A helicopter hovered near an elephant in Mwea National Reserve, where a veterinarian prepared to tranquilize the animal. The tranquilizer dart sailed through the air, and within minutes, the elephant surrendered to sleep. Wildlife experts rushed in to check the animal’s vitals, ensuring its well-being during the relocation process.
Kenya faces a unique challenge with its elephant population, which has grown significantly in the 42-square-kilometer reserve. The population has surged from 50 to an astonishing 156 elephants, overwhelming the ecosystem. This growth necessitates the relocation of around 100 elephants to maintain ecological balance in the area.
According to Erustus Kanga, the Director General of the Kenya Wildlife Service, this population increase highlights the success of conservation efforts. “This shows that poaching has been low, and the elephants have been able to thrive,” Kanga stated.
Last week, experts began relocating 50 elephants to the larger Aberdare National Park, covering 780 square kilometers in central Kenya. As of Monday, 44 elephants had been successfully moved, with plans for six more on Tuesday.
Tourism Minister Rebecca Miano observed the translocation of five elephants on Monday. “This will go down in history as a record, as it is the biggest exercise of its kind,” Miano declared. She noted that this is the first time 50 elephants are being relocated simultaneously.
The relocation operation commenced at dawn and involved over 100 wildlife specialists. Their efforts included the use of specially fitted trucks and aircraft for tracking the elephants. A fixed-wing plane conducted aerial surveillance, maintaining constant communication with two helicopters that herded and separated the elephants into family units.
Inside one helicopter, a spotter searched for elephants, while a veterinarian stood ready with a tranquilizer gun. After sedating an elephant, a ground team swiftly monitored its vitals, clearing thickets for transport crews. The elephants, weighing hundreds of kilograms, were then loaded onto specialized trucks for a 120-kilometer journey to their new home.
Kanga emphasized that the relocation also aims to reduce human-wildlife conflicts in the region. Local resident Boniface Mbau expressed relief, stating, “We are very happy that the government has decided to reduce the number of elephants from the area.”
