Mana Pools National Park in Zimbabwe is a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to a diverse array of wildlife. From hippos resting in the water to crocodiles basking in the sun, and over 300 species of birds filling the air with color and song, this park is a sanctuary for nature lovers. It also serves as a critical refuge for many endangered species. A dedicated team of conservationists, veterinarians, and caretakers work around the clock to ensure the animals within this protected area remain safe, healthy, and thriving.
When a distress call came in about an injured elephant roaming the park, the veterinary team didn’t hesitate. They immediately set out to find and help the animal. What they couldn’t have predicted was the elephant’s calm, almost knowing, approach as if he understood help had arrived.
Upon finding the elephant, the team quickly noticed something was wrong. A closer inspection revealed a shocking sight: a hole in the elephant’s head. This elephant, later named “Pretty Boy,” had been shot weeks earlier, and the bullet remained lodged in his skull, leaving him to endure pain in silence.
Keith Dutlow and Lisa Marabini, veterinarians from AWARE Trust Zimbabwe, a non-profit veterinary conservation organization, responded immediately. They expected a long search, but to their surprise, Pretty Boy didn’t run or hide. Instead, he calmly approached their vehicle, as if he knew help was at hand. His gentle demeanor made him incredibly easy to examine within half an hour of their arrival.
AWARE Trust later shared the remarkable story on social media, noting, “He made himself available for examination within half an hour, coming right up to their car.” The X-ray confirmed the bullet had struck the elephant’s skull, but missed the brain. The bullet’s trajectory caused significant damage to his sinuses but didn’t hit any vital areas, a stroke of luck that kept him alive. The wound had become severely infected over time, with gray pus oozing from it—a gruesome sight that needed immediate medical attention.
The veterinarians carefully cleaned the wound, removed bone fragments, and treated the infection with a strong antibiotic regimen. While the injury was serious, the X-ray revealed Pretty Boy had been incredibly fortunate—the bullet had missed a fatal point by less than an inch. His survival, despite the injury, was nothing short of a miracle.
The veterinarians suspected Pretty Boy had been shot outside the park and had wandered in seeking safety. Despite the trauma he had endured, he remained calm and trusting, a reminder of the gentle nature of elephants, even in the face of human cruelty. His cooperation during the treatment deeply moved the veterinary team.
After surgery, Pretty Boy woke up and found comfort under a nearby tree. The next day, he was already noticeably more relaxed, with the pain having subsided. Thanks to the veterinary team’s hard work, Pretty Boy had a new lease on life. Safe within the park’s borders, he would be protected from poachers and further harm.
Pretty Boy’s story quickly went viral, bringing attention to the vital work of AWARE Trust Zimbabwe, the country’s only veterinary conservation organization. Their mission is to provide essential care to wildlife and support conservation efforts across the region.
Elephants are intelligent, social creatures, and their role in ecosystems is indispensable. The cruelty of poaching and hunting is heartbreaking and underscores the need for stronger protection. Pretty Boy’s survival serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that compassion and dedication can have on wildlife in need.
Please share this story and help raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation. Together, we can protect animals like Pretty Boy and ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty of elephants in the wild. The fight against hunting must continue—these majestic creatures deserve our respect and protection.