Following GPS positions from the ground team, and a clear visual sighting from the fixed wing plane, the chopper set off in search of a further large matriarchal herd, as yet with no collared animal.
The herd are quickly spotted near the beach.
Separating the target animal from the rest of the herd
The helicopter pushes the darted female away from the thick bush (dart clearly visible).
After 7 minutes she goes down. Now her calf must be temporarily chased off.
The helicopter does a fnal sweep to check it is safe to land.
The team moves quickly to minimize the risk of the elephant suffering.
Shock on Alfred's face when he realises she has lost the clasps on the end of her trunk - probably from a snare.
The team checks her breathing which will be made more difficult by the snare injury, with one breath hole partially closed.
The immense vein system running through an elephant's ears is crucial to keep her cool. The team sprays cold water onto the ears throughout he collaring.
The only way to pull the collar under the head is with a thick wire which hooks into one of the fastening holes on the collar belt, and heaves it under the neck.
Altough her calf was older she is still lactaing. Note the elephant sized ticks - part of life for all wild animals.
The counterweight (some 5 kilos) is fixed in place where the belt is joined. This keeps the GPS receiver on top of the neck.
After the antedote is administered she quickly comes round and gets to her feet.
...... checks the new appendage around her neck
...... and she's off.
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