A southern white rhino received emergency veterinary care at the Ol Pejeta nature reserve in central Kenya. The animal had a limb injury that compromised its mobility.
The quick reaction of the specialised team prevented the ailment from developing into a bigger problem. The intervention consisted of cleaning the wound and applying a treatment to promote recovery.
The action is part of the reserve's monitoring protocols for its rhino population, one of the largest in East Africa. Early detection of incidents is key to ensuring the health of such valuable individuals.
Ol Pejeta is renowned for its pioneering conservation programmes, ranging from daily protection from poaching to clinical care of vulnerable animals. The combination of security and field medicine offers an internationally benchmarked management model.
The episode also reflects the complexity of preserving large herbivores in open spaces, where any injury can become a serious risk if action is not taken in time.
The broadcast of the rescue, captured in a video circulating on social media, shows not only the skill of the personnel involved, but also the emotional dimension of those fighting to keep iconic species of the African savannah alive.
Source: @africansafariconservation; olpejetaconservancy.org