Injured elephant seeks out humans for help
By: Michelle Rosique/Gillian Pensavalle
An injured bull elephant named Ben made his way to the Bumi Hills Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe, in what appears to be a search for help.
The staff at Bumi Hills were very surprised to see Ben, as it is not common for elephants to walk right up to human homes.
Unfortunately, Ben wasn't just popping in to say hello.
Patiently waiting for the bucket of water to be refilled.
Posted by Bumi Hills Foundation on Saturday, May 28, 2016
Manager Nick Milne realized the 30-year-old elephant was limping and appeared to be severely wounded.
Since the in-house vet was away for the weekend on business, another wildlife vet flew 200 miles to treat Ben.
For the six hours that it took the vet to arrive, Ben waited patiently, lingering nearby and drinking water.
The staff tranquilized Ben and found a deep wound in his shoulder, likely from a poacher's bullet, as well as two more bullet holes in one of his ears.
They were able to clean and disinfect Ben's injuries, and he is now healing on the property, outfitted with a tracking device so the foundation can monitor his improvement.
With the help of his human friends, Ben was lucky to have survived two attacks on his life.
Related: Learn more about elephant conservation in Malaysia:
