DSWT/KWS Quarterly Mobile Veterinary Report July to September 2017 by Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

MOBILE VET UNITS TSAVO – MARA – MERU AMBOSELI REPORT JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2017

MOBILE VETERINARY UNITS OVERVIEW JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2017 During the July to September 2017 3-month reporting period, the DSWT in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service and their four dedicated KWS field veterinary officers, attended to 127 wildlife cases. The prolonged drought witnessed this year, peaked throughout Kenya this quarter, but especially in the southern areas of Tsavo. Due to a severe lack of vegetation and graze for wildlife, this drought has caused many wildlife deaths and necessitated the rescues of numerous elephant orphans. Each Veterinary Unit did its upmost to save as many wild lives as possible during this period, and despite poor prognoses and outcomes for many cases, there have been some remarkable success stories. Of the 127 cases attended to 66 cases included elephants; 20 of these elephant cases were directly related to poaching activities with cases including 8 poisoned arrows, 10 spear cases and 2 snare cases, whilst there were also 14 elephant rescues, 1 collaring, 9 cases treated for natural causes and 22 post-mortems. During this period 4 rhino cases were also attended to along with 15 lion cases. A number of other species including giraffe, cheetah, zebra, buffalo, leopard and plains game were also treated by the veterinary units.

Below the chart shows all cases broken down by poaching injuries. Many cases during this month were caused by the effects of the prolonged drought in Kenya

The Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit attended to 51 cases, including 10 poaching cases, 5 HWC cases, 10 rescues, 21 postmortems and 1 collaring. The ongoing drought during this reporting period had a significant impact on wildlife species in the Tsavo ecosystem, with many elephant and other animals dying whilst many elephant calves were also rescued. The Mara Mobile Vet Unit attended to 31 cases of which 12 of the cases involved elephants, and 11 involved predators as well as 4 zebras with spear and snare wounds and 3 buffalos. The team also collared 1 rhino. The Meru Mobile Vet Unit attended to 11 cases including 2 elephants and 3 rhinos; one rhino was treated for natural causes and in one case 37 rhinos were ear notched on Solio Ranch, whilst there was one rhino postmortem attributed to natural causes, both elephants were treated for natural causes. 4 plains game were also treated as well as the unit attending to a lion collaring and a giraffe postmortem. The Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit attended to 32 cases, 12 of which were elephant cases with 5 caused by spears and 1 arrow as well as 3 natural causes, a post-mortem and 2 rescues. 1 cheetah was also relocated. 8 Antelopes were attended to including one HWC case, 3 natural causes, 2 post-mortems and 1 research survey carried out as well as 1 snare case. There was also a rescue of a genet cat and relocation of a rock python due to HWC.

TSAVO MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2017

TSAVO MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JULY 2017 Introduction The month of July continued to experience a dry spell with no rains, leading to a reduction in forage and water availability within the park, forcing wildlife to move out of the park in search the food. Human wildlife conflict saw an increase in the month under review. Cases attended to include the rescue of a cheetah with severed hind legs in Kimana Township in Amboseli, investigation of bushbuck deaths near Finch Hattons lodge suspected to have died of Anthrax, an Elephant autopsy inside Tsavo East, de-snaring of a giraffe at Maungu Ranch, immobilization and translocation of a problematic lioness near Voi town, rescue of an Elephant calf near Maktau gate and de-snaring of a buffalo near Taita Sarova lodge. Other activities included an examination and treatment of a security dog with an eye infection at Ngulia, and an examination of several wildlife trophies for prosecution of offenders and giving expert testimony in Mariakani court.

1. Species: Sex: Age: Date: Place:

RESCUE OF A CHEETAH Cheetah Male Adult 3rd July 2017 Kimana Township, Amboseli

Introduction The report was made by KWS rangers of a cheetah that was inside Kimana Township near Amboseli National Park with an injury on the leg. As the Amboseli Vet unit was on off duty, the Tsavo unit responded and travelled by Vehicle to the area. Immobilization and rescue The Cheetah was found inside a fence belonging to a farmer in the area. Drugs were prepared comprising of 80 mgs Ketamine and 1 mgs Meditomidine Hlc and loaded onto a 1.5 cc Dan inject dart. The Cheetah was darted on the thigh muscles and was fully immobilized after 8 minutes. He was removed from the fence and close examination revealed a fresh cut on both hind limbs just below the hock joint severing one leg and heavily injuring the other. He was translocated to Amboseli National Park where further examination revealed very poor prognosis. A decision to euthanize was arrived at and the Cheetah was put down by use of 20 cc euthanaze administered by rapid IV through the radial vein.

BUSHBUCK DEATHS IN FINCH HATTONS, TSAVO WEST

Animal: Bushbuck Species: Bushbuck Sex: Female and Male Age: Adults Location: Finch Hattons lodge, Tsavo west. Date of intervention: 3rd July Introduction and investigation Deaths of two antelopes of the Bushbuck species were reported next to Finch Hattons lodge within Tsavo West National Park with discharge of blood from the orifices and rapid autolysis of the carcasses. Both animals had died suddenly with blood oozing from the ears, nose and the anus. History of sudden death with rapid putrefaction is usually an indication of Anthrax infection. There were no other animals around apart from crocodiles from a nearby spring that had consumed one of the carcasses. Blood smear was taken for processing and the carcass destroyed by burning. Gram positive rode- shaped bacteria were seen on Giemsa stained slide. There were no further deaths in the area upon subsequent follow ups.

3. Species: Sex: Age: Date: Place:

ELEPHANT AUTOPSY EXAMINATION Elephant Female Adult 5th July 2017 Rhino sanctuary, Tsavo east

Introduction A report was made by KWS rangers of an elephant carcass within the Tsavo East National Park Rhino sanctuary. The Tsavo vet unit visited the area to ascertain the cause of death. The carcass was lying on the left flank and at advanced state of decomposition with so that no meaningful autopsy could be undertaken to determine the cause of death. Being in a relatively secure area of the park fenced by an electric fence and the level of autolysis of the carcass the cause of death was tentatively put as natural.

DESNARING OF A GIRAFFE

Species: Giraffe Sex: Male Age: Adult Date: 8th July 2017 Place: Maungu ranch, Tsavo Introduction The Giraffe bull was spotted in Maungu ranch by wildlife works security teams after they followed animal prints dragging a small tree across the road. They located the Giraffe with a snare on the neck and dragging a small tree. The Tsavo Vet team rushed using a vehicle to attend to the case. The Giraffe was easily spotted having been caught in bushes and in distress. Immobilization drugs were quickly prepared. Immobilization and treatment 12 mgs of etorphine mixed with 50 mgs of Xylazine in a dan inject dart was prepared and loaded into a dan inject dart gun, the Giraffe was darted but it seems the drug did not discharge well and after waiting for 20 minutes with no effect another dart with the same dosage was prepared and the Giraffe darted again. It took him 5 minutes to to effect and the Giraffe roped down on lateral recumbency after which anaesthesia was reversed by administration of Atipemazole Hcl and Naltrexone intravenously and the Giraffe held down by the neck. The tight wire snare around the neck was cut free and wounds treated. Colvasone and Amoxycillin LA were administered IM. The Giraffe was released but couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wake up on its own and was helped onto his feet by vet and wildlife works teams.

CAPTURE OF A PROBLEMATIC LIONESS

Animal: Lioness Species: Panthera leo Sex: Female Age: Adult-old Location: Voi town Date of intervention: 10th July 2017 History and Capture Then lioness was reported to have gone out of the park and killed a sheep near the Park boundary adjacent to Voi wildlife lodge. The vet team was called in to immobilise the lioness and move it back to the park. A dart was prepared containing 300 mgs of Ketamine Hcl and 4 mgs Meditomidine Hcl and the lioness darted. She ran into some bushes but was easily located already immobilized 10 minutes later. She was loaded to a vehicle for transport to the research offices for examination before final movement to Tsavo east National Park. Close examination revealed 3 heavily broken canine teeth and one slightly broken. The body condition was also poor. Old lions with broken canines usually cannot hunt wild prey and hence resort to livestock predation as a way of feeding thus creating anger in the community. With that in mind a decision was made to euthanize the lioness.

EXAMINATION OF A PROBLEMATIC LEOPARD

Animal: Leopard Species: Panthera pardus Sex: Male Age: Young Location: Maungu, Tsavo east Date of clinical intervention: 15th July 2017 History and Examination The leopard was captured after it preyed on livestock near Maungu area just outside Tsavo East National Park. After numerous complaints from the community living in the area a trap was placed to capture the Leopard. The leopard was finally captured and brought to the vet unit for examination and advice. A decision was made to release the young Leopard back to the Park though the estimated age was around 2 years and starting to hunt. He was released the same day near Lugards falls along Galana River deep inside Tsavo East National Park.

7. Species: Sex: Age: Date: Place:

ELEPHANT AUTOPSY EXAMINATION Elephant Female Adult 13th July 2017 Aruba lodge, Tsavo east

Introduction and autopsy A report was made by KWS rangers of an Elephant carcass near Aruba lodge within Tsavo East National Park. The Tsavo vet unit visited the area to ascertain the cause of death. The carcass was lying on the right flank and at mid-advanced state of decomposition with the family still standing nearby. There was slight scavenger activity on the carcass with the tusks still intact. The skin was removed from carcass to expose the whitish subcutis and examine any penetrating wounds, but none were found. The carcass was rolled over to expose the left flank and autopsy undertaken with no signs of external injury observed. Tusks were retrieved and taken for safe custody. The cause of death was through natural cause of age coupled with the poor nutrition.

8. DESNARING OF A BUFFALO Animal: Buffalo Species: Syncafus caffer Sex: Male Age: Bull Location: Taita salt lick sanctuary Date of intervention: 17th July History A report was received from the DSWT desnaring team of a Buffalo bull with a tight wire snare around the neck near salt lick wildlife sanctuary. The team rushed into the area to find the snared Buffalo under a bush struggling. Immobilization and treatment The buffalo was immobilized using 9 mgs of etorphine mixed with 60 mgs of xylazine propelled in a dan inject dart gun. It went down in 5 minutes. The strong wire snare around the neck was cut loose with little neck wounding. The Buffalo was administered with Dexamethasone Hcl and long acting antibiotic parenterally. Anaesthesia was reversed using Diprenorphine at three times the etorphine dose and 0.5cc of Atipemazole Hcl both IV through the jugular vein. The Buffalo woke up and moved away. Prognosis is good.

RESCUE OF AN ELEPHANT CALF

Animal: African Elephant Species: Loxodanta Africana Sex: Female Age: 1 year old Location: Maktau, Tsavo West Date: 21st July History and treatment A report was made by DSWT desnaring staff of one Elephant calf that was abandoned and had entered a community area near Maktau gate together with another sub-adult Elephant. There being no mother around and the risk of being killed a decision was made to rescue her and take to Nairobi. The calf was captured and loaded onto a landcruiser and taken to Maktau gate airstrip. Due to its age the calf was airlifted to Nairobi orphanage for care.

10. ELEPHANT EXAMINATION Species: Sex: Age: Date: Place:

Elephant Male Adult 22nd July 2017 Ngutuni sanctuary, Tsavo east

Introduction A report was made by KWS community rangers of an Elephant bull that had fallen and could not wake up near Ngutuni lodge. The Vet team rushed to the area to find the bull flat on its side and struggling to stand up in vain. The Elephant bullsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; body condition was poor and only possessed the left tusk. Ropes were hooked onto the tusk and the bull pulled him onto his feet and he walked away calmly. Tsavo is experiencing a dry spell that is having a toll on wildlife especially the non-migratory individuals who stay behind when the rest have moved to Taita ranches where forage is better.

11. ELEPHANT CALF EXAMINATION Species: Sex: Age: Date: Place:

Elephant Unknown Calf 23rd July 2017 Park HQ, Tsavo east

Introduction A report was made by KWS rangers of an Elephant calf that was lying down within the Tsavo east National Park near park HQ. The Tsavo vet unit visited the area to ascertain the cause its condition. The calf was lying down on sternal recumbency with the mother and other members of the herd beside it. The calf estimated at about one-year old had poor body condition which is an indication of poor nutrition. Attempts to get near proved futile as the matriarch fought back hard. The next morning a visit was made to the site where the calf was and found already dead. Autopsy revealed poor nutrition as the cause. Deaths of young calves are common in Tsavo at times of diminished rains such as this year.

OTHER ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN 12. The unit examined several wildlife trophies and produced an expert report to aid in prosecution of the offenders in court. 13. A security dog was also treated for an eye infection in Ngulia Rhino sanctuary and did not respond to the treatment. A referral for specialised treatment was advised. 14. The vet testified as an expert witness in Mariakani court in a case where a suspect was arrested being in possession of five Elephant tusks.

TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT AUGUST 2017 Introduction The month of August continued to experience a dry spell with no rain leading to pronounced drought effects observed especially in Elephants calves and aged individuals. Human wildlife conflict, poaching attempts and effects of drought are some of the causes of clinical cases handled. Cases attended included treatment of a speared Elephant bull near Salaita, Tsavo West, treatment of an injured cow in Taita sisal estate Mwatate, rescue of an Elephant calf along Mzima pipeline, treatment of another injured Elephant cow along Voi River, examination and release of problematic Leopard, autopsy examination of several drought related Elephant carcasses across Tsavo east, de-snaring of a Zebra in Borabora sanctuary Mombasa, treatment of a speared Elephant bull in Amboseli and treatment of a security dog with trypanosomiasis in Ngulia. Several wildlife trophies were examined and an expert report was produced for prosecution of offenders in court and finally a Lion collar was removed near Ziwani and another recollared in Kuku ranch.

TREATMENT OF AN ELEPHANT BULL

Date: 6th August 2017 Species: Loxodanta Africana (African Elephant) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Salaita, Tsavo West History Report was received from KWS Salaita platoon of an injured Elephant bull that was limping badly near the road. The team rushed to the area and found the bull nearby. Immobilization, examination and treatment Foot darting was carried out. Using a Dan injectÂŽ dart rifle (Dan-inject APS, Sellerup Skovvej, Denmark) the Elephant was darted and was immobilized after 8 minutes and went down on sternal recumbency. He was pushed to left lateral recumbency. There was a deep spear wound on the right forelimb near the elbow joint with pus oozing out and swelling of the joint. The wound was washed clean with water mixed with hydrogen peroxide, necrotic tissues and pus were removed and the wound doused with tincture of iodine. Green clay was used to cover the wound. An intravenous administration of dexamethasone Hcl was given through the ear vein and the anaesthesia reversed by administration of diprenorphine. Prognosis Prognosis was guarded to poor due to joint infection.

TREATMENT OF AN ELEPHANT COW

Date: 7th August 2017 Species: Loxodanta Africana (African Elephant) Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Taita sisal estate, Tsavo East History Report was received about an injured Elephant cow that was lame in Taita sisal estate sanctuary. The team rushed to the area and found the cow in a herd of 10 others nearby. Immobilization, examination and treatment Vehicle darting was carried out. Using a Dan injectÂŽ dart rifle (Dan-inject APS, Sellerup Skovvej, Denmark) the Elephant was darted and was immobilized after 7 minutes and went down on lateral recumbency. The wound was old on the right hind leg near the knee. The wound was washed clean with water mixed with hydrogen peroxide, necrotic tissues and pus were removed and the wound doused with tincture of iodine. Green clay was used to cover the wound. Wound was caused by arrow shot. Prognosis is good but with poor angulation.

RESCUE OF AN ELEPHANT CALF

Sex: Male Age: 6 months old Location: Pipeline, Tsavo East Date: 8th August. History and treatment A report was made by tour drivers of a calf that was stuck in a muddy water hole and unable to get out along Mzima pipeline near Mrima hill. The vet team together with the Voi stockade team rushed to the area to find the baby elephant struggling to get out of the muddy pool. He was pulled out and reunited with the mother who was standing nearby.

4. Age: Date: Place:

EXAMINATION OF ORPHANED LION CUB 3 years 8th August 2017 Pipeline, Tsavo east

Introduction and management A young lion cub was spotted near Mzima sanctuary appearing very emaciated and weak. The mother had not been seen and thought to have died. Inquiries to Nairobi orphanage indicated that it was full with no additional space. Efforts were made to supplement him with beef until mature or adopted by a related pride in the area. DSWT bought same beef for supplementation but the cub vanished again and was spotted when starved to near death. It succumbed shortly after being rescued and taken to DSWT Voi stockade.

TREATMENT OF AN ELEPHANT COW

Date: 10th August 2017 Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Voi River, Tsavo East History Report was received from DSWT helicopter pilot about an injured Elephant cow with pus oozing from the body, sighted along Voi River inside Tsavo East. The team rushed to the area and found the cow in a herd of 10 others nearby. Immobilization, examination and treatment Vehicle darting was carried out. Using a Dan injectÂŽ dart rifle (Dan-inject APS, Sellerup Skovvej, Denmark) the Elephant was darted and was immobilized after 6 minutes and went down on lateral recumbency. The wound was an arrow wound on the left abdominal wall with swelling. The wound was washed clean by use of water mixed with hydrogen peroxide, necrotic tissues cleaned, and the wound doused with tincture of iodine. Green clay was used to cover the wound. Long acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs were administered intravenously. Prognosis is good.

TREATMENT OF AN ELEPHANT BULL

Date: 10th August 2017 Species: Loxodanta Africana (African Elephant) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Elerai conservancy, Amboseli. History Report was received from Big life rangers of an injured Elephant bull within Elerai conservancy with blood oozing from the wound. The Vet was airlifted by DSWT aeroplane to the Amboseli and driven to the area and found the bull nearby. Immobilization, examination and treatment Using a Dan injectÂŽ dart rifle (Dan-inject APS, Sellerup Skovvej, Denmark) the Elephant was darted and was immobilized after 8 minutes and fell on the injured flank. Ropes tied to a helicopter were used to flip him over to expose the injured flank. There was a deep fresh spear wound on the left thoracic area with blood oozing out. The wound was washed clean with water mixed with hydrogen peroxide, necrotic tissues and pus were removed and the wound doused with tincture of iodine. Green clay was used to cover the wound. An intravenous administration of dexamethasone Hcl was given through the ear vein and the anaesthesia reversed by administration of diprenorphine. Anaesthesia was reversed using Diprenorphine at 3 times the etorphine dose. Prognosis is guarded.

EXAMINATION OF A PROBLEMATIC LEOPARD

Animal: Leopard Species: Panthera pardus Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Maungu, Tsavo east Date of clinical intervention: 12th August 2017 History and Examination The leopard was captured after it preyed on livestock near Maungu area just outside Tsavo east National Park. After numerous complaints from the community living in the area a trap was placed to capture the leopard. The leopard was finally captured and brought to the vet unit for examination and advice. A decision was made to release the Leopard back to the Park to give it an opportunity in the wild. He was released the same day near Lugards falls along Galana River deep inside Tsavo East National Park.

