Team treats ‘immensely powerful’ injured animal in Kilimanjaro foothills. See it
In the foothills of Kilimanjaro, an off-duty wildlife ranger visiting his home spotted a giraffe with a spear “precariously lodged” in its leg.
Veterinarians and wildlife experts mobilized immediately, noting giraffes are the “most challenging” patients because they must be awake for treatment, according to a May 6 news release from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
Wildlife experts said the giraffe was struck between his tibia and Achilles tendon, “likely in a case of human-wildlife conflict.”
Response teams in the air darted and anesthetized the fully-grown giraffe from a helicopter while ground teams roped him and carefully positioned him lying down, as can be seen in a video of the procedure shared on Facebook by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
The anesthetic was reversed, which experts said is necessary due to the species’s unique physiology, leaving them a brief window to treat the conscious and “immensely powerful” patient, according to the release.
Despite the giraffe’s best efforts “to kick everyone in the vicinity,” the team worked fast and “cleaned the wound in record time,” per the release.
Upon completion of its treatment, the giraffe sprang to his feet, showcasing its power, experts said.
The team said no permanent damage was done to the bone or tendon and medical experts are optimistic that the giraffe will fully recover.
The giraffe was treated by members of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit.
This story was originally published May 6, 2025 at 4:33 PM with the headline "Team treats ‘immensely powerful’ injured animal in Kilimanjaro foothills. See it."
