Very sadly, and quite unexpectedly Sagalla died on Tuesday the 5th of October. Just before she collapsed and died fluid dripped from her trunk indicating that she had succumbed to pneumonia. Because elephants are unable to cough and show any visible signs this goes undetected until too late, and by the time the fluid drips from the trunk the elephant is virtually drowning with saturated lungs. We had taken the precaution of administering a long acting antibiotic for Sagalla on the day she was rescued, but obviously this was not enough, and she should have had a second dose for three days – however, all of this is easier said and done in retrospect, as she seemed to be making such good progress. She leaves behind a very sad group of orphans in Voi who had grown close and protective towards her. Rest in peace Sagalla.
So sad, makes my whole day grey to think of a poor baby elephant just dying.