8. Species: Sex: Age: Date: Place:

ELEPHANT AUTOPSY EXAMINATION Elephant Female and Calf Adult 13th August 2017 Kanderi, Tsavo east

Introduction and autopsy A report was made by KWS rangers of an Elephant cow and calf carcass near Kanderi swamp within Tsavo East National Park. The Tsavo vet unit visited the area to ascertain the cause of death. They were lying about 400 metres from each other. The carcasses were both lying on the right flank and fresh. There was slight scavenger activity on the carcasses with the tusks still intact. The skin was removed from carcass to expose the whitish subcutis and examine any penetrating wounds but none were found. The carcasses were rolled over to expose the left flank and autopsy undertaken with no signs of external injury observed. Tusks were retrieved and taken for safe custody. The cause of death was through natural/drought related. Tsavo east is witnessing increased mortalities due to a long dry spell ravaging the area.

TREATMENT OF A SNARED ZEBRA

Species: Common Zebra Sex: Female Age: Adult Date: 16th August Place: Borabora sanctuary, Mombasa Introduction Zebras and other animals had been taken to a newly started Borabora wildlife sanctuary in Diani in South coast Mombasa. One of the zebras had since been caught in a wire snare, which was long and dragging making movement difficult. She was easily traced by the keepers in the sanctuary. Immobilization 6 mgs of Etorphine Hcl and 60 mgs of Xylazine in a dan inject dart was prepared and loaded into a dart gun. She was approached on foot and darted. She was darted at the rump and went down on the right flank after running for about 5 minutes. Treatment The wire snare was removed and the cuts on the right rear leg treated with antibiotic spray and iodine. Long acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs were administered parenterally. Anaesthetic reversal was done the administration of 18 mgs of Diprenorphine Hcl and 2.5 mgs of Atipemazole Hcl IV through the jugular vein. Prognosis is good.

10. ELEPHANT AUTOPSY EXAMINATION Species: Date: Place:

Elephant (3) 18th August 2017 Aruba (2) and Sala (1), Tsavo east

Introduction and autopsy A report was made by DSWT patrol aeroplane of 2 Elephant carcasses near Aruba, Tsavo East, that were at advanced and mid-state of decomposition. The Tsavo vet unit visited the area to ascertain the causes of death. They were lying about 4 kilometres from each other. The first carcass was heavily decomposed and scavenged and cause of death was difficult to ascertain. Tusks were removed for safe custody. The second carcass had slight scavenger activity but the tusks still intact and removed for safe custody. A third carcass belonging to a 6-year-old Elephant was found along Galana River near Sala gate while the team was patrolling. It was in advanced level of decomposition and no meaningful autopsy could be undertaken. Tusks were retrieved and taken for safe custody. The cause of death was put as natural/drought related in the three cases above. Tsavo east is witnessing increased mortalities due to a long dry spell ravaging the area.

11. ELEPHANT CALF AUTOPSY EXAMINATION Species: Sex: Age: Date: Place:

Elephant Female Calf 17th August 2017 Punda milia, Tsavo east

Introduction A report was made by KWS rangers of an Elephant calf carcass within the Tsavo east National Park Punda milia area. The Tsavo vet unit visited the area to ascertain the cause of death. The carcass was lying on the left flank and still fresh hence must have died that morning. No external injuries were observed. Autopsy was undertaken, and no lesions were seen apart from the poor body condition. Cause of death was put as starvation/drought effects due to the long dry spell within Tsavos.

12. COLLARING OF A PROBLEMATIC LION Animal: Lion Sex: Female and Male Age: Adults Location: Ziwani TW and Kuku group ranch Date of intervention: 21st August History Human predator conflict is high in Kuku group ranch. There is an increase in livestock predation by carnivores in the ranch creating hostilities with the community. Permission was sought by lion guardians for collaring of one lioness with satellite collar for monitoring and conflict mitigation and removing a collar form a male. Immobilization and collaring The lion and Lioness were immobilized using 300 mgs of ketamine and 4 mgs of meditomidine Hcl. The collar for the male was removed and the female replaced and fitted with a new one. They were both revived one and half hours later using 2.5 mgs Atipemazole Hcl and monitored until they moved away on their own. 13. RESCUE OF A CHEETAH Species: Date: Place:

Cheetah 22nd August 2017 Ndii, Tsavo East.

Introduction The report was made by KWS rangers of a cheetah that was inside SGR Ndii station and could not get out due to wire mesh fencing. He looked emaciated. Immobilization and rescue Drugs were prepared comprising of 80 mgs Ketamine and 1 mgs Meditomidine Hcl and loaded onto a 1.5 cc Dan inject dart. The Cheetah was darted on the thigh muscles and was fully immobilized after 8 minutes. He was removed from the fenced standard gauge railway station and taken to Tsavo east National Park and released after anaesthesia reversal. The cheetah was also supplemented with some beef.

14. RESCUE OF AN ELEPHANT CALF Sex: Female Age: 1 year old Location: Sentrim, Tsavo East Date: 23rd August History and treatment A report was made by tourists of one Elephant calf that was recumbent, and the mother had moved. There being no mother around and the risk of being killed a decision was made rescue her. The calf was captured and loaded onto a landcruiser and taken to Voi airstrip where he was stabilized by administration of 50% dextrose and Dexamethasone administered by slow IV and later due to its age the calf was airlifted to Nairobi orphanage.

15. ELEPHANT AUTOPSY EXAMINATION Sex: Age: Date: Place:

Female and Male Adults 26th and 27th August 2017 Maungu and Ngutuni, Tsavo east

Introduction and autopsy A report was made by KWS rangers of Elephant carcasses near Maungu and Ngutuni within Tsavo East National Park. The Tsavo vet unit visited the area to ascertain the cause of death. The carcass was lying on the right flank and at mid-state of decomposition. There was slight scavenger activity on the carcass with the tusks still intact. The skin was removed from carcass to expose the whitish subcutis and examine any penetrating wounds but none were found. The carcasses were rolled over to expose the left flank and autopsy undertaken with no signs of external injury observed. Tusks were retrieved and taken for safe custody. The cause of deaths was through natural cause coupled with the poor nutrition/drought.

OTHER ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN ď&#x201A;ˇ

The unit examined several wildlife trophies and produced an expert report to aid in prosecution of the offenders in court.

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A security dog was also treated for a Trypanosomiasis infection in Ngulia Rhino sanctuary and did respond well to the treatment.

TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT SEPTEMBER 2017 The month of September continued to experience a dry spell with no rains leading to pronounced drought effects observed mainly in elephant calves and aged individuals. Some showers were experienced in Tsavo to the great relief of everyone but unfortunately it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t last. Several elephant calves were rescued and taken to Voi and Nairobi while emaciated and recumbent old elephants had to be euthanized to end their suffering. In other cases, an elephant bull was treated for a snare wound on the leg in Taita salt lick sanctuary, an injured KWS horse was treated for a head injury in Ziwani camp and there was a treatment of a lame buffalo.

RESCUE OF AN ELEPHANT CALF

Species: Loxodanta Africana Sex: Male Age: 6 months old Location: Ndii, Tsavo East Date: 5th September History, treatment and rescue A report was made by KWS rangers of one elephant calf that was lying down and unresponsive near a water hole along Mzima pipeline near Ndii area of Tsavo east. The vet team together with the Voi stockade team rushed to the area to find the baby elephant barely able to breath and flat on the ground. The calf was covered with a blanket because he appeared in shock and 20 cc of dexamethasone Hcl administered through the ear vein followed by a bolus of 50% dextrose by slow IV. The breathing and pulse improved. Further administration of antibiotics, Vitamin B12 complex and more IV fluid therapy was instituted. The calf stabilized and was airlifted to Nairobi stockade for more intensive care where he recovered fully and joined other orphans in the nursery.

TREATMENT OF AN ELEPHANT BULL

Date: 6th September 2017 Species: Loxodanta Africana (African Elephant) Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Taita salt lick Sanctuary History A report was received from the DSWT Bura de-snaring team of an injured elephant bull within Taita hills conservancy with serious front limb lameness from suspected snare injury. The Vet team rushed to the area and found the bull nearby under a tree resting. Immobilization, examination and treatment Etorphine Hcl(0.98%) (M99ÂŽ) 18 mgs 1.5 ml Dan - inject dart was prepared. Vehicle darting was carried out. Using a Dan injectÂŽ dart rifle (Dan-inject APS, Sellerup Skovvej, Denmark) the Elephant was darted and was immobilized after 7 minutes and fell on the left flank. There was a deep cutting snare wound on the front left limb with blood oozing out. The snare was cut loose after a big struggle and the wound was washed clean with water mixed with hydrogen peroxide, necrotic tissues and pus were removed and the wound doused with tincture of iodine. Green clay was used to cover the wound. An intravenous administration of dexamethasone Hcl was given through the ear vein and long acting antibiotics administered by intramuscular injections. Anaesthesia was reversed using Diprenorphine at 3 times the etorphine dose. Prognosis is guarded and the bull assisted onto his feet.

TREATMENT OF A SNARED BUFFALO

Species: Sex: Age: Date: Place:

Buffalo Male Adult 6th September 2017 Salt lick sanctuary

Introduction Just after treating the snared Elephant another report was received from the sanctuary of a Buffalo with a snare around the neck reported by rangers from Taita salt lick sanctuary. The team rushed in to find the massive bull lying down in tall grass. Immobilization, examination and treatment Etorphine Hcl(0.98%) (M99ÂŽ) (Norvatis South Africa (Pty) Ltd) 8 mgs and 60 mgs of xylazine in a 1.5 ml Dan - inject dart was prepared. Vehicle darting was carried out. Using a Dan injectÂŽ dart rifle (Dan-inject APS, Sellerup Skovvej, Denmark) the Bufallo was darted and was immobilized after 7 minutes. The not so tight wire snare around the neck was removed. Long acting Tetracycline and Dexamethasone were administered parenterally. Prognosis is good. Anaesthesia was reversed using Diprenorphine Hcl at 3 times the etorphine dose mixed with 0.5 cc Atipemazole hcl administered intravenously. Prognosis Good.

EXAMINATION OF ELEPHANT CARCASSES

Animal: African Elephant Species: Loxodanta Africana Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Satao, Tsavo East Date of clinical intervention: 7th September 2017 History and Examination A report was made by Satao camp of an Elephant carcass near the lodge within Tsavo East National Park. The Tsavo unit team unit visited the area to ascertain the cause of death. The carcass was lying on the left flank and at mid-advanced state of decomposition. There was scavenger activity on the carcass with the tusks still intact. The skin was removed from carcass to expose the whitish subcutis and examine any penetrating wounds but none were found. The carcasses were rolled over to expose the left flank and autopsy undertaken with no signs of external injury observed. Tusks were retrieved and taken for safe custody. The cause of deaths was through natural cause and drought related.

5. Species: Sex: Age: Date: Place:

ELEPHANT AUTOPSY EXAMINATION Elephant 2 Female calves and a calf skull Adult 8th September 2017 Aruba and Satao, Tsavo east

Introduction and autopsy A report was made by DSWT patrol aeroplane of a mother elephant with a sick calf as well as another lone elephant calf seen lying down near Ashnil Aruba lodge. The Tsavo vet unit visited the areas to ascertain the causes of death. The Aruba calf was found already dead and aged at 2 and Â˝ years with slight scavenger activity on the perineal and trunk. The skin was removed from carcass to expose the whitish subcutis and examine any penetrating wounds but none were found. An autopsy was undertaken with no signs of external injury observed. Tusks were retrieved and taken for safe custody. The cause of death was through natural/drought related. On our way to Satao the team stumbled onto an elephant calf skull with tiny tusks which were removed. Further away in Satao another calf aged at 4 years had collapsed and the mother nearby was examined, cooled down with water whilst the calf was covered with a blanket because he appeared in shock and 20 cc of dexamethasone Hcl administered through the ear vein followed by a bolus of 50% dextrose by slow IV. The breathing and pulse improved. Further administration of antibiotics, Vitamin B12 complex and more IV fluid therapy was instituted. Prognosis The calf stabilized and was moved to Voi stockade for more intensive care where she succumbed two days later.

ELEPHANT AUTOPSY EXAMINATION

Species: Elephant (4) Sex: 2 adult Females and 2 calves Age: Adults and calves Date: 8th September 2017 Place: Kanderi swamp, Tsavo east Introduction and autopsy A report was made of elephant carcasses near Kanderi swamp by tour operators, that were at advanced and midstates of decomposition. The Tsavo vet unit visited the area to ascertain the causes of death. They were lying about 300 metres from each other. The first carcass was moderately decomposed and scavenged. No external injuries were observed, and the cause of death put as drought related. Tusks were removed for safe custody. The second carcass was a calf aged about 2 years and heavily decomposed and scavenged and the skeleton was the only thing remaining. Cause of death also drought related, tusks still intact and removed for safe custody. A third carcass belonging to an old carcass with bones scattered in the area but tusks intact, cause of death unknown. The third was a 2-year-old calf that had died 3-4 days earlier, cause of death is drought related. The cause of deaths was put as natural/drought related in the four cases above. Tsavo East is witnessing increased mortalities due to a long dry spell ravaging the area.

7. Species: Sex: Age: Date: Place:

ELEPHANT COW AUTOPSY EXAMINATION Elephant Female Adult 12th September 2017 Satao, Tsavo east

Introduction A report was made by Satao lodge of an Elephant carcass near the lodge within the Tsavo east National Park. The Tsavo vet unit visited the area to ascertain the cause of death. The carcass was lying on the left flank and still fresh hence must have died that morning. No external injuries were observed. Autopsy was undertaken and no lesions were seen apart from the poor body condition. Prognosis Cause of death was put as starvation/drought effects due to the long dry spell within Tsavos.

8. Species: Sex: Age: Date: Place:

ELEPHANT AUTOPSY EXAMINATION Elephant 1 calf, 1 bull and 1 cow Calf and Adults 13th September 2017 Punda milia, Sala and Satao, Tsavo East

Introduction and autopsy A report was made by KWS rangers of elephant calf that had collapsed near Punda milia, Tsavo east with the mother still nearby. The Tsavo vet unit visited the area to ascertain the cause of problem. On arrival the mother was very defensive, and we had to push her away. Close examination of the calf revealed that it was already dead. Death is drought related. The team travelled to Sala gate next to examine another elephant bull carcass. The carcass was lying on the left flank and at mid-state of decomposition. There was slight scavenger activity on the carcass with the tusks still intact. The skin was removed from carcass to expose the whitish subcutis and examine any penetrating wounds, but none were found. The carcass was rolled over to expose the left flank and autopsy undertaken with no signs of external injury observed. Tusks were retrieved and taken for safe custody. The team left and headed for Satao where a female elephant carcass on sternal recumbency was seen by one of their guests. The mono tusker was examined, and nothing was observed. The lone tusk was removed for safe custody. Prognosis The cause of deaths was through natural cause coupled with the poor nutrition/drought.

9. Species: Sex: Age: Date: Place:

TREATMENT OF A LAME BUFFALO Buffalo Female Adult 14th September 2017 Irima, Tsavo East.

Introduction Buffalo with lameness was reported by DSWT desnaring team near Irima hill within Tsavo East National Park. The team rushed in to find the cow lying down in some bushes with some lions nearby. Immobilization, examination and treatment Etorphine Hcl(0.98%) (M99ÂŽ) (Norvatis South Africa (Pty) Ltd) 7 mgs and 60 mgs of xylazine in a 1.5 ml Dan - inject dart was prepared. Vehicle darting was carried out. Using a Dan injectÂŽ dart rifle (Dan-inject APS, Sellerup Skovvej, Denmark) the Buffalo was darted and was immobilized after 7 minutes. The front hoof was examined, and a penetrating wound was seen. It was cleaned and green clay applied. Tetracycline and Dexamethasone were administered parenterally. Prognosis is guarded. Anaesthesia was reversed using Diprenorphine Hcl at 3 times the etorphine dose mixed with 0.5 cc Atipemazole Hcl administered intravenously.

10. EXAMINATION OF AN ELEPHANT COW Date: 14th September 2017 Species: Loxodanta Africana (African Elephant) Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Dika plains, Tsavo East History Report was received from tour drivers of an injured elephant cow that was recumbent and flat on the ground and suspected to be dead near Dika plains along Satao- Dakota powerline within Tsavo East. The team rushed to the area and found the cow flat on the ground and barely breathing but alive. The body condition was poor. Immobilization, examination and treatment Treatment with antibiotics, colvasone, vitamin B12 complex and Dextrose IV bolus shots were administered but the response was minimal. Attempts to pull her onto her feet also proved unsuccessful. Prognosis With very poor prognosis she was euthanized and the tusks removed for safe custody. The poor condition is drought related.

11. RESCUE OF AN ELEPHANT CALF Animal: African Elephant Species: Loxodanta Africana Sex: Female Age: 3 Years Location: Irima, Tsavo East. Date: 16th September. History, treatment and rescue A report was made by tour drivers of one elephant calf that was lying down near a road at Irima area of Tsavo east. The vet team together with the Voi stockade team rushed to the area to find the young elephant flat on the ground, emaciated and unable to stand up. The calf was covered with a blanket because he appeared in shock and 20 cc of dexamethasone Hcl administered through the ear vein followed by a bolus of 50% dextrose by slow IV. The breathing and pulse improved. Further administration of antibiotics, Vitamin B12 complex and more IV fluid therapy was instituted. The calf stabilized and was transported to Voi stockade with the assistance of the Voi stockade team for more intensive care. After five days struggle of treatment, feeding and care she succumbed to the current effects of drought.

12. RESCUE OF AN ELEPHANT CALF Species: Loxodanta Africana Sex: Male Age: 11/2 months old Location: Sentrim, Tsavo East Date: 17th September History, treatment and rescue A report was made by KWS rangers of one elephant calf that was standing alone under a tree near sentrim along Voi River area of Tsavo East and a pride of lions nearby. The vet team together with the Voi stockade team rushed to the area to find the baby elephant still under a tree. The calf was rescued then covered with a blanket and taken to Voi stockade. As it was very aggressive he was tranquilised using 20 mgs of Azaperone. 20 cc of Dexamethasone Hcl administered through the ear vein followed by Colvasone Vitamin B12 complex and Enrofloxacin both IM. Prognosis The calf is so far doing well at Voi stockade.

13. RESCUE OF AN ELEPHANT CALF Species: Loxodanta Africana Sex: Male Age: 3 Years Location: Kanderi, Tsavo East. Date: 18th September. History, treatment and rescue A report was made by tour drivers of one elephant calf that was lying down and unable to stand up near a road at Kanderi area of Tsavo east. The vet team together with the Voi stockade team rushed to the area. The calf was covered with a blanket because he appeared in shock. Further administration of antibiotics, Vitamin B12 complex and more IV fluid therapy was instituted. The calf stabilized and was transported to Voi stockade with the assistance of the Voi stockade team. Prognosis Even after treatment, feeding and care he succumbed to the current effects of drought that night.

14. RESCUE OF AN ELEPHANT CALF Species: Loxodanta Africana Sex: Female Age: 4 years old Location: Aruba, Tsavo East Date: 23rd September History, treatment and rescue A report was made by tour operators of one Elephant calf that was lying down near Aruba lodge area of Tsavo east. The vet team together with the Voi stockade team rushed to the area to find the Elephant calf flat on the ground. The calf was covered with a blanket because he appeared in shock and 20 cc of dexamethasone Hcl administered through the ear vein followed by a bolus of 50% dextrose by slow IV. The breathing and pulse improved. Further administration of antibiotics, Vitamin B12 complex and more IV fluid therapy was instituted. Prognosis The calf stabilized and transported to Voi stockade where it succumbed a day later due to the effects of the drought.

