SWT/KWS Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations

December 2022

Wildebeest Human-Wildlife Conflict/Rescue Machakos

Machakos PAC team reported the wildebeest to AMVU. The wildebeest had fallen into a pit and presented with exhaustion and horn injury after prolonged time in the pit. Most likely human presence led to her selfinflicted injury to the horn.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The wildebeest was immobilized using 6mg Etorphine and 70mg Azaperone then extracted from the pit.

Oxytetracycline antibiotic (20ml) and 10ml Dexamethasone were administered intramuscularly.

The wildebeest woke up and walked away a minute following the administration of the reversal drug (Diprenorphine).

Prognosis

The Wildebeest should make a full recovery.

Giraffe Technical Case Athi River

The KWS management decided to tag 10 giraffes in Machakos County for control of poaching and road kills along the busy Mombasa Highway.

Immobilisation, tagging and prophylactic treatment

Ten giraffes were darted from a vehicle using 12-14mg Etorphine HCL and 40-60mg Azaperone. Individual doses were calculated dependent on the giraffe's live weight. All giraffes attained good anaesthesia and revival following the antidote administration.

The giraffe's tail was spread to determine the dorsal part of the tail and the tags were fixed. All tags were fixed using two nuts. All tagged giraffes were treated using 60ml Amoxicillin (Betamox®) to cover for secondary bacterial infection. Additionally, Oxytetracycline wound spray was applied to the areas of tissue sampling, and dart area.

Prognosis

A total of 5 female and 5 male giraffes were tagged successfully.

Elephant Spear Kitirua, Amboseli

BLF rangers on patrol reported a wounded elephant to AMVU. The elephant was initially wounded at Kasala but moved to Eselenkei and later to Amboseli National Park. The elephant moved for a long distance before treatment due to the intense pressure and following conducted by BLF rangers. The vet team used a vehicle to trace, dart, and in treatment of the elephant.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant was darted using 20mg Etorphine for immobilization.

The elephant had two spear wounds on the right rear limb.

Antibiotics and Dexamethasone were administered to assist in wound healing. The elephant was revived and favourably moved to a nearby grassland to join other elephants.

Prognosis

The elephant should make a full recovery.