Mana Pools National Park, located in Zimbabwe, Africa, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a vital conservation area home to an impressive variety of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and over 300 species of birds. The park is dedicated to preserving these creatures, especially as it shelters many endangered species, and is managed by a dedicated team of individuals who work tirelessly to ensure the health and well-being of the animals.
When a team of veterinarians received a call about an injured elephant, they immediately set off to help. However, they were unprepared for the calm manner in which the elephant, later named “Pretty Boy,” approached them—despite having a severe and shocking injury.
Upon closer inspection, the veterinarians discovered a hole in Pretty Boy’s head. The elephant had been shot weeks earlier, and the bullet had lodged in his skull. The vets were stunned that the elephant had been walking around with the bullet still inside, enduring this pain for so long.
Keith Dutlov and Lisa Marabini, the two veterinarians from the AWARE Trust Zimbabwe, rushed to the park expecting a long search before they could even attempt to treat the elephant. To their surprise, Pretty Boy approached them calmly, walking right up to their truck as if he were asking for help.
“He made himself available for examination within half an hour, coming right up to their car,” the AWARE Trust Zimbabwe team shared on Facebook.
An X-ray of Pretty Boy’s skull confirmed the bullet had caused a deformed wound, likely from a shot aimed too high to be lethal. The bullet had glanced off his skull, causing a depression fracture in the bones of his sinuses. The bullet was lodged nearly two inches from the original wound. The injury had become infected, and the vets described the pus that oozed from the wound as “gray,” something they had never encountered before.
The veterinary team worked quickly to remove the bone fragments, clean and disinfect the wound, and administer antibiotics to help the elephant recover. The X-ray revealed that Pretty Boy had been incredibly lucky—the bullet had been less than an inch away from a fatal strike.
A further examination revealed that Pretty Boy had likely been shot before, possibly outside the park, and had come to the sanctuary of Mana Pools to seek refuge. Despite the human cruelty he had endured, Pretty Boy remained calm and gentle toward the people helping him.
After undergoing surgery, Pretty Boy woke up and found a peaceful spot next to a tree to rest, clearly relieved and recovering. The following day, he was much better, thanks to the heroic efforts of the veterinary team.
Now, Pretty Boy can be safely monitored in the park, away from the danger of hunters. The wonderful work done by AWARE Trust Zimbabwe ensures that this majestic creature, and others like him, can continue to live in peace.
Elephants are incredible and noble beings, and the ongoing poaching and hunting must come to an end. Please share this story to help raise awareness and protect these magnificent creatures from such senseless violence.
Lucky Colors for the 12 Zodiac Signs
Each zodiac sign has specific lucky colors that can enhance positive energy, bring good fortune, and boost confidence. Here are the lucky colors for each sign:
♈ Aries (March 21 – April 19)
🔥 Lucky Colors: Red, Orange, Scarlet
🔺 Why? These bold and fiery colors enhance Aries’ passion, confidence, and leadership.
♉ Taurus (April 20 – May 20)
🌿 Lucky Colors: Green, Pink, Earthy Tones
🔺 Why? Green symbolizes growth and stability, while pink brings harmony and love.
♊ Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
💛 Lucky Colors: Yellow, Light Green, White
🔺 Why? These colors boost Gemini’s communication skills, creativity, and adaptability.
♋ Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
🌊 Lucky Colors: Silver, White, Light Blue
🔺 Why? These soothing colors reflect Cancer’s emotional depth, intuition, and connection to the moon.
♌ Leo (July 23 – August 22)
☀️ Lucky Colors: Gold, Orange, Yellow
🔺 Why? These royal and radiant colors highlight Leo’s charisma, confidence, and strength.
♍ Virgo (August 23 – September 22)
🌾 Lucky Colors: Green, Brown, Beige
🔺 Why? Earthy and natural tones enhance Virgo’s practicality, wisdom, and sense of order.
♎ Libra (September 23 – October 22)
🎀 Lucky Colors: Pink, Blue, Pastel Shades
🔺 Why? These colors promote Libra’s sense of balance, love, and diplomacy.
♏ Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)
🖤 Lucky Colors: Black, Dark Red, Burgundy
🔺 Why? These deep colors represent Scorpio’s mystery, intensity, and transformation.
♐ Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)
💜 Lucky Colors: Purple, Royal Blue, Dark Yellow
🔺 Why? These colors enhance Sagittarius’ adventurous, spiritual, and optimistic nature.
♑ Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)
🖤 Lucky Colors: Black, Gray, Dark Green
🔺 Why? These colors reflect Capricorn’s discipline, ambition, and grounded energy.
♒ Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)
🔵 Lucky Colors: Blue, Electric Blue, Silver
🔺 Why? These colors enhance Aquarius’ innovation, originality, and connection to the future.
♓ Pisces (February 19 – March 20)
🌊 Lucky Colors: Sea Green, Lavender, Aqua
🔺 Why? These dreamy colors boost Pisces’ creativity, intuition, and emotional depth.
Using these lucky colors in clothing, accessories, or surroundings can help attract positive energy and success! 😊✨