Bull elephant surprised guests after approaching a Zimbabwe safari lodge
Staff recognised that he was suffering from a limp and then called for a vet
Experts found that he had been shot and had a deep wound in his shoulder
While treating that wound they also found bullet holes in one of its ears
This is the moment a wounded elephant pleaded with humans for help after it was shot by poachers.
The bull elephant, named Ben, surprised guests when he approached the Bumi Hills Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe.
But manager Nick Milne soon realised that the animal was suffering with a limp and appeared to be severely injured.
Pictures capture the moment a wounded elephant pleaded with humans for help after it was shot by poachers
The bull elephant, named Ben, surprised guests when he approached the Bumi Hills Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe
The elephant was tranquillised while experts examined the elephant’s injuries which were believed to have been caused by poachers
The in-house vet was gone for the weekend so another was called and volunteered to fly 200 miles to help the elephant
The in-house vet was gone for the weekend so another was called and volunteered to fly 200 miles to help the elephant.
In the six hours it took for him to arrive, Ben is said to have waited patiently earby, drinking water and grazing.
Experts tranquillised him and, after further examinations, found a deep wound in his shoulder suspected to be the result of a poacher’s bullet.
Ben the bull elephant hobbles around on the grass with a limp
Experts tranquillised him and, after further examinations, found a deep wound in his shoulder suspected to be the result of a poacher’s bullet
Caring: Vets cleaned out the bull elephant’s shoulder injury and treated the wounds with disinfectant
Cruel: To their horror, they then also found two bullet holes in one of his ears making it likely that the animal had survived two attempts on his life
Scrub down: After treating the wounds a team of elephant experts gave the elephant a good clena
To their horror, they then also found two bullet holes in one of his ears making it likely that the animal had survived two attempts on his life.
Ben is now healing on the property after his wounds were disinfected and treated by the vet.
The animal wears a tracking device so experts can monitor his improvement.
On the mend: Ben is now healing on the property after his wounds were disinfected and treated by the vet
Scars: The bullet holes are still visible on the elephant’s ears. Staff say it is now making a recovery nearby
Surveillance: The giant animal wears a tracking device so experts can monitor his improvement
On the move: Ben the elephant walked up to safari lodge in search of help after being wounded by cruel poachers