The newest nature documentary from BBC2, “The Equator From The Air,” features incredible aerial footage of the delicate balance between humans and animals along the Equator.
In a recent episode, vets rush to rescue an injured elephant in Kenya that was shot with an arrow by a local farmer.
Wildlife cameraman and presenter Gordon Buchanan joins the ground team after using a helicopter to help separate the injured elephant from its herd.
In Sunday’s episode of the Equator From The Air, vets have to tranquilize an elephant, pictured on the floor next to one of the jeeps, so they can remove an arrow from its side. Source: Daily Mail
The elephant, pictured, was shot by farmers in Kenya. Before the vets can get close enough, they have to chase off another animal who is trying to help it get back up. Source: Daily Mail
The team successfully sedates the injured elephant with a tranquilizer dart, but one of its companions remains by its side, demonstrating the strong bonds between these highly social creatures.
After the persistent elephant is finally chased away, Dr. Limo treats the sedated elephant, removing a barbed arrow from its side.
The vets on the ground, pictured, rely on the loud noise from the helicopter to help them separate the injured elephant from the herd. Source: Daily Mail
Wildlife cameraman Gordon Buchanan, pictured in Kenya before helping with the elephant, learns that before the Mara Elephant Project got a helicopter, they found 120 elephant carcasses.’ Source: Daily Mail
Within 45 minutes, the elephant has been treated and rejoins its herd. Buchanan emphasizes the importance of preserving space for migratory animals like elephants.
Gordon also watches vets help a baby elephant, pictured after its trunk gets stuck in a snare. Source: Daily Mail
Snare traps can be fatal to calves, pictured, but this one survives and is reunited with its mother. Source: Daily Mail
In the same episode, the rescue team receives a call about a baby elephant with a snare stuck on its trunk. The emotional rescue is captured on camera, with the calf ultimately being reunited with its mother.
Gordon learns that elephants are often forced into contact with farmers who depend on the land and can trample on their crops. Pictured is the calf that injured its trunk. Source: Daily Mail
While flying in Kenya, Gordon is pleased to see a large herd, pictured, which had lots of babies. Source: Daily Mail
The series also explores the challenges faced by humans and animals alike in areas such as the Bidi Bidi refugee settlement camp in Uganda and the tropical rainforests of Gabon.
Gordon, pictured, also visits the Bidi Bidi refugee settlement camp in Uganda during the episode and learns how people are trying to map the area using GPS and smartphones. Source: Daily Mail
The show highlights the importance of finding a balance between human needs and wildlife conservation in these delicate ecosystems.
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