Snare Crisis Fund

Over the past few months, the Snare Crisis Fund responded swiftly to snare emergencies in the Greater Kruger landscape. Despite challenges from earlier floods that left many areas inaccessible and allowed poachers traps to remain, dedicated veterinary teams have continued their life-saving work. Here are some of the powerful rescues made possible by your support.

In April, a young elephant calf was found struggling with a tight cable snare cutting deeply into his leg. The wound was badly infected with maggots and causing severe pain. Working quickly and carefully, the team immobilised both the calf and his protective mother, removed the snare, cleaned the wound, and took samples. We are thrilled to report that full recovery is expected with no lasting damage, this little one now has a real chance to grow up strong and free.

In June and July, WildScapes Veterinary Services carried out two more successful elephant rescues. One young calf (about one year old) was spotted with a deadly snare tight around his neck, causing deep lacerations, plus an old healed fracture on his hind leg. With helicopter support, the team safely darted him, removed the snare, thoroughly treated the wounds, and reunited him with his mother. He will carry a limp from the old injury, but he is now snare-free and has a far better future. Another buffalo was also freed from two snares in a single day, though tragically it later succumbed to a third neck snare, a sobering reminder of how relentless this threat remains.

These rescues highlight both the heartbreak and the hope in our fight against snares. Thank you for standing with us and giving these animals, and many more, a second chance at life in the wild.