Deep in Muchuro Village in Isiolo County, community members spotted a female elephant trapped in a drying mud pit, her body pressed against the hardening earth and her strength fading. They raised the alarm, calling for help and setting the rescue in motion.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Rapid Response Team rushed to her aid, spending the night by her side, protecting her and monitoring her condition until help could arrive.

The KWS ECA Mobile Vet Unit, led by Dr. Michael Njoroge set out to reach her. The journey was not without challenges. Their vehicle flipped over on the difficult terrain, but the team continued with the mission.

When they reached the elephant, she was exhausted and completely caked in dried mud. The team carefully cleared the mud around her body, secured heavy-duty straps beneath her and coordinated a pull using two Mobile Vet Unit vehicles.

After hours of painstaking work, she was finally free.

“Behind every successful rescue is a team willing to go the extra mile for wildlife. They keep showing up, keep fighting, and keep giving wildlife a second chance,” KWS says.