15. RESCUE OF AN ELEPHANT CALF Location: Dika plains, Tsavo East Date: 25th September History and rescue A report was made by tour drivers of one Elephant calf that was standing alone in vast Dika plains area of Tsavo East. The vet team together with the Voi stockade team rushed to the area to find the baby Elephant alone with no herd nearby. The calf was rescued then covered with a blanket and airlifted by DSWT helicopter to Nairobi.

16. ELEPHANT AUTOPSY EXAMINATION Date: Place:

25th September 2017 Dika plains, Tsavo east

Introduction After the vet team rescued the elephant carcass near the lodge within the Tsavo east National Park. The Tsavo vet unit visited the area to ascertain the cause of death. The carcass was lying on the left flank and at an advanced level of decomposition. Prognosis - Cause of death was put as starvation/drought effects due to the long dry spell within Tsavos.

17. ELEPHANT AUTOPSY EXAMINATION Species: Sex: Age: Date: Place:

Elephant Calf and unknown 5 years 27th September 2017 Rhino area, Tsavo East

Introduction and autopsy While patrolling the park, the vet team ran across a 5-year-old Elephant carcass near Rhino area of Tsavo East. Close examination of the calf revealed that it was already dead and blood oozing from the trunk. Prognosis The cause of death is drought related.

18. ELEPHANT AUTOPSY EXAMINATION Sex: Age: Date: Place:

Calf and unknown Calf and Adult 26th September 2017 Aruba lodge wind mill, Tsavo East

Introduction and autopsy A report was made by tour drivers of an elephant calf that had collapsed near Aruba water wind mill, Tsavo East and another decomposed carcass suspected to belong to a mid-age female also nearby. The Tsavo vet unit visited the area to ascertain the cause of problem. Close examination of the calf revealed that it was already dead. The carcass was pulled away from the road. The team moved next to examine another elephant carcass nearby. The carcass was in advanced state of decomposition but the tusks were still intact. Tusks were retrieved and taken for safe custody. Prognosis The cause of deaths was drought related.

19. ELEPHANT AUTOPSY EXAMINATION Species: Sex: Age: Date: Place:

Elephant Calf and unknown 5 years 27th September 2017 Rhino area, Tsavo East

Other activities undertaken ď&#x201A;ˇ The unit examined several wildlife trophies/parts and produced expert reports to aid in prosecution of the offenders in court and testified in court on the same. ď&#x201A;ˇ

The unit treated horse injured in the head based at Ziwani camp for cattle drives purposes.

MARA MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2017

MARA MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JULY 2017 Introduction With the annual wildebeest migration taking place, the Masai Mara is receiving many tourists to witness the spectacle. Much of the conservation area has been occupied by these herbivores with most elephants moving out of the reserve into community areas and conservancies free of the migrating wildebeests. There have been sporadic showers with adequate water, grazing and browsing for wild animals. Reports from the analysis of samples from the two elephants that died mysteriously in the Nguruman area early April indicated exposure to cyhalothrin which is a synthetic pyrethroid used as pesticide/insecticide and may have contributed to their deaths. The following cases were handled during the period under review;

INJURED ELEPHANT

Date: 9th July 2017 Species: African elephant Age: Young adult Sex: Female Location: Olarro Conservancy History Olarro Conservancy manager called to report an adult female elephant limping on her right rear leg. She was among hundreds of elephant herds that recently moved into the conservancy. General observation This female, about 15 years old was seen in a big herd walking with difficulty. Her body condition appeared good. A decision to immobilise her for further examination was arrived at. Immobilization, examination and treatment Restraint was achieved chemically by use of 13mgs etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely through a 1.5ml daninject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle and the small family from the big herd was isolated and pushed to an open area. It took ten minutes for the drugs to take full effect with the elephant going recumbent. Examination revealed an arrowhead lodged on the caudal aspect of her right heel. This appeared to have been in place for about three days. The barbed arrow was gently worked out and resultant wound debrided with hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with clean water before tincture of iodine being applied. Green clay was then packed and oxytetracycline wound spray applied topically. Additional treatments include parenteral administration of 15000mgs amoxicillin antibiotic and 5000mgs flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory. Reversal Achieved by intravenous administration of 36mgs diprenorphine hydrochloride through a prominent ear vein. She woke up in three minutes to join the rest of the herd. Prognosis This elephant is expected to make full recovery.

RE-TREATMENT OF INJURED LION

Date: 10th July 2017 Species: African lion Sex: Male Age: Young adult Location: Mara North Conservancy History This lion had been treated the previous month for severe injuries after engaging in a territorial fight with other males. He sustained serious wounds which became septic leading to generalized septicaemia. Follow up treatment was needed to improve his chances of recovery. General observation. This lion had moved some distance from where he was treated first. He showed some improvements but with difficulty moving around. He was still limping from injuries sustained on both of his hind legs. Immobilization, Examination and treatment. Immobilization was achieved by use of a combination of 240mgs Ketamine hydrochloride and 6mgs medetomidine delivered through a 3ml daninject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle. It took this lion eight minutes to be fully anaesthetized. He was placed under a shade in a comfortable position before commencement of examination. Examination revealed all the wounds were clean and free of any discharges. Dilute hydrogen peroxide was applied to the wounds to further clean them then rinsed with clean water and wiped dry. Tincture of iodine and cloxacillin ointment were then applied. Green clay was finally packed into the open wounds. Additional treatments given include intramuscular administration of 3000mgs amoxicillin antibiotic and 20mgs dexamethasone sodium anti-inflammatory. Reversal Done one hour after immobilization by use of 20mgs atepamezole hydrochloride given intramuscularly to shoulder muscles. He woke up within ten minutes of reversal. Prognosis. Good. Follow up report indicates he has greatly improved and has joined his brothers. He was recently spotted feeding on a wildebeest kill with the brothers having moved a long distance from where he was last treated.

REMOVAL OF A SNARE FROM A ZEBRA

Date: 11th July 2017 Species: Common zebra Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Olare â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Motorogi conservancy History This zebra in a group of other zebras was seen by the conservancy rangers on their normal patrols. She had a slightly strangulating wire round her neck. They called the veterinary unit for assistance. General observation She was found in an open area with other zebras with a visible shiny plain wire round her neck. She was nervous and the wire snare appeared to irritate her. Immobilization, examination and de-snaring Restraint was achieved chemically by use of a combination of 5mgs etorphine hydrochloride and 50mgs azaperone delivered in a 1.5ml daninject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle. It took five minutes for the drugs to take full effect with the zebra assuming sternal recumbency. The plain wire which appeared to have been in place for approximately one week was removed. No serious wounds were seen but she was treated for abrasions on the neck caused by the wire by topical oxytetracycline spray application. Reversal Achieved by intravenous administration of 18mgs diprenorphine hydrochloride. This was given through the jugular vein. She woke up within two minutes of reversal to join the rest of the zebras grazing. Prognosis Good.

TREATMENT OF AN ELEPHANT AND HER CALF

Date: 12th July 2017 Species: African elephant Age: Adult female and 4-month-old calf Sex: Calf (Male) Location: Mara triangle conservancy History This elephant was seen with a group of eight other elephants assumed to be members of one family by Mara triangle management. She was the matriarch of the family but limping on her left front quarter. They called the veterinary unit for intervention. General observation They were found drinking water from Mara River and when agitated, she moved with limp signifying pain on her left front quarter. Immobilization, examination and treatment Immobilization was achieved by use of 15mgs etorphine hydrochloride delivered through a 1.5ml daninject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle with the drugs taking full effect after eight minutes. She had a young calf who remained behind with her when the other family members moved. The baby was physically withdrawn from underneath the mother when the drugs had taken effect just before going down. No physical injury was seen upon examination, but notable swelling was evident between the shoulder and elbow. Further examination did not provide evidence of fracture and this was tentatively taken as sprain or strain on either or both of the joints. She was continuously massaged for ten minutes, given 5000mgs flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory and 15000mgs amoxicillin antibiotic intramuscularly. While physically restraining the calf, it was discovered he had a big abscess on the dorsal aspect of the base of his tail. This was lanced and effectively drained. Hydrogen peroxide was used to debride before tincture of iodine and cloxacillin ointment being applied. He then received intramuscular injection of 3000mgs amoxicillin antibiotic and 1000mgs flunixin meglumine. Reversal The mother was reversed by intravenous administration of 42mgs diprenorphine hydrochloride given through a prominent ear vein. Towards, recovery of the mother, the calf was released, and she joined their family members standing a few meters away. The mother rose up to link up with the other members of the family and her calf. Prognosis Good for both.

ELEPHANT COW COLLARING

Date: 23rd July 2017 Species: African elephant Age: Adult Sex: Female Location: Mara Triangle Conservancy History After a recent incident in which elephants near an escarpment in Mara Triangle moved to community crop areas resulting to spearing and death of one elephant, KWS, Mara Elephant Project and Mara Triangle management agreed to deploy a collar to one member of the herd for monitoring purposes. The collar is meant to track the movement of the herd and help security in minimizing human elephant conflicts. Immobilization and collar deployment A good candidate, who was second in command was identified for collar deployment. They were found in a small thicket at the base of the escarpment. She was immobilized with 15mgs etorphine hydrochloride delivered through a 1.5ml daninject dart from a vehicle. It took seven minutes for the drugs to take full effect with the elephant assuming left lateral recumbency. The satellite/GSM collar was quickly deployed and its soundness confirmed before the elephant being revived. Health status of the elephant was also checked as the collar was being deployed. She was in perfect condition. Reversal Achieved by intravenous administration of 42mgs diprenorphine hydrochloride through a prominent ear vein. She woke up within three minutes of reversal to join the rest of the herd.

REMOVAL OF A SNARE FROM A ZEBRA

Date: 25th July 2017 Species: Common zebra Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Masai Mara National Reserve (KWS Research Station) History This zebra was among several other zebras who recently came to KWS research station within the Reserve together with the wildebeests. She is thought to be among the migratory group of zebras from Serengeti. She was seen near KWS research station limping by the veterinary team and was immediately immobilized for examination. Immobilization, examination and treatment Immobilization was achieved by use of a combination of 5mgs etorphine hydrochloride and 50mgs azaperone tartarate delivered through a 1.5ml daninject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle. It took four minutes for the drugs to take full effect and she assumed left lateral recumbency. Examination revealed a deeply embedded barbed wire round the fetlock of her right hind leg. The snare could have been in place for a long time possibly a month or more given that it was already buried in tissues. This snare was removed and resultant wound cleaned with hydrogen peroxide, clean water and disinfected with tincture of iodine. Oxytetracycline wound spray was then applied topically. Additional treatments include parenteral administration of 3000mgs amoxicillin antibiotic and 1000mgs flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory. Reversal Achieved by intravenous administration of 18mgs diprenorphine hydrochloride through the jugular vein. She woke up within two minutes of reversal to join the other zebra herds. Prognosis Good.

TREATMENT OF A CHEETAH

Date: 25th July 2017 Species: Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) Sex: Female Age: Young adult Location: Masai Mara National Reserve History This cheetah christened Malkia is the daughter of the famous Malaika who until now is a favourite attraction among visitors in the reserve. She was seen with difficulty walking by the reserve rangers who informed the unit for intervention. This was an acute problem given that she was seen hunting a few days before. General observation Malkia was seen under a small thicket with bright face but difficulty in trying to walk. She could barely stand and any attempt to move forward proved difficult as she swayed with signs of posterior ataxia. This was a bilateral problem as both hind legs were affected. Fortunately, this was not complete paralysis and she could perform vital physiological functions like defaecation and micturition. A decision to immobilise her for further assessment was arrived at. Immobilization, examination and treatment She was chemically restrained by use of a combination of 1.5mgs medetomidine and 130mgs ketamine hydrochloride delivered through a 3ml daninject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle. Induction time was seven minutes and anaesthesia was smooth. Examination revealed no obvious injury along the spine and in any of the hindlegs. This was considered to be a deep routed problem along the spine at the lumbar region leading to impairment of nerve supply to the hind legs. The injury could have resulted in pinching of nerves at this point through oedema (swelling) or haematoma. No fracture was detected on deep palpation. All physiological parameters were within range and infection was considered a remote possibility. Treatment instituted involved administration of 12mgs dexamethasone sodium anti-inflammatory to reduce any swelling, Butosal which is a drug to improve nerve and muscle tonicity was also administered. She also received 1200mgs amoxicillin antibiotic all given intramuscularly. Reversal Achieved by intramuscular administration of 7.5mgs atepamezole hydrochloride one hour after immobilization. She woke up within five minutes and was stable after fifteen minutes. Prognosis Fair. She was seen a day later in a better situation able to stand and walk. However constant monitoring was advised until she fully recovers.

INJURED LION

Date: 27th July 2017 Species: African lion Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Masai Mara National Reserve (Double Cross) History This old male christened Blackie with his brother are known to have established a territory around Double Cross area within the Reserve. They are among the famous and formidable male coalitions within Masai Mara. Blackie, while defending his territory from invading males got serious injuries along his spine and hind legs leaving him recumbent for some hours. The reserve management, having been notified by tourists called the veterinary unit for intervention. General observation Blackie was found near a Lugga and a short distance from his brother who was with some females thought to be members of the same pride. He was lying under a shade with visible injuries. When agitated, he stood and walked with difficulty. Immobilization, examination and treatment Restraint was achieved chemically by use of a combination of 250mgs ketamine and 6mgs medetomidine delivered through a 3ml daninject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle. It took ten minutes for the drugs to take full effect with the lion assuming sternal recumbency. He was taken into a shade, cloxacillin ointment infused into the eyes to prevent desiccation and blindfold put in place. He was made to lie comfortably on his side with examination revealing several bite wounds from other lions, deeper one seen at the lumbar section of his spine. He had bite wounds on both of his hind legs and right shoulder also. These wounds were about 24 hours old and were relatively fresh. All wounds were debrided with hydrogen peroxide and rinsed with clean water. After wiping with sterile gauze, tincture of iodine and cloxacillin ointment were infused. Additional treatments include parenteral administration of 3000mgs amoxicillin antibiotic, 80mgs ivermectin parasiticide and 20mgs dexamethasone sodium anti-inflammatory. Reversal Achieved by intramuscular administration of 15mgs atepamezole hydrochloride one hour after immobilization. He woke up within seven minutes of reversal and moved towards where the other pride members were. Prognosis Good.

MARA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT AUGUST 2017 Introduction The period under review was characterised by low precipitation at the beginning with significant improvement towards the end. Many migratory wildebeests are still seen acting as a big attraction to tourists. Herbivores still have a lot in terms of fodder and browsing material and with the precipitation, there is sufficient water for their use. The following are cases that were handled during the period:

INJURED ELEPHANT

Date: 13th August 2017 Species: African elephant Age: Young adult Sex: Male Location: Olarro Conservancy (Siana) History This elephant was seen with right hind leg problems by the Elephant aware and Olarro conservancy patrol team and called us for assessment and help. General observation. This young bull was located near a small thicket with other elephants browsing with a swelling on the lateral side of his right hind leg. He walked with difficulty although his body condition was still good. A small discharging wound was seen slightly dorsal to the swelling. Immobilization, examination and treatment. Restraint was achieved chemically by use of 13mgs etorphine hydrochloride delivered through a 1.5 dainject dart.Darting was done from a vehicle. It took eight minutes for the drugs to take full effect with the elephant assuming sternal recumbency having moved to a small thicket. Though the posture was not the best, it presented a good position for wound examination and handling and this was done quickly before the elephant being flipped over to his lateral position for the remainder of the treatments. This was a spear wound which had turned septic with pus forming a pouch ventrally. An opening was created at the most ventral position of the swelling for effective pus drainage. Through and through lavage technique was applied when cleaning the wound with copious amount of water being introduced dorsally and drained ventrally. Hydrogen peroxide was used to remove all the debris before tincture of iodine being used to disinfect. Green clay was then packed to absorb toxins and hasten healing process. Other treatments include parenteral administration of 30000mgs amoxicillin antibiotic and 5000mgs flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory. Reversal Done by use of 36mgs diprenorphine hydrochloride through a prominent ear vein. Prognosis Good.

THE NOTCH PRIDE OF LIONS

History Earlier in the month, there were reports that Notch 2 and his brother Caesar were injured at Lookout rea of Masai Mara National Reserve. Notch 2 was said to have a scratch close to his right eye and Caesar was seen limping with fresh injuries on his hindlegs. All these were thought to have been occasioned by territorial conflicts with other males. Caesar was reported seen late on the evening of 8th August 2017 while Notch2 was seen on 7th August 2017. An arrangement to have them be treated the next morning was made as they were seen very late in the evening. However, none of the two lions was spotted for treatment the next day with a search being mounted by all concerned including the County Government Rangers. Continuous search was conducted for the next one week in vain. Notch 2 re-appeared later with the scratch on his eye having completely healed while Caser has not been traced so far.

SPEARED ELEPHANT

Date: 15th August 2017 Species: African elephant Age: Calf (about 3.5 years) Sex: Female Location: Sand River History. This lone calf was seen by Sand River bank with a spear head sticking on her back by a tour guide. He called the veterinary unit for intervention. General observation This calf was by herself browsing on lush forage at the river bank. A spear head was seen stick on the right side slightly off her sacrum. Immobilization, examination and treatment. Immobilization was achieved by use of 3mgs etorphine delivered in a 1.5ml daninject dart with darting being done from a vehicle. He took ten minutes before being fully narcotized assuming left lateral recumbency. Examination revealed a spearhead firmly lodged in her right sacral area missing the spine by inches. The spearhead was retrieved gently to reduce further damages. Her posterior functions including defaecation and micturition were not affected an indication the spine was intact. Her gait was good and she moved with stability. The resultant wound was disinfected with tincture of iodine and cloxacillin ointment infused. Green clay was then packed to absorb toxins and hasten healing. Other treatments instituted include parenteral administration of 7500mgs amoxicillin antibiotic and 1500mgs flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory. He also got a dose of multivitamin injection and cotasal which helps in muscle and nerve regeneration. Reversal Achieved by intravenous administration of 12mgs diprenorphine hydrochloride through an ear vein. She woke up in four minutes and moved to a small thicket. The county security team was tasked to monitor this elephant and report the progress. So far she seems to be doing well.

INJURED LION

Date: 16th August 2017 Species: African lion Age: About 3 years Sex: Male Location: Sand River area History This young lion was seen by tourists lying under a shade in pain. He had three firmly attached porcupine quills on his left shoulder. He got this after trying to kill a porcupine. They called the mobile veterinary team for intervention. General observation This lion was found lying in one position near a small pool and under a shade. He appeared to be in great pain with the quills intact. Immobilization, examination and treatment Restraint was chemically achieved by use of a combination of 4.8mgs medetomidine and 200mgs ketamine hydrochloride delivered through a 3ml daninject dart.Darting was carried out from a vehicle with the drugs taking full effect after ten minutes. Examination revealed recently attached porcupine quills on the left side of his shoulder. They were pulled out and the wounds disinfected with tincture of iodine.Cloxacillin antibiotic ointment was also infused. Additional treatments include parenteral administration of 3000mgs amoxicillin antibiotic and 20mgs Dexamethasone sodium antiinflammatory. Reversal Achieved by use of 15mgs atepamezole hydrochloride given intramuscularly one hour after immobilization. He woke up in ten minutes and sat within the shade. Prognosis Good.

