where she belongs just can’t be beaten.’

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