Mana Pools National Park, located in Zimbabwe, Africa, is one of the most remarkable natural reserves in the world. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this protected area is a haven for a wide range of wildlife, including large populations of hippos, crocodiles, and more than 300 different species of birds. It is a true paradise for nature lovers and a critical conservation area for some of the planet’s most endangered animals.
The park is managed and protected by a dedicated team of conservationists and veterinarians whose mission is to ensure the health and safety of the animals that call Mana Pools their home. Their tireless efforts make sure that these animals can thrive in a secure and natural environment, especially since many of these species face serious threats in the wild.
One day, the team received an urgent call reporting an elephant that appeared to be injured. Without any hesitation, a team of vets jumped into their vehicle and rushed to the scene, determined to help the wounded animal. They had no idea just how serious the situation would turn out to be, or how astonishing the encounter would become.
When the team reached the area, they found the elephant calmly approaching their vehicle, displaying an unusual level of trust. This was remarkable considering the pain he must have been experiencing. As the vets examined him more closely, they discovered a shocking injury—a gaping hole on his forehead. This majestic elephant, later named Pretty Boy by the rescue team, had suffered a gunshot wound several weeks earlier and had been wandering through the wild with a bullet lodged deep inside his skull.
Dr. Keith Dutlow and Dr. Lisa Marabini, two experienced veterinarians from AWARE Trust Zimbabwe, responded immediately upon receiving the report. They assumed they would spend most of their time tracking the injured elephant through the vast park. However, to their complete surprise, Pretty Boy walked straight toward their truck, calm and unafraid, almost as if he knew the humans were there to help him.
In a post shared on Facebook by AWARE Trust Zimbabwe, the organization explained how Pretty Boy voluntarily approached the rescue team within just thirty minutes of their arrival, allowing them to examine him up close without resistance. His behavior amazed everyone, given the cruelty he had endured.
After sedating the elephant safely, the vets took an X-ray of his head, which revealed a disturbing discovery. The X-ray clearly showed the presence of a deformed bullet lodged inside Pretty Boy’s skull. According to the veterinarians, the shooter had likely fired the gun a few centimeters too high for a lethal shot. The bullet had ricocheted off Pretty Boy’s skull, fracturing the bones in his sinus cavity and creating a significant wound on his head.
The bullet hadn’t exited the body but instead had lodged itself nearly two inches away from the entrance wound. Upon examining the injury more closely, the vets observed that the wound was severely infected. Thick, gray-colored pus oozed from the site, something so unusual and concerning that even the seasoned vets said they had never seen anything like it before.
The rescue team quickly went to work. They carefully removed fragments of shattered bone, thoroughly cleaned and disinfected the wound, and administered a strong course of antibiotics to combat the infection. Thanks to their swift actions, Pretty Boy was given a second chance at life.
The X-ray results made it clear just how close Pretty Boy had come to death. The bullet was lodged less than an inch from a spot that would have certainly been fatal. His survival was nothing short of miraculous.
During the treatment, the vets also noticed that Pretty Boy had scars from older wounds, suggesting this was not the first time he had been shot. They speculated that he was probably attacked outside the boundaries of the national park and had made his way into Mana Pools seeking refuge from human threats. Despite everything he had suffered, Pretty Boy remained calm, gentle, and trusting toward the people helping him. His forgiving nature deeply moved everyone involved.
After the surgery was complete and Pretty Boy regained consciousness, he peacefully walked over to a shady tree, where he laid down to rest, finally able to relax after weeks of pain and suffering. The following day, Pretty Boy appeared much healthier and more content, showing significant improvement in both his physical condition and his spirit.
Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the dedicated animal rescue team, Pretty Boy was able to recover in a safe, protected environment. Living within the secure borders of Mana Pools National Park, Pretty Boy is now under constant watchful care, far away from the heartless hunters who had once caused him so much harm.
This heartwarming story is a powerful reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and the incredible work being done by organizations like AWARE Trust Zimbabwe. You can learn more about their life-saving efforts and their role as Zimbabwe’s only veterinary conservation trust by visiting their official website.
Elephants are magnificent, intelligent, and highly emotional creatures. The idea that such majestic animals continue to be hunted for sport or profit is tragic and unacceptable. Stories like Pretty Boy’s shine a light on both the cruelty of some humans and the compassion of others who dedicate their lives to protecting wildlife. It is our collective responsibility to stand against the senseless slaughter of these incredible animals.
Please take a moment to share Pretty Boy’s story. The more people become aware of these issues, the stronger the movement will be to protect elephants and other endangered species. Together, through education and action, we can ensure that animals like Pretty Boy can live their lives freely and safely, where they belong—in the wild.