LION COLLARING

Date: 16th August 2017 Species: African lion Sex: Male Age: Sub adult Location: Mara Triangle History In order to understand dynamics of lion population in Mara Ecosystem, KWS together with Mara Lion project, Mara National Reserve, Mara Triangle Conservancy with surrounding conservancies have partnered to collar a few sub adult male lions. This research oriented activity helps to explain where these male lions go to after they leave their prides. It also tries to explain the percentage that make to maturity and take over pride dominancy. Few males end up being dominant and the rest disappear, no one knows what happens to them. Capture and collar deployment This sub adult male in good body condition was found in Mara Triangle having moved from Mara North with his brother. Immobilization was achieved by use of a combination of 4.8mgs medetomidine and 200mgs ketamine hydrochloride. This was delivered via daninject dart and darting from a vehicle. It took ten minutes for the drugs to take full effect and after confirming that he was stable, an appropriate satellite/GSM collar was deployed. Morphometric measurements and biological samples were also taken for research purposes. Reversal Done one hour after immobilization by intramuscular administration of 15mgs atepamezole hydrochloride.He woke up in ten minutes and relaxed under a shade.

ZEBRA WITH A SNARE

Date: 16th August 2017 Species: Common zebra Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Mara Triangle History This zebra was seen by the veterinary team together with the Mara triangle rangers soon after collaring the lion. He had a snare round his neck. Immobilization and snare removal Restraint was achieved by use of a combination of 5mgs etorphine hydrochloride and 50mgs azaperone delivered through a 1.5mgs daninject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle. It took five minutes for the drugs to take full effect. The snare was reasonably tight with no severe injuries inflicted though. This was a braided cable wire which was cut loose and removed. Abrasion wounds were topically treated with oxytetracycline wound spray. Reversal Done by use of 18mgs diprenorphine hydrochloride given intravenously through the jugular vein. She woke up within two minutes of reversal to join other zebras. Prognosis Good.

SPEARED BUFFALO

Date: 20th August 2017 Species: Cape buffalo Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Masai Mara National Reserve (Hammerkop area) History This mature bull, forming a small bachelor herd at Hammerkop area within Mara Reserve was seen with a spear sticking from his left abdomen by a tour guide. He called the veterinary unit and county security team for intervention. General observation This bull was found in distress and secluded away from the other bufalloes. A spear could be seen sticking from his left abdomen. Immobilization, examination and treatment Immobilization was achieved chemically by use of a combination of 7mgs etorphine hydrochloride and 60mgs azaperone delivered through a 1.5ml daninject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle. It took eight minutes for the drugs to take full effect with the bull assuming sternal recumbency. After applying blindfold, the spear was retrieved carefully to avoid creating more tissue damage. A third of the spear had been lodged at the rumen with some Ingesta seeping from the wound. The wound was cleaned and all Ingesta around the opening wiped out. Given this was a severely contaminated area, no suturing was preferred but left to heal by secondary intention just like most trocalized ruminants. Tincture of iodine and oxytetracycline spray was then applied to the wound. Other treatments administered include 6000mgs amoxicillin antibiotic and 1000mgs flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory all given intramuscularly. Reversal Achieved by intravenous administration of 18mgs diprenorphine through jugular vein. He woke up in three minutes and moved into a small thicket. Prognosis Fair. He was spotted two days later much relieved and grazing.

SICK LIONESS

Date: 22nd August 2017 Species: African lion Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Naboisho Conservancy History This lioness with three young cubs which was with her niece who also has two cubs was reported sick on this date by the Conservancy rangers and Mara Lion Project teams. She had a swollen head and they requested the mobile veterinary services for intervention. General observation This lioness was seen aside from her cubs who were staying with her niece. She had a severely swollen face and kept lying down in a small thicket most of the time. She appeared dyspnoeic and her breathing sounds were audible from a distance as she struggled to breathe. This suggested that her airways were compressed by the swelling. The swelling was bilateral and its cause could not easily be determined. This was an acute problem. Among the differentials considered were snake bite to the head with cytotoxic venom, acute allergic reaction or wasp sting. After considering all options and out of precaution, immobilization was ruled out as this would further complicate breathing and could easily lead to death. The team decided to administer anti-inflammatories remotely through darting by use of 3ml daninject darts. Two darts containing 6mgs dexamethasone sodium anti-inflammatories were prepared and delivered in turns from a vehicle. The needles were plain and the darts dropped off as soon as the drugs were delivered. Mara Lion Project team and the Conservancy security personnel were tasked to monitor and report the progress of the lioness. She improved over the next 24 hours and was reported to have re-united with her cubs. The swelling had drastically subsided and she was seen feeding on a zebra kill with her cubs together with her niece. Prognosis. Good.

INJURED ELEPHANT

Date: 23rd August 2017 Species: African elephant Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Musiara area (Masai Mara National Reserve) History This elephant, collared and christened Courtney was seen limping on her left forelimb by Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s camp management team. They called the mobile veterinary team for intervention. General observation Using emitted signals from the collar, the elephant was tracked to a thicket by Mara River at Musiara. She had a three-year-old calf. A small swelling was seen on her left shoulder without any open wound or discharge. Immobilization, examination and treatment. Immobilization was achieved by use of 15mgs etorphine hydrochloride delivered through a 1.5ml daninject dart.Darting was done from a vehicle. This elephant did not move far but gave in to narcotic effects at the same spot after eight minutes. She assumed right lateral recumbency. The calf was pushed aside by the team and kept at a distance as his mother was being attended to.An old wound was seen on the left side of her withers which was healing but no foreign body detected. Examination of the swelling on the left shoulder showed that it was a wound which had since closed. Scanning with a metal detector showed there could have been a metallic foreign object buried inside. The swelling was opened and probed and after a lot of search, an arrowhead was retrieved and this was thought to be the cause of her limping. All the wounds were debrided with hydrogen peroxide and disinfected with tincture of iodine. Green clay was then packed. Other treatments include parenteral administration of 30000mgs amoxicillin antibiotic and 5000mgs flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory. Reversal Achieved by intravenous administration of 42mgs diprenorphine hydrochloride delivered through a prominent ear vein.She woke up three minutes after reversal and she was successfully herded to join her calf. Prognosis Good.

10. DEAD ELEPHANT COW Date: 24th August 2017 Species: African elephant Sex: Female Age: Adult (over 50yrs old) Location: Bila Shaka area of Mara National Reserve History. This elephant was seen dead on an open plain the morning of this date by the county government security patrol team. Her tusks were intact with no injuries seen. General examination:  He was found lying on her right side  No injury was evident but his body condition had deteriorated.  No active injury seen externally but old healed scars on her left flank and spine seen.  Hyperkeratosis of her skin was notable.  Nothing abnormal for her age seen externally.  On opening the carcass, the following findings were noted;   

There was extensive muscle cachexia associated with age. Several chondromas seen at the costochondral junctions. Both upper and lower molars were completely worn out.

Conclusion Considering the age of this elephant, all these findings point to expected geriatric associated complications and this elephant died of old age. The tusks were retrieved and taken by the county security team for custody and accounting.

11. INJURED LION Date: 24th August 2017 Species: African lion Sex: Male Age: 3 years Location: Mara Triangle Conservancy History. This young male was seen by Mara triangle rangers alone and limping on his left hind leg. They requested the services of the veterinary unit for intervention. General observation. He was found near a Lugga and was very aggressive on approach. His left hind leg appeared wasted to some degree though he could still use it. Immobilization, examination and treatment. Restraint was achieved chemically by use of a combination of 4.8mgs medetomidine and 200mgs ketamine delivered remotely through a 3ml daninject dart. Darting was carried out from a vehicle. It took seven minutes for the drugs to take full effect with the lion assuming sternal recumbency. After confirming that he was stable, examination was conducted. He had a fresh bite wound on her back, sacral region of the spine. His left hind leg had no fresh injury but had poor musculature attributed to dystrophy of disuse. No fracture was detected. Closer examination revealed that this was a lion treated couple of months back at Talek area for a serious spear wound on his left hindleg.The injury had damaged the knee joint with the joint capsuled being torn and synovial fluid partly escaping. His condition then was bad as he could not use the leg completely. The joint was closed with sutures and the wound margins apposed. He healed completely but with a limp. The fresh wound was cleaned, disinfected with tincture of iodine and oxytetracycline spray applied.More treatments involved parenteral administration of 3000mgs amoxicillin antibiotic, 16mgs dexamethasone sodium anti-inflammatory and cotasal which helps in muscle and nerve regeneration. Reversal Done one hour after immobilization with slow intravenous administration of 19mgs of yohimbine through saphenous vein. He rose up and was stable within four minutes Prognosis Good

12. INJURED LION Date: 24th August 2017 Species: African lion Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Look out area of Mara Reserve History This old male was seen limping on his left forelimb by the county security patrol team. They called the veterinary team for intervention. General observation He was found lying a short distance from his brother who was with another female. He had a fresh cut on his front left limb. Immobilization, examination and treatment Restraint was achieved chemically by use of a combination of 200mgs ketamine and 6mgs medetomidine delivered in a 3ml daninject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle. It took four minutes for the drugs to take full effect and was examined after eight minutes. He had a fresh sharp-edged wound on his left foreleg which appeared inflicted by a spear. A small wound was also seen externally below his jaw. The bigger and deeper wound on his leg was stitched after being cleaned and disinfected. Cloxacillin ointment was then infused. The small wound below the jaw was disinfected with tincture of iodine and infused with cloxacillin ointment. He also received 3000mgs amoxicillin antibiotic parenterally. Reversal Done one hour after immobilization by use of 19mgs yohimbine given intravenously through the saphenous vein. He woke up to join his brother in four minutes. Prognosis Good.

13. INJURED LIONESS Date: 29th August 2017 Species: African lion Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Balloon crossing (Talek) History This lion was seen limping while walking by the Masai Mara National Reserve rangers. She with her other three sisters were nursing twelve young cubs. They called the mobile veterinary unit for assessment. General observation This mother was found with her sisters and cubs having fed on a wildebeest kill. She appeared to favour her right front limb while walking. Her body condition was good though. Immobilization, examination and treatment Restraint was achieved chemically by use of a combination of 4mgs medetomidine hydrochloride and 200mgs ketamine delivered in a 3ml daninject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle. It took seven minutes for the drugs to take full effect and a blindfold was put in place before examination. Examination revealed no visible injury, but likely sprain to the right shoulder sustained while hunting. She was given 10mgs dexamethasone sodium anti-inflammatory and 3000mgs amoxicillin anti-biotic all intramuscularly. Reversal Done by administration of 19mgs yohimbine slow intravenously through the jugular vein. She rose up in four minutes to join the rest of the pride. Prognosis. Good.

MARA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT SEPTEMBER 2017 Introduction The ecosystem remained dry for the better part of the month with forage withering and slowly getting depleted. Advance wildebeest teams have crossed from Serengeti to Mara for their annual migration. Few cases were

MARA MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT SEPTEMBER 2017 Introduction The month was characterised by increased precipitation with adequate forage for browsing and grazing species to utilise. Water is also adequately available for all animals to use. Most elephants are in the conservancies and community areas while the migratory wildebeests occupy most parts of the reserve. Human-wildlife conflict cases are still being recorded with an elephant being treated for a spear injury and arrowheads being retrieved from an elephant and a zebra foal. The following were cases handled during the month;

TREATMENT OF AN ELEPHANT BULL

Date: 6th September 2017 Species: African elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Olarro conservancy (Ngeneji area) History This elephant was seen with a large herd browsing within the conservancy. It was reported that this big herd had recently come to the conservancy. The conservancy management noticed he was walking with a limp and called the veterinary unit for intervention. General observation This bull was seen browsing with a big herd within the conservancy. He was in good body condition though with a small swelling on the inner side of his left thigh. Immobilization, examination and treatment He was chemically restrained by use of 15mgs etorphine hydrochloride delivered through a 1.5ml daninject dart from a vehicle. Induction time was eight minutes and he went down on his left lateral. Examination revealed a swelling on the inner side of his left thigh with a partially healed wound. The wound was opened and further probe revealed a metallic foreign object lodged. This was an arrowhead that had been in place for approximately two weeks. The arrowhead was gently removed and the resultant wound debrided with hydrogen peroxide. It was rinsed with clean water and disinfected with tincture of iodine. Green clay was then packed. Additional treatments include parenteral administration of 30000mgs amoxicillin antibiotics and 5000mgs flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory. Reversal Achieved by intravenous administration of 36mgs diprenorphine hydrochloride through a prominent ear vein. He woke up to join the rest of the herd in four minutes. Prognosis Good.

INJURED ZEBRA FOAL

Date: 7th September 2017 Species: Common zebra Age: Foal Sex: Female Location: Olalaimutiak History This zebra foal was seen with an arrow lodged on her right rump by warden in charge of Olalaimutiak sector within Masai Mara National Reserve. He sought our services to intervene. Immobilization, examination and treatment Immobilization was achieved by use of combination of 2mgs etorphine hydrochloride and 20mgs azaperone delivered through a 1.5ml daninject dart.Darting was done from a vehicle. It took four minutes for the drugs to take full effect. An arrow lodged on his right rump was retrieved. The resultant wound was thoroughly cleaned to remove dead tissues and disinfected with tincture of iodine. She also received intramuscular injection of 750mgs amoxicillin antibiotic and 500mgs flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory. Reversal Achieved by intravenous injection of 6mgs diprenorphine hydrochloride through the jugular vein. She woke up in two minutes to join her mother. Prognosis. Good.

SPEARED ELEPHANT

Date: 7th September 2017 Species: African elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Naboisho conservancy History This big tusker was reported injured by Naboisho conservancy management. The veterinary team responded by visiting for assessment and intervention. General observation This bull appeared agitated with a relatively fresh open wound on the lateral side of his front right limb. Immobilization, examination and treatment Restraint was achieved by use of 17mgs etorphine hydrochloride delivered in a 3ml daninject dart from a vehicle. It took ten minutes for this elephant to be fully narcotized. He assumed left lateral recumbency at the edge of a bush. Examination revealed a fresh spear wound on the lateral side of his right front leg likely caused by a spear. Probing of the wound yielded no foreign body but muscles around this area were partially split. The wound was debrided and rinsed with clean water. Tincture of iodine was used as a disinfectant before green clay being packed to absorb toxins and hasten healing. Other treatments include parenteral administration of 30000mgs amoxicillin antibiotic and 5000mgs flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory. Reversal Achieved by intravenous administration of 42mgs diprenorphine hydrochloride. He rose up after four minutes and retreated into the bush. Prognosis Good.

INJURED ELEPHANT

Date: 10th September 2017 Species: African elephant Sex: Female Age: Adult (About 50 years old) Location: Olpopongi (Siana area) History This tuskless matriarch was seen in a bad condition by the Elephant Aware and Olarro conservancy team who called the mobile veterinary unit for intervention. General observation This old female with her three calves was seen in poor condition with an old discharging wound on her left flank. Immobilization, examination and treatment Restraint was achieved chemically by use of 13mgs etorphine hydrochloride, this being approximately Âž of dose for an adult female owing to her condition. However, she could not be fully narcotized with this dose as she stood still partially anaesthetized. Additional 3mgs etorphine was given remotely through darting. It took another two minutes for the drugs to take full effect and she assumed right lateral recumbency. Examination revealed an old septic wound most likely caused by an arrow. Probing revealed no foreign body as the arrow could have since fallen. The wound was cleaned and debrided with the help of hydrogen peroxide. It was disinfected with tincture of iodine before green clay being packed to absorb toxins and hasten healing. This old female in addition received intramuscular injection of 30000mgs amoxicillin antibiotic and 5000mgs flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory. All along her calves were patiently waiting nearby. Reversal; Done by intravenous administration of 42mgs diprenorphine hydrochloride through a prominent ear vein. With the use of ropes, she was helped to rise up and join her calves. Prognosis Fair. Close monitoring is being carried out on her and so far, indications show she is improving.

SNARED BUFFALO BULL

Date: 11th September 2017 Species: Cape buffalo Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Mara Triangle Conservancy History This old bull was seen with a plain shiny wire snare by the Mara Triangle Patrol rangers. The snare was loosely attached to his rare left leg. He was with two other lone bulls. His body condition appeared pathetic due to old age. Immobilization He was restrained chemically by use of a combination of 6mgs etorphine and 50mgs azaperone tartarate delivered through a 1.5ml daninject dart from a vehicle. He was recumbent in eight minutes assuming sternal recumbency. This buffalo was stabilized before the snare being released. As soon as the snare was removed, he regurgitated and aspirated the regurgitates chocking himself. All attempts to resuscitate him were fruitless. A quick post-mortem was then carried out with the following findings; All incisors were completely worn out to the base. The molars were also worn out with several of them loosely attached. The muscle cover was poor with the muscles themselves showing signs of age related cachexia. Liver was more fibrotic tending towards cirrhosis. There was evidence of fluke infestation. Lungs had Ingesta aspirates and this could have caused asphyxia. Conclusion This old bull died of asphyxia, having aspirated gastrointestinal regurgitates. The cachexic state of his body condition associated with age meant gastrointestinal sphincter muscles were weak allowing ease of gastric refluxes and this was made worse by anaesthesia.

EAR TAGGING OF BLACK RHINO

Date: 12th September 2017 Species: Black Rhino Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Mara Triangle History This female, about seven years old is known to move out of the conservation area occasionally straying far and wide to community areas with risk of being poached. The recent straying having occurred weeks before this exercise where she spent several weeks outside Mara triangle before eventually coming back. For ease of monitoring, Mara Triangle Management, Mara Elephant Project and KWS teams decided to deploy a solar powered GSM/Satellite tag on the ear of this rhino. Capture and tagging Restraint was achieved chemically by use of a combination of 4.5mgs etorphine hydrochloride and 70mgs azaperone delivered through a 1.5ml daninject dart. Darting was done from a helicopter. It took about ten minutes for the drugs to take full effect with the rhino assuming sternal recumbency. She received 5mgs butorphanol to stabilise her before the tag being placed. The tracking tag was placed on an appropriate location on her left ear and the soundness of the device tested before the rhino being revived. Reversal This rhino was reversed by use of 18mgs diprenorphine given intravenously through a prominent ear vein. Another 75mgs of naltrexone was administered intramuscularly as a backup. She got up within three minutes of reversal and moved away. It is reported the signal is still working and so far she has not left the protected area.

TREATMENT OF A BUFFALO

Date: 12th September 2017 Species: Cape buffalo Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Olare Motorogi Conservancy (Porini Camps) History This bull among other three lone bulls were seen with a plastic pipe round his left hind leg by the Olare Motorogi patrol rangers. They called the veterinary unit for intervention. General observation This buffalo was seen by the edge of a small thicket with his mates with a plastic pipe round his left hind leg. He stood up but moved with pain. Immobilization, examination and treatment Immobilization was achieved by use of combination of 7mgs etorphine hydrochloride and 50mgs azaperone delivered through a 1.5mls daninject dart from a vehicle. He was recumbent after eight minutes assuming sternal position. The plastic piping had injured lower portion of his left hind leg with fresh wounds created by the edges of the pipe. It was assumed he stepped on this waste pipe. This pipe was cut loose and released with the resultant wound being cleaned and disinfected with tincture of iodine. Oxytetracycline spray was then applied before amoxicillin antibiotic and flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory being administered parenterally. Reversal Achieved by administration of 18mgs diprenorphine intravenously through a prominent ear vein. He woke up within three minutes to join the rest of the bulls. Prognosis This buffalo is expected to make a full recovery.

