In February 2020, a critically injured Sumatran elephant calf named Dilan was rescued from the Aceh jungle in Indonesia.

At about five years old, Dilan had a snare deeply embedded in his foot, causing severe damage to his skin, muscle, and carpal joint.

Local authorities, with the help of a wildlife ambulance, sedated Dilan, removed the snare, and provided immediate first aid in the field to stabilize him.

Following the initial rescue, Dilan was transported to the Elephant Conservation Centre (ECC) Saree in Aceh for ongoing care and rehabilitation.

The wildlife ambulance team regularly visited to treat Dilan and other resident elephants.

Photos from October 2020 showed that Dilan’s condition was improving, with his weight increasing by 300 kilograms since his arrival. This gain indicated that he was eating well and that his recovery was progressing smoothly.

Despite his healing, Dilan’s journey to full recovery is far from over. He still experiences scar tissue and stiffness in his joint, causing some swelling. Due to these ongoing issues and safety concerns, Dilan remains at ECC Saree indefinitely.

The surrounding area is mainly farmland, and allowing Dilan to roam freely could lead to him damaging crops and causing conflicts with local farmers.

While at ECC Saree, Dilan receives specialized care from a dedicated mahout, who takes him to a nearby forest patch for several hours daily to graze and bathe.

Although his injuries may prevent him from returning to the wild, this arrangement provides him with some freedom and quality of life.

The story of Dilan is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illegal poaching and the cruel practice of setting snares in the forest.

Dilan’s condition reflects the risk these traps pose to wildlife, emphasizing the importance of continuous forest patrols and removing these dangerous devices.

As Dilan continues his journey toward recovery, he reminds us that there is still hope, even in the face of severe adversity.