Elephant Shot By Poachers Seeks Help At Safari Lodge, Waits 6 Hours For Vet To Arrive
December 12, 2016
IF you need further proof that elephants are highly-intelligent animals, this is it.
Ben, an injured bull elephant - thought to be 30-years-old - gave staffers at the Bumi Hills Safari Lodge in Kariba, Zimbabwe the surprise of their lives when he appeared to ask for help.
Bumi Hills Foundation
From the start it was clear to manager Nick Milne that something wasn't right, as the animal had a significant limp and appeared to be wounded.
Unfortunately, the in-house vet had left for the weekend so they were unable to tell the full extent of his injuries. The lodge got the word out, and another vet kindly volunteered to fly 320km from the capital to help the elephant.
While medical assistance jetted out to him, Ben calmly passed the six-hour wait; he stayed no more than a few metres from the house.
Bumi Hills Foundation
When the vet arrived Ben was tranquilized and it was then a large wound in his shoulder was discovered, along with two bullet holes in his ear — injuries thought to be from a poacher's bullet sustained in a separate incident. The vet and workers were able to clean and disinfect Ben's wound and administer a tracking collar to monitor his recovery.
"The wound itself is still weeping but the swelling has subsided and it seems to be healing well," Bumi Hills Foundation shared on Facebook.
While Ben's road to recovery will be a long one it wouldn't have been possible without his courageous, quick thinking.
Nick Milne told News24: "Logic would suggest that if an animal has an injury that considerably hampers its mobility, it would not attempt the climb and would rather stay on the level ground near water."
The Bumi Hills Foundation added that they are confident that Ben will survive.
Click Here For The Most Popular On Sunny Skyz
Breathtaking: Hilarious Realtor Video Edit By Gen Z Employee Goes Viral
Woman Discovers Common Food Ingredient As The Ultimate Mosquito Repellent
A Hilarious Dog Story Told In Four Photos
Florida Police Urge People To Stop Taking Selfies With Bears
Experience The Thrill Of Mountain Biking In The Dolomites - Without The Danger!
Tornado Disrupts Wedding, Sends Guests To Basement. They Turned It Into A Magical Night
Young Man's Act Of Kindness For Woman At Concert Makes Her Day
Young Boy's Clever Kitchen Drawer Prank Leaves Dad Questioning Reality
Every Time The Power Goes Out, He Takes His Generator To His Elderly Neighbor's House
Gorilla Melts Hearts With Sweet Gesture Towards Newborn Baby
Michael Jackson's 'Smooth Criminal' Comes To Life In Stunning Shadow Puppet Show