ELEPHANT CALF RESCUE

Date: 15th September 2017 Species: African elephant Sex: Male Age: 2 years Location: Mara Triangle History This baby had been seen wandering alone for some days by the Mara triangle security team. It was hoped he could find his family and eventually his mother. However, as days passed by, no family of elephants accepted him and a decision to rescue him was arrived at. Capture and rescue He was found wandering alone in the plains. He was darted by use of 50mgs azaperone to calm him before being restrained manually with ropes and loaded to a vehicle to Serena airstrip. His body condition was satisfactory and was taken by plane to the DSWT elephant orphanage in Nairobi for care.

INJURED LIONESS

Date: 20th September 2017 Species: African lion Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Olare-Motorogi conservancy History This lioness was spotted with injuries on her flanks by Olare-Motorogi patrol rangers. They called the veterinary unit for intervention. General observation This lioness was found under a shade with wounds on both of her flanks. She had difficulty rising. Immobilization, examination and treatment She was restrained chemically by use of a combination of 4.8mgs medetomidine and 230mgs ketamine delivered through a 3ml daninject dart from a vehicle. She got fully anaesthetized after ten minutes whereupon a blindfold and eye ointment was put in place. Examination revealed a big wound splitting some flank muscles on her right flank and bite wounds on her left flank towards her back. All the wounds appeared fresh with the right one thought to have been caused by a buffalo gore. A number of hyenas were seen trailing this lioness and may have tried to attack her after the buffalo injury causing the multiple bites on her left backside. The right flank wound was cleaned, and absorbable sutures used to repair the torn muscles. Skin was shaved, disinfected, trimmed and apposed with vicryl suture. The other bite wounds were disinfected with tincture of iodine with deeper wounds being stitched. Green clay was applied to all the wounds to hasten healing before the lioness being reversed. Reversal Done one and half hours after immobilization by intramuscular administration of 15mgs atepamezole hydrochloride. She woke up after ten minutes and was stable within fifteen minutes. Prognosis. Good.

10. ELEPHANT CALF RESCUE Date: 23rd September 2017 Species: African elephant Age: 2 weeks Sex: Male Location: Mara North History This baby elephant was found in the morning having been trapped by a tree stump along the banks of the Mara River. He seemed to have fallen from the edge of the river bank and luckily got trapped before submerging into the water. He was rescued by the Serian camp team exhausted and hungry. An attempt to look for his family and mother was fruitless as those nearby were all males and none of the few females seen could accept him as all of them had their babies. Way forward When it became evident that tracing the mother was impossible whilst at the same time, the baby was getting weary by the hour, the option of taking him for care at Nairobi elephant orphanage was arrived at. Another day without the mother and milk would have meant increased chances of losing this baby. In the best interest of this lonely calf, the decision to rescue him and take him to the nursery was the only good option.

11. LION TREATMENT Date: 25th September 2017 Species: African lion Sex: Male Age: Young adult Location: Masai Mara National Reserve (Lookout area) History This young adult was seen with bite injuries by management of Matira camps. They called the veterinary unit for intervention. General observation This lion was found lying close to a Lugga in good body condition. He had an injury on his right hind leg with part of his tail missing and with fresh injury. All the injuries appeared to have been inflicted by other lions possibly from territorial conflicts. Immobilization, examination and treatment Restraint was achieved chemically by use of a combination of 4.8mgs medetomidine and 250mgs ketamine delivered through a 3ml daninject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle. This lion was fully anaesthetized after ten minutes upon where a blindfold and eye ointment were put in place. All the wounds were debrided with the help of hydrogen peroxide and disinfected with tincture of iodine. Oxytetracycline spray was then applied topically. Other treatments include parenteral administration of 3000mgs amoxicillin antibiotic and 80mgs ivermectin parasiticidal. The tail wound is expected to heal by granulation though it will take some time. Reversal Achieved by intravenous administration of yohimbine one hour after immobilization. He woke up in four minutes and was stable after eight minutes. Prognosis Good.

MERU MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2017

MERU MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JULY 2017 Introduction This report describes the activities of the DSWT/KWS Meru Veterinary Unit operating in northern Kenya in July 2017. Through July 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 14, the unit collaborated with KWS rangers, veterinarians, scientists and pilots to ear notch 37 black rhino in Solio ranch. This activity was funded by WWF Kenya and implemented by the KWS. In Ol Pejeta conservancy, we attended to a black rhino which showed severe lameness and in Mount Kenya game ranch a mountain bongo which suffered an avulsion injury on its thigh needed surgical treatment.

RHINO EAR NOTCHING IN SOLIO RANCH

History On July 6 – 14, 2017 the Meru veterinary unit participated in ear notching and microchip insertion in black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) in Solio ranch. Thirty-seven (37) rhinos were ear notched consisting 21 females and 16 males and a record for individual identification of each black rhino ear notched were developed for monitoring. Ear notching enables individual identification of rhinos for monitoring in the wild. The Conservation and Management Strategy for Black Rhino in Kenya (2012 – 2017) aims at 60% identifiable independent animals in each population by all trained observers. Black rhinos (Diceros bicornis) selected for ear notching were individuals more than three years old that had not been ear notched described as clean animals. This selection criterion was used to minimize risk associated with post immobilization separation of calves which are dependent on their mother for nutrition and nurture. Animals were darted from a helicopter with a Dan-inject rifle (Dan-inject APS, Sellerup Skowej, Denmark) using 2ml or 3ml Dan-inject darts. Etorphine Hcl (0.98%) (M99®)(Norvatis South Africa (Pty) Ltd and Azaperone Tartrate (10%) (Kyron Laboratories (Pty) Ltd)South Africa, combination was used to induce and maintain anaesthesia of candidate rhinos. Anesthesia in black rhinoceros was reversed using Diprenorphine Hcl given by intravenous rou

LAMENESS IN A BLACK RHINO

Date: 08/07/17 Species: Black rhino Sex: Female Age: 4.7 years Location: Ol Pejeta conservancy History On 05/07/17 a sub-adult black rhino in Ol Pejeta conservancy was reported to have shown severe progressive swelling and lameness on its left front leg over the past one month. The Meru veterinary unit visited the conservancy on 06/07/17 to examine this rhino. However, it disappeared into the thickets and we did not find it. On 08/07/17, when it was found its body condition had deteriorated. Sadly by the time we arrived we found it had drowned in river when it attempted to cross. Post mortem examination showed a fracture of the metacarpal bones and bone infection. Images currently unavailable

WOUND TREATMENT ON A BONGO

Date: 18/7/17 Name: Riziki Species: Bongo Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Mount Kenya Game Ranch History Riziki is reported to have sustained soft tissue injury on its left thigh when it jumped over a gate at the Mount Kenya Game ranch at night on 16/07/17. The gate has sharp spikes which punctured its left thigh. It was immobilized for examination and treatment on 18/07/17 Chemical immobilization and findings Etorphine 6mg and Azaperone 50mg in a 1.5cc dart with 2.0 Ă&#x2014; 40mm needle Darted at 1323 hr into the right thigh muscle, down time 1329hr. Positioned on right lateral recumbence for treatment. Eye covered with blind fold. The bongo was calm, alert, in good body condition and grazing. It Showed weight shifting lameness. There was avulsion injury on the left medial thigh approximately 30cm long with loose skin hanging ventrally not necrotized. Muscle tissue was affected and dust and debris present on the wounds Management The wounds were cleaned with warm water and Epsom salt and skin edges debrided. Muscle tissue was sutured with Polyglactin number 2 continuous pattern and bleeding vessel ligated. The skin was sutured with Nylon number 2 simple interrupted. Amoxicillin trihydrate 4500mg, Dexamethasone 20mg and Multivitamin 20ml were injected by intramuscular route. Topical antibiotic spray and Opticlox to the dead space and green clay applied. Reversal drug: Naltrexone 120mg IV jugular vein at 1408hr. It was fully reversed one minute later. Conclusion and recommendation Prognosis: Fair, wound infection can complicate recovery On standing position, wound dehiscence observed on the sutures due to skin tension. Follow up treatment recommended 25/07/17. Replace the gate, remove spikes on all gates to prevent risk of injury

MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT AUGUST 2017 Introduction This report describes the activities of the DSWT/KWS Meru veterinary unit operating in northern Kenya in August 2017. The unitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff was on leave and resumed duty on 16/08/17. Weather conditions in most parts of northern Kenya remained dry. An increasing number of pastoral communities and livestock have also moved conservation areas in search of water and pasture. In Meru National Park the unit responded to a report of a giraffe which had difficult birth and in Samburu national reserve a grevy zebra foal was treated for wounds. In Ol Pejeta Conservancy a post mortem examination was carried out on a black rhino calf. We acknowledge the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust which funds the unit to provide veterinary services for wildlife in northern Kenya.

DYSTOCIA IN A GIRAFFE

Date: 17/08/17 Species: Reticulated giraffe Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Meru National Park History On 17/08/17, visitors on game drive in Meru National Park reported that a female reticulated giraffe had a dead fetus hanging on its birth canal. It was reported to be in poor body condition and recumbent. They requested for veterinary intervention to remove the dead fetus. However, the giraffe died before it was attended. A post mortem examination showed that the fetus was on anterior presentation and dorsal flexion of the neck causing an obstruction in the birth canal. The dead fetus was putrefied and enlarged due to proliferation of gas forming bacteria. The immediate cause of death was toxemia.

WOUND TREATMENT IN A GREVYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ZEBRA FOAL

Date: 21/08/17 Species: Grevy zebra Sex: Male Age: 3 - 6 months Location: Samburu National Reserve History Field officers from the Grevy Zebra Trust requested for treatment of wounds in a foal at Samburu National Reserve. The wounds were caused during an attack by a predator. The foal was in poor body condition, depressed and isolated from the rest of the herd. It was darted for examination and treatment on 21/08/17. Chemical immobilization and examination Immobilization was done using Etorphine hydrochloride 1 mg and Azaperoze tartate 30 mg combined in one intramuscular dart at 1540hrs. There were large septic wounds on the lateral aspect of the left thigh, over the left shoulder and under the elbow which discharged copious amount of pus resulting in matting of hair especially on the left flank. Puncture wounds were observed on the left elbow suggestive of bite marks and lacerations on the dorsal aspect of the flank caused by claws. Treatment and prognosis The wounds were cleaned with water, debrided using dilute hydrogen peroxide and an antiseptic, povidone iodine applied. Opticlox was infused into the dead space in the wounds. Systemic treatment using Amoxicillin trihydrate 1500mg I.M, Dexamethasone 20mg I.M and 10ml multivitamin I.M. was given. Anesthesia was reversed at 1600hrs using Naltrexone hydrochloride 30mg intravenously at the jugular. One minute later the foal ran off to join the rest of the herd. We are hopeful that the wounds will heal after this treatment.

POST MORTEM EXAMINATION OF A BLACK RHINO CALF

Date: 25/08/17 Species: Black rhino Sex: Male Age: Neonate Location: Ol Pejeta conservancy History A new born black rhino was found dead in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. A post mortem examination showed lacerations on its back, a large wound in the abdomen opening in the abdominal cavity and internal organs were missing. This suggested an attack by hyenas.

MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT SEPTEMBER 2017 Introduction This report describes activities of the DSWT/KWS Meru Veterinary Unit operating in northern Kenya in September 2017. During the month dry weather conditions continued effected wildlife in northern Kenya due to scarcity of pasture and water. On 5th September we carried out a health assessment of mountain bongo at Mt. Kenya game ranch and later drove to Nyahururu to attend to an elephant which was reported to have shown severe lameness. However, we were unable to track the elephant due to dense forest and rough terrain. On 16th September we fitted a satellite collar on a female elephant in Meru park which will aid in monitoring, and later drove to Mpala ranch where we removed a snare on a Grevy zebra. On the 17th we attended to an elephant in Songa, Marsabit which showed severe lameness and on 22/09/17 we treated an elephant in Shaba National Reserve for lameness.

BONGO HEALTH ASSESSMENT

Date: 05/09/17 Species: Mountain Bongo History The ranch management reported that a sick bongo had died from suspected tick-borne disease. The bongo had shown a febrile disease, loss of body condition and inappetence. Post mortem showed pulmonary edema and froth in the trachea which is consistent with theileriosis. Samples had been sent to the laboratory for confirmation of diagnosis. On 05/09/17 we visited the ranch to conduct a herd health assessment. The veterinarian also advised on tick control practices to prevent diseases. 2.

DE-SNARING A GREVYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ZEBRA

Date: 16/09/17 Species: Grevy Zebra Sex: Male Age: Sub â&#x20AC;&#x201C; adult (less than 1 year) History The security team at Mpala conservancy reported a grevy zebra which had suffered severe lameness on its hind leg caused by a tight wire snare. The Meru veterinary unit immobilized this endangered zebra species to remove the snare and treat wounds caused by snare. Chemical immobilization and physical examination Immobilization was achieved using a combination of Etorphine hydrochloride 2mg and Azaperone tartate 40 mg delivered using a 1.5cc dan-inject dart. Examination showed traumatic wounds caused by a wire snare dorsal to the fetlock joint of the right hind leg. The wire had cut through the soft tissue causing chronic inflammation and sepsis. Treatment and prognosis The snare was cut using a wire cutter and carefully removed. Septic wounds were debrided using hydrogen peroxide, washed and topical povidone iodine applied. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs were also given. For reversal of sedation, Naltrexone hydrochloride was injected intravenously and the zebra ran off 45 seconds later. Because of injury to tendons and suspected joint infection, prognosis for this case was considered guarded.

LION COLLARING

Date: 16/09/17 Species: Lion Sex: Female History On 16/09/17 a satellite collar was fitted on a lion in Meru national park. This activity was carried out as part of the KWS lion monitoring program in the park. This collar will provide baseline information on home ranges, daily movement patterns of this lion and its pride and interactions with other groups. To fit the collars the lion was anaesthetized using a combination of Ketamine hydrochloride and Medetomidine hydrochloride delivered in a 3cc dan-inject dart. Induction time was 8 minutes. Vital physiological parameters were monitored during the procedure including body temperature and respiration rate to ensure they were within normal range. Morphometric measurements were also measured and recorded. Ninety minutes after the initial dart 0.5% atipamezole was injected by intramuscular route to reverse sedative effect of medetomidine while ketamine was allowed time to wear off naturally. 4.

LAMENESS IN AN ELEPHANT IN SONGA

Date: 17/09/17 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Location: Songa, Marsabit History KWS senior warden in charge of Marsabit national park reported that an injured elephant which showed severe lameness on its right forelimb. This lone sub adult male elephant had moved out of the park into community land. Chemical immobilization and physical examination This elephant was tracked on foot to a wooded bush land on the eastern edge of Marsabit national park. Darting was done on foot using Etorphine hydrochloride delivered in a Daninject dart. Down time was seven (7) minutes. Examination showed a swollen right forelimb at the elbow joint and manipulation of the leg showed joint instability. Treatment and prognosis Palliative treatment was given. Anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics were injected. To reverse effects of opioid anesthesia, Naltrexone hydrochloride was injected intravenously through the ear vein. Two minutes later the elephant was in standing position and limped away into the forest.

LAMENESS IN AN ELEPHANT IN SHABA NATIONAL RESERVE

Date: 22/09/17 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: 7 years Location: Shaba national reserve History Field researchers from Save the Elephants reported that a young male elephant showed lameness and a swollen right hind leg. They requested for an assessment to determine the cause of lameness and treatment. Chemical immobilization and physical examination We found this lone elephant near the banks of Ewaso Nyiro river; it was calm, alert and browsing on acacia trees. It was in good body condition. The right hind leg was swollen at the hock joint and wounds were observed on the lateral aspect of the swelling. It avoided bearing weight on the affected leg. At 1609 hr the elephant was darted using Etorphine hydrochloride 3mg and went down on lateral recumbency at 1616hr. The swollen area around the hock was firm in consistency with superficial wounds on the lateral aspect on probing with forceps and which produced no discharge on aspiration. Diagnosis was a fracture of the tarsal bones which had healed with callous tissue formation and bone malunion. Treatment and prognosis The superficial wounds were debrided, cleaned and disinfected using povidone iodine. Antibiotic and antiinflammatory drugs were injected by intramuscular route. Anesthesia at 1634hr by intravenous injection of Naltrexone hydrochloride and the elephant was in standing position at 1637hr. Although the leg will remain deformed, the injuries have healed and the elephant does not seem to be in pain.

AMBOSELI MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JULY, AUGUST & SEPTEMBER 2017

AMBOSELI MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JULY 2017 Introduction The month under review was characterized by dusty, windy and cold cloudy days, substituted with still, cold dark nights. The surrounding community conservancies have hardly any vegetation to support domestic animals and wildlife. This has caused an influx of wild animals into Amboseli National Park swamps where they can browse, quench their thirst and wallow. During the month, several cases were attended to including elephant spear injuries with the worst case being euthanized. A condition of retained afterbirth was encountered on one female elephant while the rest of the cases involved domestic cats and baboons within the Park.

ELEPHANT TREATMENT REVIEW

Date: 1/07/2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Amboseli National Park History This elephant was initially treated for a spear wound on 28/5/2017. She was given a guarded prognosis because of the poor body condition she was in. The wound yielded copious amount of pus. She was to be monitored for two weeks and review her case. On 14/6/2017 she was spotted again resting with the wound discharging pus. She appeared to have improved and gained muscle mass. She was scheduled for a retreatment after ten days. She was not seen then only to resurface on 1/7/2017. What followed were efforts to affect a successful retreatment exercise as indicated below. The elephant was again sighted and reported to the Vet Unit by Cynthia of Amboseli Elephant Trust on 1/7/2017. ATE noted that the elephant was browsing well. Her condition had shown tremendous improvement. Though still depicting pus discharge from the spear wound. Efforts to force her out of marshy/swampy terrain were not successful hence no intervention was viable. Concerted efforts were mounted by the Elephant Trust and Vet Unit geared to spotting her and possibility of offering a successful intervention. UPDATE 1 She was again sighted and reported to Vet Unit by ATE on 12/7/2017 browsing at the edge of road near Amboseli Lodge. After waiting over an hour to get a good position to dart her, and trying to push her out of a swampy area, she went into the swamp. It was observed that she was in good condition browsing and walking energetically though a streak of pus was visible at the spear wound. She was left hoping that another feasible opportunity would present itself. ATE confirmed that her family members were within the Park and it was optimistic that she would join her family members once she was energetic enough

UPDATE 2

History/Update on above case The Vet Unit while on its' normal patrol within the park spotted the candidate on 14/7/2017 within a swampy area browsing and wading through the marsh. She could not get out so still no meaningful intervention was practical. It was noted that her muscle cover had begun to be noticeable and thus she was given favorable prognosis. It appeared that she was comfortable within that niche with plenty of browse and water. Monitoring still continues.

