This is the moment when a wounded elephant appealed to humans for assistance after being shot by poachers.
This is the moment when a wounded elephant appealed to humans for assistance after being shot by poachers.
Ben, a bull elephant, surprised visitors to the Bumi Hills Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe by coming to it.
Manager Nick Milne soon discovered, however, the animal was limping badly and appeared to be severely wounded.
The in-house veterinarian was on vacation, so another vet was called and agreed to fly 200 miles to assist the elephant.
Ben, a bull elephant, surprised visitors to the Bumi Hills Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe by coming to it.Manager Nick Milne soon discovered, however, the animal was limping badly and appeared to be severely wounded.
The in-house veterinarian was on vacation, so another vet was called and agreed to fly 200 miles to assist the elephant.
Ben is said to have been waiting for six hours while the team was on their way, drinking water and eating grass.
He was tranquilized and, after further examination, was discovered to have a significant injury to his shoulder that was likely the consequence of a poacher’s bullet.
He was tranquilized and, after further examination, was discovered to have a significant injury to his shoulder that was likely the consequence of a poacher’s bullet.
Caring: Vets cleaned out the bull elephant’s shoulder in.j.ury and treated the wounds with disinfectant
To their astonishment, they discovered two bullet holes in one of his ears, suggesting that the animal had survived two assassination attempts.
To their astonishment, they discovered two bullet holes in one of his ears, suggesting that the animal had survived two assassination attempts.
Ben is recovering on the premises after his injuries were cleaned and treated by the veterinarian.
Ben is recovering on the premises after his injuries were cleaned and treated by the veterinarian.
Scars: The bullet holes are still visible on the elephant’s ears. Staff say it is now making a recovery nearby
The animal is equipped with a tracking device so that his progress may be tracked.
On the move: Ben the elephant walked up to safari lodge in search of help after being wounded by cruel poachers
The animal is equipped with a tracking device so that his progress may be tracked.