How dangerous are wire snares for giraffes in Zambia?

Wire snares are extremely dangerous for giraffes, capable of cutting through flesh and bone, often leading to death if untreated.

Who leads giraffe rescue missions in South Luangwa?

Conservation South Luangwa leads these critical giraffe rescue missions, often collaborating with the Zambian Carnivore Programme.

What challenges do wildlife vets face during a giraffe de-snaring?

Vets face challenges like darting accurately, tracking a potentially bolting animal, risks near water, predators, and limited time due to sedation.

Home / Environment / Team Races Against Time to Save Snared Giraffe

Team Races Against Time to Save Snared Giraffe

18 Dec, 2025

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Summary

A giraffe was rescued from a wire snare, a potentially fatal injury.
The rescue mission involved a coordinated team and strict time constraints.
Conservationists faced dangers from terrain, predators, and the animal itself.

Team Races Against Time to Save Snared Giraffe

A mission to rescue a giraffe entangled in a wire snare unfolded with urgency as conservationists raced against time. The wire could inflict severe damage, threatening the animal's survival and its ability to live as a three-legged creature. The coordinated effort, led by Conservation South Luangwa and supported by the Zambian Carnivore Programme, required a swift and precise response to prevent further harm.

The rescue operation, spearheaded by bush pilot Gareth Broekhuizen and wildlife vet Dr. Mwamba Sichande, demanded rapid decision-making and execution. Once located, the giraffe had mere minutes for Dr. Mwamba to administer a sedative. The team then had less than ten minutes to secure the animal before the sedative's effects on its physiology became critical, all while navigating treacherous terrain and potential predator threats.

Successfully sedating and immobilizing the massive animal was a feat of coordination. With five individuals managing its powerful neck and three controlling each limb, the team worked to keep the giraffe stable. A close call occurred when the animal kicked out as the snare was cut, narrowly missing a rescuer, highlighting the inherent dangers in such interventions. The successful removal of the snare marked the culmination of a perilous, time-sensitive operation.