During a drought, one of the gravest threats to elephants might surprise you. While starvation takes a dire toll on wildlife population, our giant friends are equally susceptible to the interlinked challenge of human-wildlife conflict. As resources become scarce, elephants are increasingly likely to venture outside protected areas in search of food and water. Understandably, they are an unwelcome presence on community land. Conflict often ensues — and the consequences can be fatal. To avert crisis, rapid intervention is vital. Through local outreach, communities bordering conservation areas know they can report marauding wildlife to KWS, the local warden, or our team. Oftentimes, ground teams converge to assess the situation, and if needed, our Aerial Unit flies in to shepherd the voyaging elephants out of harm’s way. Such was the case with this quartet of wayward bulls, who had ventured onto farmsteads bordering Tsavo. The SWT helicopter gently directed them away from the houses (you might spot the canine onlooker at the very beginning!) and back to the safety of Tsavo. Thanks to a speedy response, a potential conflict ended quickly and peacefully. Our conservation goal is to provide a win-win for wildlife and the people who live alongside them — and this operation resulted in just that. To learn more about our conservation projects, tap our link in bio (‘Our Conservation Projects’) 🚁 —— Video © Sheldrick Wildlife Trust #SheldrickTrust #SWT #elephant #kenya #humanwildlifeconflict #wild #conservation