Dololo’s rescue was nothing short of a miracle. When he was first brought to our care, he was severely malnourished, suffering from parasites, and battling eye infections.
Despite these challenges, Dololo has incredibly recovered over the past nine months, emerging as a vibrant and energetic young bull.
Dololo’s troubles began on the night of September 8, 2018, when he fell into a dangerously slippery waterhole on ranch land near Tsavo East National Park. At the time of the fall, Dololo was already an orphan.
When found, he was in a dire state, weakened by malnutrition and poor health, which left him unable to escape the waterhole. For over twelve hours, Dololo used his trunk as a snorkel to breathe while his body was submerged.
The rescue team worked diligently to pull Dololo from the perilous situation. Their expertise and persistence were crucial in safely bringing him to a secure location.
Once out of danger, Dololo came under our care, and we committed to his recovery with round-the-clock attention.
The journey to restore Dololo’s health has been filled with obstacles. He faced numerous setbacks, but his remarkable resilience shone through.
With continuous medical care, proper nutrition, and unwavering support, Dololo’s condition gradually improved.
His transformation is a powerful example of the perseverance and spirit of these majestic animals.
Despite significant progress, Dololo still has a long road ahead in his rehabilitation. His story highlights the important role we play in wildlife conservation.
The compassion and support he has received have deeply moved many, and we are honored to be part of his remarkable recovery.
The community discovered Dololo while watering their animals that morning. Their immediate concern led them to contact KWS rangers stationed nearby.
The rangers promptly removed Dololo from the water, and Dr. Poghon, the KWS Veterinary Officer, soon arrived to assess the situation.
Dololo was airlifted to the Trust’s Nursery in Nairobi via the SWT’s helicopter. Given his fragile state, this direct transfer was crucial in reducing his stress and saving valuable time.
A more prolonged rescue effort could have been detrimental to his already weakened condition.
Upon arrival at the SWT Nursery, Dololo’s condition was severe. His eyes were critically infected, likely due to prolonged exposure to contaminated water. His underweight frame and severe parasitic infestation posed additional challenges.
The team prioritized stabilizing his health and strength, postponing parasite treatment to avoid further strain on his weakened body.
Dololo’s recovery involved meticulous monitoring and medical care. He frequently suffered from collapses and needed intravenous fluids to support his frail body.
The Night Keepers monitored him closely, distinguishing between normal sleep and potentially life-threatening conditions.
His recovery was slow, with significant time to transition from a skeletal state to a robust, healthy elephant.
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