ELEPHANT TREATMENT

Date: 14/07/2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Female Location: Oltukai, Amboseli National Park History The elephant was observed depicting abnormal behavior lying down and getting up frequently. Upon close observation it was established to have raw red tissues emanating from its vulva opening. This was observed by KWS Corporal on patrol who immediately reported to residential Mobile Vet at Park Headquarters. Pre-darting Observation ATE research unit was informed of the elephant and they identified her positively as Galana and that the pregnancy was barely a year. This dawned that the female would be undergoing miscarriage. The raw red tissues now were hanging close to the ground impending smooth ambulation. The tissues appeared like fetal membranes and it was not easy to establish whether the fetus was out or not yet hence need to dart. She was forced out of the swamp edge to dry plain area where safe darting would be done by use of vehicle. Immobilization and Examination Darting was quickly done using 12mgs Etorphine and 1000 I.U Hyaluronidase. She was kept away from getting back to swampy area by use of vehicle. The raw red tissues were fetal membranes and had begun to necrotize thus foul smell could be picked. It was presumed that she had aborted about thirty-six hours ago and what was being observed was retained afterbirths. Treatment and Reversal Twenty pessaries of 5g Sulphadimidine were pushed into birth canal as far deep as the hand would reach. She was injected with 30000 mgs Amoxicillin into four different muscle sites equally followed with 100mgs Dexamethasone into ear vein. The distal perineal area was cleaned using plenty of water and later sprayed with one can of Tetracycline wound spray to repel the flies from mounting on previously discharge soaked areas. She was injected with 50ml Catosal as metabolic stimulant. Reversal was done and after two minutes she got up energetically. She explored the area and got the membranes on the ground. She picked them using trunk after smelling them and threw them away. Prognosis Good because traction was successful with no accompanying bleeding. She got up energetically thus she will lead healthy life but guarded procreativity since it was not easy to rule out infectious causes of abortion.

ELEPHANT TREATMENT

Date: 15/07/2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Amboseli National Park History The Mobile Vet Unit while on patrol within Amboseli Park came across a lone male elephant drinking when a creamy pussy discharge was observed at the right knee fold. It appeared to have been speared though ambulation was normal. Body score was at figure four taking figure five as the best muscle cover. An intervention to treat the injury ensued immediately. Examination and Treatment It was darted on its way out of the drinking hole. The discharge was tenacious creamy pus from a sub-dermal pouch about twenty centimeters deep. It was probed using long forceps to determine its depth and find out if it had foreign body. No foreign body was recovered from it. The pouch was drained by fist pressing followed by thorough cleaning using Hydrogen Peroxide and rinsed with Tincture of Iodine. Wet green clay was packed into the pouch to the brim and Tetracycline wound spray was generously sprayed topically to repel flies. Reversal It was reversed with 40mgs Naltrexone into superficial ear vein. It got up with one kick after three minutes post reversal administration. It walked away sluggishly. Prognosis Good because the injury was sub-dermal and was effectively drained and cleaned.

ELEPHANT RETREATMENT

Date: 19/07/2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Female Location: Amboseli National Park History It was during usual park patrol by the Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit that it came across the elusive elephant which was under surveillance since 28th May 2017 when it was first treated of spear wound and indicated for a review since the injury had caused guarded prognosis. She had been spotted severally thereafter as indicated above on 14/6/2017, 1/7/2017, 12/7/2017 and 14/7/2017 all of which posed risk of darting to effect retreatment because of the swampy terrain she was in. She had gained muscle cover substantially and a whitish spot at the spear wound was eminent indicating pus discharge from the wound. Immobilization She was immobilized but the dart was poorly placed into what appeared to be right ischium joint resulting to standing immobilization after fifteen minutes. This could not allow any intervention and thus a second dart of the same amount of drug was placed on the right thigh resulting to dog sitting posture in five minutes. She was pushed to the right lateral recumbence manually. Examination and Treatment The spear wound was probed to examine the depth and open the wound to encourage maximal drainage and thorough cleaning. It was noted to have regressed remarkably only yielding about ten centiliters of creamy tenacious pus. It depth was estimated to be about fifteen centimeters rostrally from point of discharge and sub-dermally The cavity was thoroughly lavaged using Hydrogen Peroxide and rinsed with Tincture of Iodine. Swaps were inserted severally in the process by use of forceps in order to get rid of any pus. It was infiltrated with 4500mgs of Amoxicillin followed by wet green clay packing to reduce dead space and encourage tissue regeneration. It was covered systemically with 30000mgs Tetracycline and 40ml Cyanocobalamin into different muscle sites. Dart wounds were infiltrated with 5gms of Cloxacilin antibiotic cream and another tube used to keep eyes moist and protected. Prognosis This was certainly revised to be good because the injury has regressed significantly and she was regaining weight thus getting out of danger. Though monitoring will continue she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need any further retreatment.

ELEPHANT TREATMENT

Date: 22/07/2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Location: Marba; Amboseli Ecosystem History The Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit was notified of a sick elephant in Marba by SW Amboseli National Park following a call from Big Life Foundation. It was reported to have a pus discharging wound located at mid abdomen on the right side. The vet Unit immediately responded to effect necessary intervention. Observation and Immobilization Foot approach was used first to ascertain the injury and health of the candidate to facilitate intervention planning. It was observed that the animal appeared to be wounded as reported, huge, emaciated at the level of two taking five to be the best and zero as the poorest. It was extremely old bearing huge tusks. Darting was quickly achieved. Two vehicles were used to maintain him within sparsely thicketed terrain while the bullâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friend separated himself and walked off. Examination and treatment Examination on the right side revealed three wounds. Two penetrating wounds appeared to be as a result of spear; one being at the mid abdominal area about fifteen centimeters deep while the second one at right thigh posteriorly about thirty-five centimeters deep. The third one was on the mid right forelimb twenty centimeters in diameter with dry interior and pus-filled edges. It was discovered that this open wound had been treated as spear wound through sky vet initiative on 5/5/2017 at Satao. It was unfortunate that the elephant sustained three spear wounds between the 5/5/2017 and 22/7/2017 indicating that it had been identified as a poaching target because of its heavy tusks. The injuries had caused severe loss of condition hence the anticipated lassitude.Photos were taken and sent to Amboseli Elephant Trust to help in identification. It was confirmed that the candidate was not in their register. It was thought to have come from probably Tsavos, Chyulus or from neighboring country Reversal Having anticipated the need for assistance in getting the elephant up after narcosis, a strap was put on the right tusk and anchored onto the vehicle to pull as the animal attempted lifting itself up. Despite several attempts to use two landcruisers to aid lifting the bull up, it appeared that it was too weak to get its head up. This was attributed to the fact that the animal was in very poor health and that the tusks were very heavy. Prognosis Considering the suffering of the elephant and the security threat posed by the huge tusks which were the reason why he had been speared mercilessly, he was put down humanely and the ivory secured. The weights of the tusks were 51kgs and 52 kgs.

ELEPHANT TREATMENT

Date: 23/07/2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Osewan; Amboseli Ecosystem History The elephant was reported on 22/7/2017 by Big Life Foundation Osewan Base as having bloody diarrhea for the last three days. Pre-darting Observation Big Life Personnel were met and led the way to where the animal was. It was spotted under the shade resting and as we attempted to dart it picked up our scent and charged at us aggressively sending us helter-skelter in thick bush. After considering the initial copious bloody diarrhea reported and the current defecation it was resolved that the it was still strong after aggressiveness exhibited in the charge. Conclusion It was noted that the diarrhea cause was way beyond gastric gut because the blood and mucus in the dung appeared to be flank meaning they had not been digested. The exercise was curtailed and the candidate placed under monitoring for the next three to seven days after which if same bloody diarrhea is noted, an intervention would be fixed to treat it. Discussion There were several dimensions to the case. One being non-infectious causes like probable poisoning incidence because the candidate was thought to have raided crop fields bordering the community conservancy. Another could be from self-purgation (deworming) and associated stress but blood expression was of more concern. Also possibilities of bad or inappropriate food. Infectious causes could be intestinal infections such as colibacillosis, pseudomonas, clostridia and salmonellosis mostly in reared elephants not forgetting other forms of intestinal inflammations like colitis. Others are diseases of high alert such as anthrax. A keen surveillance was recommended both for the candidate movements and to establish the possible location of poisoning and mitigate accordingly through reach out programs and mount Problematic Animal Control Measures. Another could be Prognosis This was considered to be guarded considering the impending dangers of diarrhea especially dehydration and accompanying complications. Nevertheless, high alert is ongoing.

WILDEBEEST TREATMENT

Date: 25/07/2017 Species: Wildebeest Sex: Male Age: Calf Location: Amboseli National Park History The calf had been treated on 30/6/2017 of abscess on right hind thigh. A review was scheduled to be done after two weeks but it was on the above date that it was sighted at the location as per GPS coordinates given. Review Observation It was found within a herd of more than twenty wildebeest. It was observed that it was able to keep up with the pace of the group. Its abscess was noted as little swelling with no discharge. In comparison with the age matesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sizes it appeared to be small and also its gait was a little bit abnormal depicting little flexion of right femoral joint in walking gait. Prognosis This was revised from guarded to favorable and it seemed to be out of initially feared predation danger. Monitoring will continue and the unit will intervene if need be.

ELEPHANT REVIEW

Date: 28/07/2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Osewan; Amboseli Ecosystem History The elephant was first reported on 23/7/2017 (case # 8 above). It was again reported to Mobile Vet Unit by Amboseli National Park Community Warden as being recumbent on 28/7/2017. The Vet Unit set out to find out the cause of recumbence. Observation The elephant was found on right lateral recumbence with signs of struggle meaning it had been recumbent for some time. It was confirmed that it was the same candidate with diarrhea and obvious was the foul smell emanating from its rectal area. Treatment /Intervention The primary aim of intervention was to eliminate the cause of disease with the major part of treatment being supportive and symptomatic, aimed at relieving pain, correcting fluid abnormalities and allowing healing to occur. Reversal After a few minutes, it tried to lift its head up and several attempts to assist it using vehicle to light up proved futile. A decision was reached to put it down to avoid more suffering and secure the tusks from opportunistic poachers. This was done humanely and a postmortem was conducted immediately. Postmortem Important findings were; -Animal was dehydrated as shown by sunken eyes and inelastic skin with pale mucus membranes -There were hardly any pleural and peritoneal fluids internally. -Lungs had adhered strongly to the pleural lining/rib cage internally and depicted prominent interstitial partitions. -The whole gut contained little fluid of suspended plant matter and appeared paler. The glandular stomach downward was heavily infested with worms -Omentum blood vessels were highly congested thus prominent and intestinal lymph nodes were enlarged. -Spleen was enlarged as shown by absence of sharp edges, hard on consistency, its capsule thickened and with highly demarcations of red and white pulps. No blood was expressed on cut squeezed surface. On its left parietal surface to the peritoneum there were distinct points of strong attachments to the peritoneum with some outgrowths on the unattached capsule surface. When these encapsulated outgrowths were cut open they depicted intestinal contents. -Intestines were explored and of importance were reddening the thickening of colons near the distal end of spleen. Conclusion It is the generalized septicemia which caused the debility of the candidate hence the recumbence. The blood in the stool was bleeding from the perforated and ulcerated colon hence the witnessed bloody diarrhea. Trophies were retrieved and handed over to Park armory for safe custody and onward transmission.

ELEPHANT TREATMENT

Date: 28/07/2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Buchuma; Tsavo East National Park History While covering briefly for the Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit, The Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit received a call from DSWT Kaluku about an injured elephant at Buchuma. On arrival, the unit noticed a lodged arrow head at the right hind metatarsal area laterally causing swelling, bleeding, pain and lameness. It was also observed to have a discharging wound on the mid left abdomen side seemingly to have been caused by a penetrant like an arrow. The leg injury was aged as being barely four to seven days old and the other wound as being over three weeks old. It was calm and we withdrew to prepare the dart. Examination and Treatment Thorough examination was done to confirm earlier observation and any other concurrent sighting. The only injury on the left side was the abdominal one. It was probed with long forceps for any foreign body and to determine depth. No foreign body was recovered. The wound was cleaned with Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine followed by infiltration generally with wet green clay. Meanwhile candidate was injected with systemic broad-spectrum antibiotics consisting of 15000mgs Amoxicillin into muscles, 100mgs Dexamethasone as anti-inflammatory and 100ml Vitamin B-Complex as metabolic stimulant into different muscle sites. A flip was organized by placing a strap between the front legs and the hind legs anchoring the two ends onto the vehicle which pulled the animal to the left recumbence. The arrow head was slowly retrieved using hand and forceps manipulation. Reversal We watched from far as it got up energetically and run away without paying any interest to what had happened. Prognosis It is guarded unless the arrow head was not laced with poison. By sustaining two injuries to what seemed to be within one month it appears to be a poaching target and keen surveillance was recommended.

10. POPULATION CONTROL OF CATS AND BABOONS History It was noted that the Amboseli National Park Headquarter has been experiencing a high population of domestic cats and olive baboons of late. Fighting and aggressive males have also been observed within Amboseli Oltukai Lodge. Cats are believed to have originated from Maasai homesteads bordering the park and eventually breeding at a high rate hence the population. The baboon troop has large males who threaten children and women within the rangersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; camp. Some have attacked women and children at compost pits when they go to dispose refuge. The population growth needs to be controlled without necessarily impacting negatively on lives of the subjects. The Mobile Vet Unit has taken up the task of population control through spaying the female cats and vasectomy of entire males of both cats and baboons. In addition, one or two male candidates of each subject will be neutered and then monitored to observe behavior change regarding aggressiveness, dominance and weight gain. All candidates operated will be marked appropriately by ear notching to allow post-operative monitoring. Trial ovariohysterectomy in selected female baboons will be attempted and monitor the healing process and success. A further trial of tubal ligation will also be attempted and results recorded.

AMBOSELI MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT AUGUST 2017 Introduction The month of August has been characterized by the exodus of wild animals particularly elephants from the swamps to wander in conservancies where they can get variable trees and shrubs to browse on. Thus, their numbers in the park is dwindling day by day. Other medium and small grazers have been seen to concentrate within the wet and swampy areas for what appears to be their delicacy at this particular hard time. Climate has been extremely dry with alternate hot and cold moments surmounted by frequent strong dusty winds. The park seems to be the quenching point for domestic animals as the ecosystem boils in strong sun and dry cold winds. During the month human-wildlife conflict signs were noticeable. This varied from spear injuries to predation. Other cases included the capture and translocation of an orphan in Tsavo East and also a snake which had caused panic and fear among the herders at Satao Elerai. Following are veterinary activities attended to during the month;

INJURED LION

Date: 02/08/2017 Species: Lion Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Tsavo East National Park History The Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit was informed of an injured lion at Gutuni Lodge by DSWT chopper pilot Mr. Payne on 1/8/2017. The injury was attributed by being tossed by a buffalo following an unsuccessful hunting mission. It was late in the afternoon thus an arrangement was made for the vet to be picked by DSWT fixed wing on Sky Vet Initiative early on 2/8/2017 from Amboseli Park Headquarters Airstrip. This mission was also planned to accommodate another case of an injured male elephant which had been spotted earlier on previous day at Satao Lodge. Immobilization It was darted using 375mgs Ketamine mixed with 4mgs Medetomidine. It was fully immobilized in six minutes. It was approached carefully and pinched on the right hind toes to establish how deep the sedation was. It was good enough to allow manipulation during examination. Examination Clearly visible were numerous skin puncture wounds of varying sizes with a seemingly extensive open wound on left hind limb at genu joint posteriorly. Other wounds were situated on gluteal muscles and all were discharging foul smelly straw discharges. Diagnosis and discussion The lion had been injured severely during the hunting mission by buffalo horn which completely disintegrated the joint components. This further increased the vulnerability of the lion to the territorial fights because of the incapacitation. Prognosis and Conclusion Due to poor prognosis, a decision to put it down was made in order to alleviate further suffering considering the nature of injuries sustained. It was humanely put down and handed over to Tsavo East National Park administration to harness the trophies and onward transmission.

ELEPHANT TREATMENT

Date: 02/08/2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Tsavo East National Park History This was the second case after the lion case above. It was attended through Sky Vet Initiative. The elephant was found accompanied by three other males and was resting under tree shade near dry river bed. Immobilization Immobilization was attained by use of three centiliter dart which contained 18mgs Etorphine topped up with water for injection. It was approached using vehicle. The left ear was used to cover the left eye from direct sun light and the distal end of trunk was kept open by use of a piece of stick put across the nares. Examination The discharging wound on the mid left abdominal area had a canal leading rostrodorsal about fifteen centimeters deep and a dead space of about half a litre filled with tenacious gray pus. This was established after probing using long forceps to establish whether there was any foreign body. This was a clear arrow wound and was more than two weeks old. It was just under the skin thus little damage to underneath abdominal muscles Treatment The pouch was drained by pressing followed by thorough cleaning using Hydrogen Peroxide and rinsed with Tincture of Iodine. Cloxacillin 5mgs antibiotic cream was infiltrated into the canal followed by generous packing of green wet clay into the pouch to encourage tissue regeneration. It was covered systemically with 15000mgs Amoxicillin into gluteal muscles. Dart wound was infiltrated with 5gms of Cloxacilin antibiotic cream to cater for any sepsis and right eye to prevent damage. Prognosis This was projected as good because the injury was sub-dermal and was effectively drained and cleaned.

ELEPHANT TREATMENT

Date: 03/08/2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Kimana Sanctuary History The Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit was notified of an injured elephant by the sanctuary rangers who encountered it while on normal patrol. It was reported as having a bloody discharge from the injury on the left side of left hind limb. We quickly set out on a mission to intervene. Immobilization It was found in company of several bulls among whom was Tim. It was darted using 15mgs Etorphine and 1000 I.U Hyaluronidase. After eight minutes it fell down on right recumbence but quickly got up and remained static resisting to lie down by spreading its limbs apart to increase stability. On the tenth minute three milligrams of Etorphine were injected into thigh muscle by hand. It assumed sternal recumbences after two minutes. It was pushed to right lateral recumbence by use of rope passing on the left head side and being pulled by eight men.. Examination The injury appeared to have been caused by spear on the left ischium area. The discharge was both mixture of flank blood and gray thick pus. It depicted an old wound but with fresh irritation thus bloody discharge. This was probed for foreign body and depth. No foreign body was discovered and depth was about thirteen centimeters deep near the bony prominence. Treatment Both wounds were thoroughly drained by pressing out the pus, followed by plenty of Hydrogen Peroxide and Tincture of Iodine. Each was infiltrated with 3000mgs Amoxicillin followed by liberal packing of green clay to enhance healing. Antibiosis was achieved by use of 24000mgs Amoxicillin into different muscle sites, 100mgs Dexamethasone slowly into ear vein and 50ml of Cyanocobalamin as metabolic stimulant. Prognosis This was placed as fair and will be revised after review which will be between tenth and fifteenth day if sighted.

