In the vast landscapes of Indonesia, the Wildlife Ambulance is on a mission, thanks to the support of International Elephant Project backers who fund this initiative through UNSYIAH. In the past few months, they've covered some serious ground.
The Wildlife Ambulance, funded in part by International Elephant Project donors, supports the conservation of Critically Endangered Sumatran elephants. Based at Syiah Kuala University, it provides essential veterinary services, including translocation, injury treatment, and disease surveillance.
Managed by International Elephant Project veterinarian Dr. Christopher Stremme, it operates across Aceh and Sumatra.
Learn more📌 Adventures Through Aceh
First, the Wildlife Ambulance visited the ECC Aceh in Aceh Besar to conduct a health check and follow-up treatment on the injured male adult patrol elephant that had been employed and injured during the wild elephant drive operation in Aceh Bener Meriah regency the previous month.
Then they headed to the Conservation Response Unit sites in Mila, Serba Jadi and Cot Girek to provide health checks and de-worming.
📌 A New Discovery in Surabaya
Surabaya Zoo requested the expert staff from the Wildlife ambulance team to conduct ultrasound examinations on two female elephants. One of the elephants was found to be pregnant, and the second elephant was in excellent health. This is a testament to the meticulous care provided by the supporters of the International Elephant Project.
📌 Caring for Expectant Mothers in Lampung
Further south, support for the International Elephant Project reached Way Kambas National Park, where 26 captive* elephants received health checks, antiparasitic treatments, and ultrasounds for three expectant females.
* A note on captive elephants: While International Elephant Project's ultimate vision is to have all elephants living in the wild, we do acknowledge that there are elephants in captive situations that need our assistance. Therefore, the Wildlife Ambulance provides top-level health care and advice to staff looking after these elephants, some of whom have been rescued by the ambulance and can't be released after sustaining serious snare injuries.
📌 A Journey to Jakarta
The support of International Elephant Project donors surpassed our usual borders, answering a call for help from Jakarta. Our veterinarians joined forces with the Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN), performing routine health checks and surgeries.
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🛑 Special Stop: Post-Partum Health Check
A post-partum birth check was conducted on Suci, a female elephant, and her newborn calf. This marked the third birth for Suci, and the calf, just one day old, already boasted a shoulder height of 78cm and a chest girth circumference of 104cm, estimating a healthy weight of approximately 84kg. Both mother and calf were found to be in stable health condition, with the calf nursing normally from its mother.
Challenges We Face
Every journey faces challenges, from scorching weather to forest fires. Emergency grants, secured with the backing of International Elephant Project supporters, ensured ERU Patrol elephants received essential food during the harsh dry season.
This tale of the Wildlife Ambulance's most recent odyssey is not just a geographic journey but a lifesaving mission to save Asian elephants from extinction. It’s possible because of the dedication of our partners on the ground - and their dedication is fueled by our supporters.
Join International Elephant Project supporters in this journey of compassion and support as they continue to nurture nature and safeguard the diverse wildlife that makes Indonesia truly enchanting.
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