SWT/KWS AMBOSELI MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT AUGUST 2023
Introduction
2 Cases in August
1 Poaching Case
2 Elephant Cases
August Report by Dr. Kariuki Edward The Southern Conservation area in August 2023 experienced a slightly warm weather situation. Veterinary cases attended included, an injured and a dead elephant. The Amboseli ecosystem had plenty of forage for wildlife but Human wildlife conflicts remained as a major problem for the area. SCA-Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Unit (SCA-AMVU) attended two elephant cases during august. Acknowledgement TWe thank Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for material support and Mobile Unit funding. Staff and rangers at KWS, Satao and Amboseli Elephant Research are acknowledged for their support and company during the veterinary interventions. Anyone who may have not been mentioned but supported the monitoring of distressed wildlife in areas of interest is highly acknowledged and appreciated.
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
22-Aug-23
Elephant
Amboseli NP
Postmortem
AMVU team received a report of an elephant found dead in Amboseli National Park. Cause of death was inconclusive
Died
22-Aug-23
Elephant
Satao Elerai
Spear
The elephant had a deep penetrating wound on the right forelimb
Prognosis Poor
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
SWT/KWS Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations August 2023
Case 1 – 22nd August 2023 Elephant
Post-mortem
Amboseli NP
AMVU team received a report of an elephant found dead in Amboseli National Park near the community shallow wells in the Lisa Erimito community border. Team prepared and visited the area for a necropsy. Post-mortem examination The elephant was on lateral recumbency and carcass demonstrated good body condition before death. However, the carcass was eaten up and decomposed. Fluids flowed on the ground next to the carcass and this was observed as a characteristic of advanced decomposition . Internal observations: The carcass was opened and eaten up by predators. Most internal organs were consumed and missing but the back remained intact. The few remaining and scanty parts of the internal organs were miserably damaged for examination. Cause of Death Inconclusive.
Case 2 – 22nd August 2023 Elephant
Spear
Satao Elerai, Amboseli
A tour driver at Satao Lodge reported a lame elephant in the lodge waterhole. The elephant bull was separated from the main herd and had limited movement.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The vet team used a vehicle to get close and dart the elephant. The elephant was comfortably immobilized using 20mg of Etorphine HCl. The elephant had a deep penetrating wound on the right forelimb. The pus-filled wound was cut to allow drainage. Amoxicillin at 100 millilitres was administered to assist in wound healing. Hydrogen peroxide and iodine were irrigated into the wound and Oxytetracycline spray was administered for local cover of the wounded area. The elephant was revived using Naltrexone and favourably woke up and walked away. Prognosis Prognosis is poor.
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