What’s wrong with this picture? Look closely at the elephant’s hind leg and you’ll see a snare severing into the ankle. Left untended, this simple wire could have turned lethal — both for the mum and her milk-dependent baby. Late Friday evening, Governor’s Camp’s head guide snapped a photo and sent it to the SWT/KWS Mara Mobile Vet Unit and Mara Triangle management. The following morning, teams spread out across Mara Triangle to find the female. After many hours of searching, probing eyes spotted her deep in the sprawling marshes. Because they are inaccessible by vehicle, Mara Elephant Project’s helicopter shepherded the patient onto firm ground, where treatment could commence. Her calf remained nearby, in the care of her herd. The snare had sliced deep into the leg, causing a grievous wound. After removing the wire, the team cleaned the area and packed it with healing green clay. She got to her feet and made a beeline for her baby and herd, looking very relieved This simple wire could have claimed two lives, but a speedy response led to the best possible outcome: two elephants saved and a wild family kept together. —— Photos © Sheldrick Wildlife Trust #SheldrickTrust #SWT #wildlife #vet #wildlifevet #mara #wild @maraelephantproject @kenyawildlifeservice