Episode: "Brothers"
Location: Venetia Limpopo Nature Reserve, South Africa
Veterinarian: Dr. Peter Brothers

In this case study, Dr. Peter Brothers performs two tasks: one is to track elephants as part of a conservation research project, the second is to test new radio tracking collars that are more efficient, less obtrusive and more robust.

Dr. Brothers uses an immobilization drug that is extremely dangerous to humans but harmless to elephants. The drug works on the endorphin receptors in the nervous system and on the voluntary muscles, thus making the animal stop moving.

Once the elephant is darted from a helicopter, it is important to monitor it from the air in order to keep it in an area accessible by the ground crew and away from any potential danger.

Once the beast is down, it is crucial to ensure that its trunk is extended and the tip kept open to allow it to breathe. It's also important that the elephant is lying on its side, because the body weight and subsequent pressure on its heart and lungs in an upright position is enough to kill it.

It is also very important to monitor its temperature and keep it cool with water.

The collar, which consists of a GPS unit and a mobile phone unit for transmitting coordinate information, is attached around the elephant's neck by Dr. Brothers and our host, Steve Irwin.

The data is logged and then plotted onto a map of the area. The elephant's maneuvers can then be related to vegetation in the area as well as water sources to determine patterns in its movement and behavior.

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