
Eight Years On:
A Story of Strength, Survival, and Hope
Eight years ago, a magnificent adult bull elephant suffered a fracture to his left front limb — an injury that could easily have marked the end of his journey.
But this elephant endured.
Recently, our Founder and Head Veterinarian, Dr Johan Marais, returned with the Saving the Survivors team to reassess his condition. Using follow-up radiographs (X-rays), the team was able to evaluate how the injury has healed over time — and the findings were incredibly encouraging.
Today, this bull continues to move through his world, a living testament to the resilience and strength of wildlife. His journey reminds us that survival is not just about the immediate response to trauma, but about ongoing care, monitoring, and commitment over the years that follow.
Cases like this highlight the importance of long-term veterinary involvement in conservation. Every return visit deepens our understanding, and every check-up tells a story.
This one speaks of survival, strength, and hope.
While we’ve shared a selection of images here, we invite you to watch the full video of this recent visit on our social media channels to see this remarkable elephant — and the work behind his continued survival — in action.
Saving the Survivors is 100% funded by donations, and it is your support that makes this work possible.
If you would like to be part of our mission, you can donate via the button on this page. Becoming a monthly donor is the most powerful way to stand with us — helping ensure we are always there when wildlife needs us most.
Together, we can continue to give animals like this elephant the chance not just to survive, but to thrive.
















