In the unforgiving grip of a scorching drought that plagued Tsavo, the remarkable story of Mapia’s rescue unfolded.
The young calf, with folded ears bearing the scars of a brutal sunburn, was discovered abandoned on an elephant trail on the brink of death.
Thankfully, vigilant Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Rangers spotted him just in time, leading to a swift response for assistance.
Amidst the dire situation in Tsavo East caused by drought and scarce rainfall, KWS Rangers stumbled upon Mapia during a routine patrol on November 2, 2017.
The calf lay seemingly lifeless on a path frequented by elephants near the Galana River and the expansive Yatta Plateau, the world’s most extended lava flow spanning about 300 kilometers.
Elephants lingered nearby at the Mapea gap, a natural pathway for elephant herds. Uncertain of the calf’s survival, the rangers quickly reported the situation, prompting a coordinated rescue effort by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) team.
Despite the challenging conditions, the ground team and KWS rangers reached the calf’s location.
With urgency, they transferred the weak and dehydrated elephant into a Landcruiser and rushed to Lugards airfield on the south bank of the Galana River, just 5km away.
Under the shade of an acacia tortilis tree at the airfield, they revived Mapia with an IV drip to replenish his low blood pressure.
As the calf showed signs of life, a critical decision was made to transport him to the Nairobi Nursery.
Despite scorching temperatures, the DSWT helicopter, piloted by Andy Payne, lifted Mapia with care and transported him to safety.
Upon arrival at the nursery, Mapia, estimated to be around a year old, faced intensive care in a stable environment. Angela, anticipating a storm, wisely relocated him to ensure his well-being.
With constant supervision, Mapia gradually recovered, moving from survival on milk to eagerly devouring freshly harvested greens.
Though bearing physical signs of his hardships, such as curled ears and weathered skin, Mapia’s resilience grew.
Weeks turned into months, and he became strong enough to rejoin his companions in the lush forest.
This young elephant, separated tragically from his family, now has a chance to thrive in the Tsavo wilderness, thanks to the intensive care that saved his life.
Despite the heartbreaking toll of the 2017 drought, with over 350 elephant deaths in Tsavo alone, Mapia’s story stands as a beacon of hope.
Tsavo, home to approximately 12,500 elephants, is a testament to the importance of timely intervention in the face of environmental challenges.
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