Kasane
I was called out to attend a wounded buffalo. It was located near the BDF camp on riverfront. On arrival there were various Parks and BDF officials present. Buffalo appeared very sedate and in bad condition. A wound was visible on her left hind hock. Various small wounds caused by sharpened razor wire were visible. It was a young female approximately 5 years old but mature in body weight.
I loaded and fired a dart at her with Etorphine and Xylazine mixture. The dart for some reason did not penetrate as I believe it was deflected by sharp angle. I loaded a second dart and approached the Buff from the opposite direction. Unfortunately the sun was in my eyes and I had to climb a slight hill of about 4 meters in height. I positioned myself for 2nd shot and the Buffalo decided to charge me.
I turned and ran and as I did my footing slipped on the sandy and rocky ground. In the process of falling I dropped my dart gun and retrieved my .416 which I was carrying on my left shoulder. On landing on my back and aiming the rifle in the Buffaloes direction I saw the animal coming at me at full Gallop. As I was in the process of releasing the safety on the rifle I heard a gunshot and the Buffalo dropped. Thank Mr. Khan for thinking fast and shooting straight.
I stood up and shot the Buffalo in the head to euthanize her completely.
On examination of carcass it had a severe infection in its left rear hock. On palpation of joint it was evident that the bone had been broken. Various fresh cut wounds were present on body where she had caught on barbed razor wire.
This Buffalo was a danger to any person walking by and due to the nature of its broken leg it would have had to be euthanized in any event.
I thank parks for their prompt and efficient response and professional handling of the situation. An extra special thank you to Mr. Khan for averting a possible disastrous outcome to my health.
I'M DARTING BUFFALO IN MIDDLE OF PICTURE HE IS ON MY RIGHT HE CHARGES ME AND I RUN I HAVE SLIPPED AND I AM DOWN ON GROUND ,BUFFALO IS GOING TO STEP ON ME. MR KHAN IN FOREGROUND RAISES HIS RIFLE AND FIRES BETWEEN TREES AND HITS BUFFALO IN HEAD AND IT DROPS IMMEDIATELY DEAD
I'M LUCKY TO BE ALIVE PICTURES ARE CUSTOMARY BUFFALO HAD BROKEN LEG AND WOULD HAVE TO BE EUTHANIZED IN ANY EVENT. I DID NOT NEED THE ADRENALINE RUSH,
I APOLOGIZE FOR SMILING IN THIS PICTURE OF DEAD BUFFALO I WAS LUCKY TO BE ALIVE AND CREW WANTED A PICTURE TO REMEMBER INCIDENT. NO DISRESPECT INTENDED TO BUFF THESE INCIDENTS HAPPEN AND UNFORTUNATELY EUTHANASIA IS PART OF MY JOB AND A WAY TO RELIEVE SUFFERING IN THIS CASE RATHER HIM THAN ME