ELEPHANT CAPTURE

Date: 05/08/2017 Sex: Male Age: Juvenile Location: Tsavo East National Park History and plan A call was received on 3/08/2017 concerning three elephant orphans which had strayed far off from Ithumba stockade about two months earlier. This was as a result of the older orphan having led the others away failing to return from the usual days browse. The orphans were monitored as from 3rd to 5th when an opportunity for capture of the weakest looking of the orphans was possible. Everything from equipment and personnel was assembled from Kaluku to an open savannah so as to embark on the exercise. The aim was to capture the orphan using sedatives, load it into suitable carrier vehicle and translocate it back to Ithumba. Immobilization It was darted using 5mgs Etorphine and 1000 I.U Hyaluronidase after forcing them near to the road by chopper where the ground team was. It was down on left recumbence in five minutes and the older counterpart kept guard by the side. The darted orphan was secured ready for loading into the waiting open land cruiser pick-up. Meanwhile the vet was dropped by chopper at an appropriate location where he was picked up by a vehicle and taken to the loading site to coordinate the exercise. Loading and Journey Vital parameters were being monitored every ten minutes to ensure the orphan was well. It was loaded into the land cruiser. The vet in company with rangers and keepers kept a keen watch and monitoring during the more than two hours long and dusty journey. The orphan was placed on left lateral recumbence in a stockade and the limbs were unsecured ready to reverse the narcosis. It was up strongly in one minute and staggered in attempt to orient itself. Keepers armed with milk replacer called out its name and immediately rewarded it with a bottle of replacer which it drunk quickly. It went for pellets grabbing them by its trunk and putting them into mouth chewing as it inspected the boma. Attendants and other keepers were instructed to move back and left two to avoid unnecessary stress. It calmed down and water was dowsed on its body. It had to be monitored closely over night and on the following morning it was visited and found to have settled into the boma completely. The oldest orphan was monitored to ascertain whether capture was necessary. But it was expected to acclimatize and be accommodated well by wild counterparts as it already had more experience in the wild before its rescue. The third orphan returned to the stockade approximately 2 weeks later in good condition. Prognosis Good because it had settled well with no accompanying complication.

PYTHON CAPTURE

Date: 15/08/2017 Species: Rock Python Sex: Female Age: Juvenile Location: Satao Elerai Community Conservancy History Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit was informed of an engorged python within the conservancy by Amboseli National Park Camp Sargent. It was alluded that the herders who are Maasai wanted to kill it alleging that it had swallowed one of their young shoat. Immediately we set out to rescue the reptile. Immobilization and Capture The reptile was found under shelter of a thorny shrub where it had taken refuge following the eminent threat. The residents had hauled pieces of dry sticks/woods and stones onto it in attempt to revenge. The thicket was severed using a machete in order to expose it to initiate capture. This exposed the tail and after drugging it out of the thicket, head was immobilized using a ‘Y’ stick just behind its’ mandible. Hand was used to grab its neck and the other hand used to lift its’ tail. It was secured in a nylon sac safely for transport and release away from people habited area. Release The serpent was released in Tsavo West National Park on 17/08/2017 while on another mission involving an injured Maasai giraffe calf. The sac was untied and the serpent let off the sac. Several samples were taken including whole blood and buccal swabs for future use. It was approximated to be about fifteen kilograms.

INJURED GIRAFFE

Date: 17/08/2017 Species: Maasai Giraffe Sex: Female Age: Calf Location: Tsavo West National Park History The report of an injured young giraffe at Finch Hatton Lodge in Tsavo West National Park was on the evening of 16/08/2017 Immobilization The giraffe had been spotted the previous evening being unable to walk even after being lifted from the ground and had wounds on the head. It was found lying down on a rocky area with its breathing shallow and rapid. It was not strong enough to put up any defense on examination. Examination It was observed that it was barely a week old. The left ossicle was missing and on itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; location leaving dry cranial frontal bone. The left ear was mutilated and heavily infested with maggots. The head was held tilted to the left side. Attempt to lift it up to stand on its own was positive but it kept on circling to the left side. Prognosis and Conclusion It was concluded as having a poor prognosis. This was informed by the obvious injury to the brain as depicted by circling. It was observed that the injuries on cranium could have been precipitated by a blow on the head having fallen over considering the rocky terrain. This blow is thought to have caused incapacitation hence the calf could not recover giving hyenas a chance to chew off the ossicles and mutilate the ear. The ear was invaded by traumatic Myiasis. To alleviate further pain the calf was euthanized and post mortem done. Postmortem Findings It was established that the traumatic myiasis had not reached the inner ear and that the brain had no cerebral spinal fluid and a blood clot was recovered instead. It had two punctures on the cortex corresponding to the two externally observed fenestrae. The brain had necrotized massively under the cortex on areas adjacent to the blood clot and underneath up to brain stem. Prognosis was irreversible brain damage

SEARCH FOR INJURED ELEPHANT

Date: 19/08/2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Chyulu Hills National Park History The report of a speared elephant was made to the Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit in the evening of 18/08/2017 by DSWT Chopper pilot. The vet was required on the following day to travel to Kiboko so that a timely intervention could be effected once the elephant was spotted. The search parties were Big Life Foundation Rangers from Sultan area where the elephant was suspected to have been speared, the Kibwezi DSWT De-snaring Unit and DSWT fixed wing from Kaluku DSWT Airfield. On the morning of 19th two groups of families were spotted by help of the fixed wing and a verification done by ground team on foot because of rough unmotorable terrain all in vain. The exercise was rescheduled for the following day. The vet remained on standby. On the following day the 20/08/2017 the vet was informed by Big Life Foundation that a similar injured elephant had been spotted around Oldonyo Wuas Lodge but quickly went into thick bushes. By 22/08/2017 the said elephant had not resurfaced and the Vet Unit remains on high alert if by any chance positive the elephant emerges.

INJURED LION

Date: 20/08/2017 Species: Lion Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Amboseli National Park History While the vet Unit was away on 19/08/2017 following up on a speared elephant at Kiboko, it was notified by Amboseli Community Warden of an injured lion at Amboseli National Park. The search was mounted by the vet unit together with a patrol team in Amboseli. All possible locations were explored and searched extensively. It had been reported as showing territorial fight injuries. This could have been the case because during the search several mating couples were spotted and verified. All lions sighted on that particular day were all healthy enjoying breeding. Several tour drivers confirmed having spotted it the previous day but none confessed as having seen it on search day. The Vet Unit will remain on high alert just in case the report is made so that an intervention can be done.

SPEARED BUFFALO

Date: 21/08/2017 Species: Buffalo Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Amboseli National Park History A report concerning a buffalo with a spear dangling from its left abdominal side was made to Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit by the Warden of Tourism while on park patrol. An intervention ensued immediately. Immobilization It was darted using 10mgs Etorphine and 180mgs Azaperone after waiting for it to be out of the swampy area. It was approached from behind and ascertained that it was fully immobilized when the blind fold was placed on its head. Examination and treatment There was extensive sub cutis emphysema extending from the abdominal area all the way to neck base including the upper fore limbs. The spear had entered into the mid abdominal area on the left side about forty centimeters deep. The wound was quickly cleaned with Hydrogen Peroxide and Tincture of Iodine. 5gms Of Cloxacillin ointment was infiltrated followed by generous parking of green clay into the resultant tunnel. It was covered systemically with 15000mgs Amoxicillin and 40mgs Dexamethasone into different muscle sites. Reversal It was quickly reversed with 80mgs Naltrexone into jugular vein and attempted to get up after three minutes. An effort to urge it up was in vain. After a deep inhalation stretching its neck and head up only to cease breathing totally. Postmortem This ensued immediately. It was established that the spear penetrated into the rumen on the left side. Possibly the killer was aiming for the heart but missed. As the animal ambulated the spear kept puncturing more as depicted by three other holes on the dorsal part of the rumen.

10. ELEPHANT TREATMENT Date: 25/08/2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Female Age: Juvenile Location: Amboseli National Park History On normal patrol duties within the park, the Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit bumped into an elephant family of seven members. We quickly noticed a discharge from one of the juvenileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s backs near the tail base. At close range we realized it was a spear wound about three days old. This called for an immediate intervention. We pulled away to pave way for dart preparation and prevent them from getting into the nearby swamp. Immobilization A dart was prepared composing of 5mgs Etorphine and 1000I.U Hyaluronidase topped up with water for injection. The counterparts didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t react to the distraction and the candidate went down easily after five minutes. All others were scared away from the fallen candidate by use of vehicle Examination The spear injury was sub-dermal but about fifteen centimeters deep rostrolaterally to the right from the spine. Another cut on the distal tail was noted depicting that the spear caught the tail on the spine probably during action. No foreign object was recovered from the wound probe. Treatment Both injuries were cleaned thoroughly after probing with Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine. This was followed with generous parking of wet green clay and sprayed with Tetracycline wound spray to repel the flies. Systemically the juvenile was covered with 7500mgs Tetracycline and 40mgs of Dexamethasone followed with 50ml of Cyanocobalamin as metabolic stimulant. Prognosis Good because the wound was treated while fresh with limited sepsis.

AMBOSELI MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT SEPTEMBER 2017 Introduction September has been a hard month for wild and domestic animals. This has been due to the prevailing dry hot and dusty weather. Savannahs have been left with no grass and the hilly areas have no undergrowth. Water pans and temporary rivers have run dry. This has led to increased competition as both domestic and wild animals try to survive from the little resources available. As this happens some are unable to cope and die due to poor health, starvation and/or old age. This as a result has contributed greatly to deaths witnessed during the month. Despite the drought it was encouraging to see there was hardly any human related injury to wildlife. This demonstrates the peaceful coexistence between humans and wild. We hope the same will continue in months ahead as we pray for rains to come soon than later.

CHEETAH CAPTURE

Date: 02/09/2017 Species: Cheetah Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Tsavo East National Park History A report concerning a stray adult cheetah was made to Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit by Community Warden Tsavo East National Park. The cheetah had invaded a goat boma at Ikanga just next to Mombasa Nairobi Highway killing two but only predating on one. At the site we joined the Problematic Animal Control Team (PAC) from Tsavo East National Park Immobilization It was found resting near drums’ shade within what appeared to be a contractor’s site. It darted using 150mgs ketamine mixed with 1mg Medetomidine topped up with 500 I.U Hyaluronidase in 3cc dart. It was approached using vehicle to avoid disturbance as the witnessing crowd was controlled PAC team. Dart was placed successfully on right thigh muscles effecting narcosis in five minutes. It was quickly retrieved from the drum area and carried manually by two men to a waiting trap loaded on a pickup so that it could be ferried to a suitable release site. Off-loading, Treatment and Reversal The release site was at Lugard identified for its’ habitation being adorned with suitable prey and water. The carrier vehicle was reversed near a green shrub preferred for its’ shade. The candidate was offloaded and placed under the shade. It was examined for any injury and found to have a penetrating wound at the right fore pawl medially. It had pus discharge. It was cleaned using Hydrogen Peroxide and Tincture of Iodine and then infiltrated with 5gms of Cloxacillin Ointment followed with Tetracycline wound spray topically. The body score was at level 2 taking 5 as well muscled and 1 as poor muscled. The belly was full since it had predated on the goat. The area was cleared ready for revival. It was reversed using 7.5mgs Atipamezole into neck muscle in one syringe and in another syringe 30mgs Doxapram administered into scapular muscles to quicken recovery. We watched from a distance and the head was up in four minutes with full recovery at tenth minute. It got up and hid itself in the nearby thickets. Prognosis Assumed to be fair if it acclimatizes well to the new habitat.

LION TREATMENT

Date: 13/09/2017 Species: Lion Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Amboseli National Park History A report concerning an injured lion around ‘Western’ area was received from Amboseli Research Technician who had been informed by Tortilis Tourist Camp guide. Immobilization It was sedated using 375mgs Ketamine mixed with 4mgs Medetomidine in 3 centiliters dart. Remaining empty portion of the dart was filled with water for injection to make dart heavy for steady flight. It was approached using vehicle and this time rangers were instructed to be ready with guns just in case of any attack. Examination A blind fold was placed on the eyes. It was observed that before darting it was exhibiting panting due to high ambient temperature. It was fully engorged as depicted by swollen stomach indicating a good meal in less than twelve hours earlier. Examination revealed swollen pus discharging left elbow joint occasioned by what appeared to be multiple bite marks. This was assumed to have been caused by other lion(s) through territorial fights as their mating season culminates. This injury caused hopping lameness on the said limb as confirmed by the guide who spotted it. No any other injury was observed. Treatment The swelling was palpated for crepitation and to ascertain presence of pus pockets. Little pus could be expressed on pressing and there was no crepitation. Hydrogen peroxide was introduced using 20cc syringe into one of the most proximal bite injury. 10 grams of Cloxacillin antibiotic cream was infiltrated to all bite wounds followed by liberal Tetracycline wound spray topically. Systemically it was injected with 15ml Inflaron and 20ml Dexamethasone as broad spectrum antibiotic cover and anti-inflammatory at different muscle sites. 8mgs Ivermectin was subcutaneously administered to cater for parasitism. Dart wound was infiltrated with 5gms of Cloxacilin antibiotic cream to cater for any sepsis and eyes to prevent damage. Prognosis This was rated as favorable because despite the injury which seemed to be more than a week old he was fully engorged indicating that it was in away getting much needed nourishment hence ‘stress free’ recuperation period.

ZEBRA DEATHS

Date: 13/09/2017 Species: Four Zebras Sex: One Male & Three Females Age: Adults Location: Amboseli National Park History Four carcasses were spotted by park security team on patrol who reached for the vet immediately. A surveillance on the cause of death was instituted thereof. Postmortem observations All carcasses were relatively fresh presumed to be about forty-eight hours old. All were virtually predated on completely and they were within same locality separated by a distance of a hundred meters from one another on different directions. All seemed skinny as depicted by noticeable bony prominences. The canines were worn out exposing the sensitive canals at the middle while the molars were extremely worn down almost to the level of the gum. This primarily was thought to be the cause of poor health exacerbated by lack of palatable forage at this particular dry period. Patrols within the park are depicting animals in poor nutrition status some with pot bellies, emaciated and ventral edema. It is this time of weather challenge and poor nutrition that helminthosis becomes a factor leading to general malaise and incapacitation. Active surveillance will continue so as to pick any infectious condition just in case one strikes.

ZEBRA TREATMENT

Date: 15/09/2017 Species: Zebra Sex: Male Age: Sub adult Location: Amboseli National Park History A casual worker while on his duty within the Amboseli Park called the Mobile Vet Unit concerning unwell zebra which was seen wobbling and drooling saliva with its open mouth. It could not keep pace with the rest of the herd and kept dull demeanor. A quick response was mounted. Immobilization A 3cc dart consisting of 1mg Etorphine and20mgs Azaperone was prepared and used to sedate the animal. It was maintained under manual restraint as treatment was carried out. Examination A On the head there was buccal external swelling which depicted submandibular pitting edema. Within the gum, the capillary refill time was extended from one minute to about two and mucous membranes were pale. Inside the mouth cavity conspicuous was internal swelling on the left buccal side extending to left lower teeth gum line. It was tentatively diagnosed as having general lassitude as a sequel of anemia due to helminthosis compounded by poor nutrition due to the drought. Treatment The treatment was geared to cover the patient against secondary bacterial infections, install appetence and reduce parasite infestation. Among the different samples taken included whole blood in EDTA and plain tubes for microscopic slides and sera respectively, a tissue from right ear notch for post treatment monitoring as well as ticks from different regions of the body. Prognosis/Update It was graded as guarded because of severity of anemia and by the fact that it cannot offer self-defense (flight) from predator infested niche. On 17/09/2017 a patrol was carried out and it was noted that the zebra had succumbed to shock as a result of severe anemia.

ELEPHANT RESCUE

Date: 18/09/2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Female Age: Juvenile Location: Olongulului Group Ranch; Amboseli Ecosystem History The young elephant about four years old had been spotted by a community member within the ranch inside a drinking well about seven meters deep having water about three meters deep. The Unit set out immediately to rescue the elephant. Rescue Immobilization was dangerous and not an option since there was a possibility of the elephant drowning just in case it was fully sedated inside the waterhole. A quick thought was made to pull it out with the ropes and straps anchored on vehicle. An attempt was made to pull but the elephant was very heavy and risked strangulation. This was not to be. We thought and attempted to cut down one side of the well by digging but it was very hard due to stones. This also was not forthcoming. Instead we tried to create a slope for the elephant to climb out. We carefully threw in the well avoiding hitting the elephant all dead woods which were around, stones, and hard mud bricks from one edge to create a slope. We then placed the strap from front all the way round through the gluteal and manually by use of seven men tried to support it out as she climbed out. It was amazing how she easily and calmly she eventually came out. We left it under keen watch of the community ranch scouts as it trailed the family members. Follow-up A call was made after three hours and by then the night was beginning to fall to confirm on the wellbeing of the elephant. We were assured that it joined the family successfully and were spotted near the Tanzania border on their way to what appeared to be Kilimanjaro National Park.

CIVET CAT RESCUE

Date: 18/09/2017 Species: Civet Cat Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Oltukai Lodge; Amboseli National Park History The cat was reported to be within the lodge premises by the Lodge manager to Amboseli Park Tourism Officer who subsequently informed the Vet Unit. The Vet Unit passed by on their way from rescuing young elephant. Observation and Restraint The manager was quick to point out that it had been in a fight with baboons as they scavenged together at a pit on lodge garbage. A blindfold was thrown over it but it was aggressive as it attempted to bite and escape. It was quickly cornered and blind folded followed by firm grip on itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; neck by one ranger and the other ranger held it at the tail base and hind limbs. It was ferried to the vehicle and secured manually to an appropriate release site within the park. It appeared lethargic probably because it was scared to feed near baboons after the fight and that wounds were septic. Treatment Wounds were cleaned with Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine. 5 grams of Cloxacillin antibacterial ointment was infiltrated in two wounds and tetracycline wound spray was generously topically applied. It was injected with 10ml Cyanocobalamin and 300mgs Flucloxacillin into different muscle sites. Another 2ml was injected subcutaneously for slow release as 60ml Sodium Chloride infusion water Prognosis Guarded because of the poor body condition it was in and also incapable of resisting other predator attacks during convalescence time

LETHARGIC ZEBRA

Date: 19/09/2017 Species: Zebra Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Amboseli National Park History The Mobile Vet Unit was on effect of drought surveillance when it came across an adult zebra lying down and unable to stand up and flee on vehicle approach. Examination generally showed severe anemia through pale mucus membranes and degree of dehydration. For further observation it was euthanized and a postmortem conducted. Postmortem observations When cut open the large intestines and cecum were full of little thread red worms in thousands some free within lumen together with ingesta while others attached on the mucosa. The mucosal surface grossly depicted areas of hemorrhages, congestion, thickening/hyperplasia, erosion and some ulcerations and necrosis. At the glandular stomach there were many stomach worms appearing like reddish conical outgrowths attached on the mucosa near pylorus resulting to ulceration and erosion of mucosa with concomitant hyperplastic kind of reaction around area of attachment. The above findings were also picked up in a postmortem conducted on the previous zebra case. Samples of various worms grossly seen free and others attached/embedded on/in tissues were taken for further analysis and identification. Postmortem Diagnosis These are instances of effect of heavy helminthosis exacerbated by adverse weather condition. Animal grow weak due to accompanying anemia, disturbance in digestive and absorptive function of the gut resulting to catarrhal enteritis of large intestines and as large worms migrate to/through mesenteries they predispose animals to colic, gangrenous enteritis, intestinal stasis, torsion, intussusception, ruptures with or without cerebrospinal involvement.

