Starting on 22nd September, 45 elephants were relocated over 150km from Narok to the Masai Mara. Travel Wild partnered with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) as the ONLY ground-handler to allow clients to witness this amazing event.
The 45 elephants were found to be isolated from the main elephant population in the Mara, cut-off by human settlements and farms. The elephants were destroying farmland and public property, and even disrupting children on their way to school.
So the decision was made to relocate the elephants from Narok back to the Masai Mara. Travel Wild clients along with Travel Wild Managing Director, Anjali Devani, were on-hand as the only non-press and non-KWS personnel to witness the relocation. The process was incredible. Families of 4-8 elephants were relocated together each day. KWS snipers (shooting tranquilizer darts) shot the elephants…from a helicopter…while the elephants are running away…WOW! NOTE: Travel Wild clients can, for an additional price, actually fly in the helicopter as the KWS officials track and shoot the animals. Once immobilized, the elephants were then hoisted up into containers on a truck using a crane. Eight vets were on duty at all times, checking the elephants for any complications. After vital signs were checked and tracking collars placed on each elephant, Travel Wild clients were allowed to touch and pose for pictures with the elephants.
The elephants were then given an injection to wake them up before the journey to the Masai Mara, a trip that would be dangerous for the animals if they were still tranquilized. Armed rangers accompanied the entire process in order to ward off would-be poachers. After 150km with 4 very mobile elephants in the back of the truck (and a few tire punctures along the way), the truck reached the dropoff point in the Masai Mara. The driver backed the truck up to a small hill that would act as a ramp for the elephants to disembark safely. Our clients were allowed to climb on top of the truck to take pictures as the truck doors were opened and the (slightly irritated and confused) family of elephants came charging out.
Now safely away from humans and within the protection of the Masai Mara Game Reserve, these 45 elephants are adjusting well to their new home, according to KWS officials.
More animal relocations are planned for 2013. Travel Wild will send updates on dates and prices as the KWS finalizes their relocation plans.
Here’s to many more successful, exhilarating, and incredible animal relocations in 2013.
