Elephant Rescued After Jaw Shattered by Illegal Explosive Trap

Discovery of Injured Elephant

• 🐘 A young elephant was found motionless, suffering from a severe infection due to a wound that had failed to heal.
• 🎯 The cause was revealed to be a hakapotas, an illegal explosive device used by farmers to protect crops, which had shattered the elephant's jaw.

Initial Treatment and Debris Removal

• 💥 The explosion left the elephant unable to chew or swallow, leading to rotting food accumulation and further infection.
• 🩺 Veterinarians manually removed rotting debris and impacted leaves from the elephant's mouth cavity, a dangerous and difficult task.
• 💧 The wound was flushed with a saline solution to cleanse bacteria and contamination.

Diagnosis and Ongoing Care

• 🤕 Additional wounds on the elephant's ear indicated the full extent of his suffering.
• 🦴 A critical repositioning of the two-ton patient was necessary for a thorough examination, revealing severe bone damage that was deemed irreparable.
• 💊 The treatment plan focused on supportive care, including pain medication, antibiotics, and continued saline treatments to combat infection.

Continued Efforts and Uncertain Future

• 🩹 Another wound on the elephant's leg also required attention and antiseptic treatment.
• 🧼 The cleaning process continued with scientific precision, using cotton swabs and clean water to dry and prepare the wounds for healing.
• 🙏 Despite the grim diagnosis, the wildlife team remained dedicated, providing constant care and believing in the elephant's resilience.