ELEPHANT DEATH

Date: 19/09/2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Females Age: Adult Location: Amboseli National Park History The Mobile Vet Unit was on usual patrol when a call was received from Amboseli National Park Security team who were also on their patrol concerning a spotted a dead carcass within the park Odare area. Postmortem observations The carcass was under security team guard. It had two tusks intact. It was on right lateral recumbence. It was in the middle of decomposition and putrefaction with discharges flowing from it and different stages of maggots were observed. Foul smell was emanating from the carcass and especially from the areas where predation had been attempted. These areas included the trunk, upper and lower perineum. There was no appreciable point of external skin break or injury. The two tusks were easily retrieved from their sockets because of decomposition by hand pull. No meaningful postmortem exercise was visible because of decomposition. The carcass was aged as being at least four days old. Impression smears were made from the wet retrieved surface of the tusks for further analysis and rule out anthrax. It was not possible to determine the cause of death. The elephant was approximated to be between 30 and 35 years old. Surveillance has been instituted so that any other carcass is picked while fresh for more meaningful findings to be carried out.

EMACIATED IMPALA

Date: 20/09/2017 Species: Impala Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Amboseli National Park History The impala had been observed by the Mobile Unit while on patrol as well as by tourists being very emaciated and with diarrhea. It had to be darted and if necessary sacrifice it for postmortem examination. Immobilization It was darted with 1mg of Etorphine and 20mgs of Azaperone because of its’ poor health condition. It took a little bit longer than expected which went up to ten minutes post darting. It was examined but decided to put it down humanely and carry on with postmortem. Postmortem observations Whole carcass was thoroughly examined and important findings were from the liver and the kidneys. The liver appeared to have distended gall bladder. Further incision into the parenchyma particularly at bile ducts three stout ‘flagellated’ worms was recovered. The liver tissue was firm indicative of slight cirrhosis. Both kidneys were not easily appreciated as having cortex and medulla. Capture was sticking and not easy to pill but more importantly were the fluid filled sacs located at each pelvis. Each sac had whitish inclusion thus appearing like bladderworm. Dentition appeared normal and with two corner incisors still being temporary/milk teeth indicative of young adult ram. Postmortem Diagnosis The emaciation was presumed to be one associated with vital organ failure particularly kidneys and liver. The diarrhea complicated the condition even further and was thought to be due to disturbance in these vital organs’ functions. Within same location there are two more male impalas showing various levels of severe emaciation. More findings will be conducted to compare the observations. Various samples including whole blood in EDTA and plain tubes, ticks, worms and fecal were taken for further analysis.

10. ELAND POSTMORTEM Date: 21/09/2017 Species: Eland Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Tawi Lodge; Amboseli Ecosystem History The dead eland report was made to the Mobile vet unit by Tourism Warden Amboseli National Park. Postmortem observations Carcass was found on right lateral recumbence partially submerged in waterhole just next to the lodge. Upon opening the carcass, there was congestion of the mesenteric circulations and coronary vessels. A lot of congestion was also observed in liver and lung parenchyma with clotted blood in the vessels. Lungs were not collapsed and there was marked gross interstitial partitions. The omentum, brisket, rectum, perirenal area and coronary groove were full of fat deposits. This denoted the good muscle cover/health the animal had before death. It was established that the uterus was gravid with a male calf seemingly within the second trimester of gestation. Postmortem Diagnosis Two scenarios were in the picture. One that the animal collapsed on itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; own during day time while drinking water and second, the animal was attacked at the waterhole while quenching. This arose after more inquiries were made from the lodge personnel. Nevertheless, an impression smear was made from the cut ear for demonstration purpose. Lodge personnel were instructed to be vigilant enough and report any death witnessed within the area for further exploration.

11. WILDEBEEST TREATMENT Date: 22/09/2017 Species: Wildebeest Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Amboseli National Park History The animal was sighted by the Mobile Vet Unit while on itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; usual day patrol within the park. It was approached using vehicle only to find that it had a wound on the right ischium. Immobilization It was immobilized using 1.5cc dart in which a concoction of 6mgs Etorphine and 50mgs Azaperone. A blindfold was applied on the head to avoid external visual stimuli. It was checked and found to exhibit normal parameters under anesthesia. It was dowsed with cold water to control high ambient temperature effect on its body temperature. Examination The wound was examined and found to be a dry open wound about ten centimeters in diameter. Just nearby both on left and right rumps were penetrating wounds about five centimeters deep and appeared to have been due to teeth bites. They had dried but blackish discharge had dried as it flowed out and downward. It appeared to have survived lion attack. There was no any other unusual finding. The bull was in good health. Treatment Wounds were cleaned thoroughly using Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine followed by topical spray with Tetracycline wound spray. Against secondary bacterial infections it was covered systemically with 6000mgs Tetracycline and 20ml multivitamin as metabolic stimulant into different muscle sites. 8mgs of Ivermectin was administered subcutaneously on the neck to act against internal and external parasites. Prognosis It has guarded prognosis before complete recovery because of inadequate ability to resist any forthcoming predator attack due to injuries. Otherwise upon complete recovery it will have favorable prognosis because it can escape attack by flight or fight.

12. WILDEBEEST TREATMENT Date: 23/09/2017 Species: Wildebeest Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Kimana Sanctuary; History While on a normal patrol within the Sanctuary we bumped into a wildebeest lying down on sternal recumbence isolated from others. An intervention ensued to determine the cause of itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; weakness. Examination It had heavy tick infestation especially on the neck and soft areas like groin and perineum. Mucus membranes were very pale depicting severe anemia. Dentition and general body status wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t an indication of any abnormality in mastication. More investigation needed to be done to establish the cause of severe lethargy. Various samples were taken including feces, whole blood in plain and EDTA tubes, ticks and microscope slide were made. It appeared that it could not survive for long before death because of poor prognosis exhibited. To that effect it was euthanized humanely so as to carry more observation by conducting postmortem. Postmortem Findings The most striking feature after opening the abdominal cavity was marked pale mucosal surface of internal organs. All internal organs were examined and what struck the findings was the desiccation of the omasal contents. There was no coronary grove fat omentum had no fat. Postmortem Diagnosis Tentatively the observed lassitude was presumed to be as a result of Anaplasmosis. A tick-borne protozoa disease causing omasal impaction and anemia. This would be further investigated by samples taken after they are processed. Further surveillance will be planned and conducted with aim of monitoring the healthy status of other wildebeest within the sanctuary.

13. GIRAFFE BLINDNESS Date: 23/09/2017 Species: Maasai Giraffe Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Supuko; Amboseli Ecosystem History The giraffe was reported by Amboseli National Park Community Warden as being stoned by young children who were following it from nearby Maasai Manyatta. Observations It was found under the guard of Big Life Foundation Area scouts who kept it away from the nearby crop farms where it was being chased. On close examination it was observed to have bilateral cloudy cornea and no lacrimation. This meant that the condition resulting to blindness was not acute but rather a chronic one. There were no self-inflicted injuries. Conclusion and Recommendation Prognosis was bad and the only best way to prevent the animal from plunging into gullies and valleys or get into crop farms within, it was decided to be euthanized. This would exempt the animal from human-wildlife conflict and the associated sufferings resulting from human inflicted injuries/ trauma. A call was made to KWS Problematic Animal Control Team to take charge and euthanize by use of gunshot and ferry the carcass to park away from area residents who if left there would be converted into game meat. This was confirmed later to have been done meticulously by the team. Both eyes were retrieved from the carcass for further examination. Both had complete corneal opacity appearing grayish.

14. SNARED GRANT GAZELLE Date: 23/09/2017 Species: Grant Gazelle Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Mbirikani; Amboseli Ecosystem History The case was reported by KWS Loitoktok Station In-Charge to the Mobile Vet Unit who rushed there after attending to blind giraffe case above. It was found under keen watch of Big Life Foundation rangers. Attempt to desnare it ensued immediately. Immobilization A 3cc dart containing 3mgs Etorphine and 40mgs Azaperone was prepared quickly before eliciting unwarranted stress through our presence to the animal. It was to be immobilized remotely by use of Dan Inject gun through vehicle darting. It was not an easy task to be because of the terrain with many â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Waitabitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; shrubs making area almost unmotorable. The gazelle was not used to vehicle and kept on running. Any attempt to foot dart was even worse as it was very scared to people on foot. An hour was spent trying to approach all in vain Conclusion It was observed that the snare wire was not life threatening because it was barely tight around the neck, not strangulating though dangling down to occasionally entangle the hind limbs loosely. It was a nuisance but then darting the animal proved difficult. The exercise was curtailed to give it another try when the animal has settled at a later date once sighted again.

15. GRANT GAZELLE DEATH Date: 25/09/2017 Species: Grant Gazelle Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Amboseli National Park History While on surveillance patrol within the park the Mobile Vet Unit spotted vultures dropping down on the ground indicative of a carcass. We drove near only to discover a fresh carcass of a grant gazelle. It was still warm meaning it had just died. Its’ eyes had been gorged out, its’ perineum and testis had been predated on by the vultures. It was on left lateral recumbence. A postmortem ensued to establish the possible cause of death. Postmortem observations No important finding were observed in the vital organs except in glandular stomach wall the abomasum especially near pylorus. There was numerous reddish swelling of varying sizes appearing tumorous more appreciable on the visceral surface. When cut open they discharged reddish thick discharge (necrotic material) together with many long reddish worms. When inspected further some were found to have ruptured spilling their content into peritoneum. The left kidneys’ pelvis area appeared to have an abscess appearing like a bladderworm. The caecum had tinny whitish worms on the mucosa. The omentum was membranous with no fat but with several sticking fluid filled sacs appearing to have white inclusions indicative of parasitic cysts. Postmortem Diagnosis The gazelle appeared to have succumbed to shock as a result of fatal peritonitis which was secondary to tumor-like swellings rupture on stomach wall and migration of worms. This is an indicative of heavy parasitism wreaking havoc especially at this time when there is little to feed on due to prevailing drought making animals susceptible to helminths associated complications/deaths. Samples were taken especially of the various worms seen grossly for further identification/study. Patrols will be intensified so as to pick the carcasses while still very fresh and perform meaningful postmortems so that any infectious cause of death if any will be noted early for collective measure to be taken.

16. GIRAFFE FOAL RESCUE Date: 26/09/2017 Species: Maasai Giraffe Sex: Male Age: Foal Location: Amboseli Camp Site bordering Amboseli National Park History A report of a young giraffe needing rescue was received from Amboseli National Park administration. Ante mortem Observation It was found on left lateral recumbence under watch of Amboseli camp site attendants as community members looked on. The attendants had tried to administer water by mouth with little success. The naval remnant was still attached at umbilicus meaning it was less than 48 hours old. Little sporadic tremors were observed on all limbs some in synchrony others out of synchrony. A blind fold was placed on the head to minimize stress as examination ensued. It was carefully loaded to the pick-up and ferried to the park hq for more examination. It was subjected to further examination in order to take an informed measure as how to manage the case. It was placed on right lateral recumbence. Efforts to straighten itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; neck were unsuccessful and also it could not maintain sternal recumbence on itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; own. By this time more pronounced tremor/jerking of limbs were observed. It was concluded that it was in poor state as depicted by generalized incoordination. It was euthanized humanely and postmortem carried out. Postmortem Diagnosis It appeared the animal plunged into a ditch and sustained hemorrhage to the brain after contusion of the cranium. The reddish fluid was plasma which separated from blood clots observed on the cerebral cortex. This intracranial bleeding may have resulted to increased intracranial pressure leading to expression of central nervous signs antemortem observed. It is this damage to brain that interfered with initiation and coordination of all voluntary activity of the body as observed primarily as quadriplegia, spontaneous tremors and neck flexion. This animal could have been trying to evade or escape from danger posed by humans/dogs/baboons when it fell.

17. LESSER KUDU RESCUE Date: 27/09/2017 Species: Lesser Kudu Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Naisuyati; Amboseli Ecosystem History The Mobile Vet Unit received a call from Loitoktok KWS Station Warden concerning a kudu which had plunged into a dry well intended for irrigation. Rescue mission got underway immediately. Observation The dry well is situated on one edge of an irrigated tomato farm. The well was about twenty feet deep and was wide enough because the adult kudu was found in standing position freely. It was aware of human noise and got afraid at first. Noise was minimized as we planned on how to pull it out of the well using ropes. Rescue Immobilization was not necessary because we thought of dropping a long lope with a snoop at one end with aim of looping the horns. The other end was tied on a vehicle. First trial was not successful but the second trial hooked on left horn. The snoop tightened at the base of the horn and it was fine to give a quick pull out. Four able men were used to quickly retrieve the animal as one man waited at the well entrance to grab the two horns in order to effect manual restraint. It worked perfectly and on earth surface it was pinned down in right lateral recumbence. A towel was placed on the eyes to minimize visual stimulation as examination ensued. It had skin abrasions on itsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; back and limbs which were thought to be as a result of struggle to get out of the well. All skin abrasions were sprayed topically with Tetracycline wound spray. Release It was taken about ten meters away from the well and let go by releasing the horns. It quickly and energetically sprung up and took to the nearby thickets. The farmers who had come to witness were instructed to secure the dung out wells with chain links or timber off-cuts or with thorny cut-off branches because they are risky to humans and animals whether domestic or wild. Prognosis Good because it was healthy with no obvious physical incapacitation.

18. SURVEILLANCE INTO DEATHS OF ZEBRAS AND GRANT GAZELLES Date: 28-30/09/2017 Species: Zebras and Grant Gazelles Sex: Males & Female Age: All Ages Location: Akilomatian and Shompole Group Ranches History The report of zebra and grant gazelle deaths was made by KWS Assistant Director Southern Conservation Area to the Mobile Vet Unit based in Amboseli National Park on 26/09/2017. A consultation with Area KWS Station ensued with aim of gathering as much information as necessary concerning the deaths. This was important for ensuring the surveillance exercise planned would be a success. After full consultation the surveillance exercise was planned to take place between 28th and 30th of September 2017. The area was visited on the said dates and a thorough search for carcasses was mounted. The carcasses found which were relatively fresh were subjected to postmortem procedures, old carcasses were documented and some of seemingly sick/weak/emaciated animals were subjected to euthanasia followed with Postmortems while others were treated and released for post treatment monitoring Documented old carcasses 15 carcasses were highly decomposed and/or predated on that no meaningful postmortem was carried out on them. Documented fresh Carcasses These carcasses supported meaningful postmortem procedure to be carried out Carcass Species Carcass location Group Ranch Carcass Sex Carcass Age Grant Gazelle “ “ “ Zebra Sheep

37M 0180384 UTM 9790380 37M 0182011 UTM 9785945 37M 0181255 UTM 9786129 37M 0182194 UTM 9785708 37M 0185311 UTM 9770319 37M 0185372 UTM 9777510

Olkiramatian

Male

Less than 48 hrs

Dead Animal Age Subadult

Shompole

Female

Less than 12 hrs

Adult

“

Female

Euthanized

Subadult

“

Male

Less than 24hrs

Adult

“

Male

Less than 36hrs

Subadult

“

Female

About 48hrs old

Adult

Grant gazelles: important postmortem findings Rigor mortis was observed in all carcasses and there were no discharges from body orifices. All carcasses were in good health as depicted by fats on omentums and good muscle cover. All carcasses had both striated and soft muscles hemorrhages of different sizes. Striated muscles had large patches of hemorrhages while soft muscles of heart and aorta had petechial and pinpoint forms on the outer surface. Heart on the inner surface had patches of hemorrhages. Small hemorrhages were observed on the serosal surfaces of rumen and lungs. The lungs of relatively old carcass had diffused congestion with bloody tinged foam within the respiratory tree. In all carcasses there was severe omasal impaction depicted as highly desiccated omasal content causing mucosal erosion upon retrieval attempts. The abomasums were devoid of ingesta except traces of sand precipitates but the mucosa had pin point hemorrhages. The small intestines had no ingesta or ruminal content as would be expected but rather had little mucoid contents. All livers were dark due to high congestion oozing blood when cut. The gall bladder serosal surface was reddish due to congestion. There was markedly congestion of mesenteric vessels. Spleens were not swollen neither mottling hence appeared normal. All kidneys were congested. The meninges depicted hemorrhages on the surface and brain vessels were congested.

One grant was found on right lateral recumbence minutes before death. It depicted heavy grunting and peddling of all four limbs with quick and deep breathing. This pre-death period was very stormy and as it was observed in other found dead carcasses signs of struggle before death. It was euthanized and postmortem done. One grant was found lying down on sternal recumbence and when approached it sprung out showing quick short spells of galloping with signs of lethargy. It was approached from behind quietly and caught manually. It was observed to be grunting and breathing heavily with mouth open. It was given poor prognosis though it was treated with 3ml Flunixin Meglumine intramuscular, 6mgs Ivermectin subcutaneous, 7500mgs Amoxicillin intramuscular and 100mgs Cyanocobalamin intramuscular. It was dowsed liberally with cold water to cool it down and sprayed with Green Spray to act as post treatment monitoring mark.

Important postmortem Findings in Zebras Only one zebra was fresh for postmortem. The carcass was less than twenty-four hours old and of a yearling male foal in poor muscle cover. Mucus membranes were very pale. When cut open, omentum was devoid of fat deposits as well as coronary grove. Thread like worms were found in the peritoneal cavity while others were observed as gray spots and reddish nodules on serosal surface of the cecum and large colons. When cut open the gradual stomach especially at pylorus and duodenum heavy infestation of stout reddish pear-shaped worms was observed. In the small intestine there were long tapes like worms appearing as whitish intestinal content from serosal surface. The open cecum yielded many small reddish worms in the lumen mixed with intestinal content while the mucosa was thickened with nodules discharging necrotic whitish material some mixed with many thread like worms sprouting from ulcerated ones. Samples Taken All carcasses on which postmortems were done had impression smears done from cut ears discharges. The two grants (treated and euthanized) had whole blood taken in EDTA and plain tubes for sera and whole blood harvesting. From both also thin and thick microscopic blood smears were done for laboratory analysis and examination. Analysis is underway at KWS laboratory. Postmortem Diagnosis For grant gazelles the pathologic changes observed seemed to involve largely the circulatory systems resulting to cardio-respiratory embarrassment while for the zebra it seemed to involve the digestive system. For the grants an infectious cause is presumed to be the cause of the deaths while zebrasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; deaths are probable effect of heavy helminthiasis exacerbated by adverse weather condition and accompanying poor health. Important Information OLKIRAMATIAN & SHOMPOLE GROUP RANCHES Due to prevailing dry condition all wild and domestic animals have concentrated around the swamp area. This is because there is virtually no undergrowth both in dry and wet seasons grazing areas.

Laboratory Results The results unanimously yielded tick-borne diseases as intracellular hemiparasites. The predominant ones were Anaplasma and then babesia. The Postmortem findings in correlation with laboratory results centres in for anaplasma. Deaths noted are thought to be due to susceptibility of Grants to anaplasma exacerbated by weakened immune system due to prevailing weather condition. Way Forward The situation should be monitored for at least two weeks with the aim of revisit for sampling and further surveillance if deaths continue. Meanwhile pastoralists should be encouraged to effectively control ticks on their livestock through spraying. This is very important as ticks transmit the disease to both domestic and wild animals. Ticks population is favored by hot conditions as witnessed currently.