Look at the size of this baby's feet!
Elephant caught in snare, Mara Triangle blog.
I expect you wouldn't want to get between a recently-sedated animal and the ground.
The KWS (Kenya Wildlife Service) website has information about elephants - including a press release for the 2008 census of elephant numbers in the Tsavo/Mkomazi conservation area in Kenya/Tanzania.**
Numbers have been increasing since the lows of the 1980s, presumably thanks in large part to the activities of rangers who protect the animals from poachers and snares. An increase in elephant numbers is important, not only for the elephants (who are probably pretty pleased) but also because an elephant is "a large charismatic mammal" which appeals to tourists (see Stimulating Tourism) and probably helps provide support for smaller less charismatic creatures too.
** In Tanzania: the Mkomazi Game Reserve. In Kenya: Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks, Chyullu Hills National Park, South Kitui National Reserve, plus parts of Taita, Galana, Kulalu, Dokota, and Kwale ranches, plus parts of Kwale district.
That's a pretty long rollcall! 90 people, 10 aircraft, and 40,000 square kilometres.
