There is a slight chill in the air as we take off. Support from various fixed-wing aircraft helps to locate certain animals via GPS coordinates. After about 15 minutes of flying to their location, we scour the bushveld for elephants. Ground crews are in radio contact with us to coordinate the operation. The idea is to locate the animals from the air and direct them with the helicopter to a relatively open area clear of vegetation so the vet can dart the elephants. After about 10 minutes, an elephant is sedated, and the ground crews move in. Various health checks are completed, and samples taken to detect diseases such as tuberculosis. The ground crew consists of various nationalities: American, German and Swiss, all working as part of their foundations or universities. They have the common goal to promote the health and wellbeing of the elephant and rhino populations, and it’s clear they are deeply passionate about their jobs.


Each member of the team has a special calling to their work. They are, without fail, passionate, committed, energetic and humble. I’ve witnessed tough anti-poaching rangers being close to tears because a rhino is dying, and seen the urgency and emotion on a pilot’s face when an elephant with a snare around its foot is struggling to cross a river. These guys feel the animals’ pain, and are deeply committed to their well-being.


Pilot ability and temperament are essential in these challenging flying environments. There is no room for showboating, bravado, or unnecessary risks. All of the pilots have a calm demeanor and personality. When there is urgency, they move quickly. When they need to slow things down, they do. One of the pilots, Brad, always


56 Jan/Feb 2024


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84