An Update on Fishan the Survivor, A Bull Elephant Who Stole Our Hearts

An Update on Elephant Bull Survivor, Fishan: https://herd.org.za/an-update-on-elephant-bull-survivor-fishan/

Born in 1989, Fishan, meaning 'something smaller', has been through many hardships over the years, but this has never stopped him from embracing life with a kind and open heart.

It has been an incredible journey with Fishan, and it has been amazing to see how he was so determined not to give up. He inspires us every day!

Today, Fishan is doing incredibly well, although he still experiences some stiffness in cooler weather which requires anti-inflammatory support, and his pressure wound still requires daily cleaning. Should you wish to kindly contribute towards these expenses, please consider becoming a Fishan foster parent: https://herd.org.za/product/foster-fishan/

Seeing him today out in the wild, keeping up with the herd, in a very humble yet proud manner, is heart-warming for all of us. Back with the herd, enjoying the wilderness as an elephant should, Fishan continues to go from strength to strength. He loves walking through and foraging in the bush with his herd, and enjoys swimming more than ever.

Fatherly and friendly, this gentle bull has close bonds with the females of the herd, as well as the youngsters born to the herd and adopted as new orphans. He demonstrates an incredible amount of patience, consideration, and grace for both his fellow elephants and the elephant carers he loves so much. He shows so much passion for the orphaned calves and is eager to assist with their care.

Fishan can likely relate to other orphans' traumatic histories, having one of his own - he was castrated at a young age due to an infection, and is thought to be an orphan. With the love he received from a female in his past, he is fond of women and takes more time to warm up to men, when it comes to his human carers. In September 2018, Fishan stepped into a deep hole and fractured his ulna bone in his front left leg. It was a serious injury that required the attention of some of South Africa's top wildlife veterinarians. He underwent two procedures to treat his leg - which was a massive feat considering he weighed four tonnes.

He was about 5 kilometres from the elephants' homestead area when it happened, and could only move with very small steps. Elephant manager, Tigere stayed by his side and that night they stayed out on the reserve together. The team brought them everything they would need, including anti-inflammatory and pain medication from Wildlife vet Dr Peter Rogers as well as food, water (in a bath), and food. Tigere was incredible, constantly insuring that Fishan was doing okay.

It took the whole of the following day to get back home, thanks to a lot of patience and teamwork from our elephant care team. When the elephants returned that evening, there was a lot of rumbling and a special moment with Bubi who approached him gently and touched his leg tenderly with her trunk. They had been concerned about Fishan and were happy to be reunited with their special friend.

Shortly after Fishan had rested, they started hydrotherapy on the leg, which seemed to give relief, and the new few days his appetite was good and he remained in good spirits, while our team considered the way forward. X-rays were taken by Wildlife vet Dr Johan Marais from Saving the Survivors which revealed a fracture in the bull's lower ulna bone.

For four months Fishan could not walk far distances and stayed back during the day in the stables area while the rest of the herd spent their days in the wild. Our carers were incredible, staying by his side and reading and talking to him throughout that time.

Fishan has a slight limp now but is walking better and better and improving in his gait immensely with each month that passes. It is incredibly impressive watching him walking with his herd out in the wilderness each day. He is a true survivor.

READ MORE: https://herd.org.za/an-update-on-elephant-bull-survivor-fishan/

Видео An Update on Fishan the Survivor, A Bull Elephant Who Stole Our Hearts канала HERD Elephant Orphanage South Africa