HEC Rapid Response in the February Helicopter Report

In February Mara Elephant Project responded to a herd of over 100 elephants that were crop raiding in the Kiridon area, which was the major storyline of the Helicopter Report February 2017.

MEP responding to 100 herd

This mega herd of elephants included four of MEP’s collared elephants and time was of the essence since angry farmers surrounded them and it was reported from the area chief that two gunshots were heard. MEP needed to rapidly respond to push this large herd to safety and the best tool we have in our HEC Toolkit is the Karen Blixen Camp Ree Park Safari helicopter.

Then, nearly a week after pushing this large herd to safety, we received a report from MEP’s Rapid Response Ranger Team in the Transmara that they had found a young bull elephant injured with bullet wounds in the Olosukut Conservancy.

Injured Bull Elephant

MEP along with the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Sky Vet Program responding with Kenya Wildlife Service vet, Dr. Njoroge, successfully responded and treated the wounded elephant.

Treating Young Bull Ele

MEP’s ability to rapidly respond to difficult situations like this are what make the use of the Karen Blixen Camp Ree Park Safari helicopter so essential.

Please consider contributing to flying time for this vital rapid response tool.