SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT
FEBRUARY 2024
Introduction
2 Cases in February
February Report
by Dr. Aminga Duncan
1 HWC Case
1 Elephant Case
In the month of February, heightened daytime and night-time temperatures characterized the climatic conditions. Despite this, the vegetation sustained its verdant hue, and the watercourses within the Meru ecosystem maintained their flow, offering assurance that wildlife had access to ample sustenance and hydration for the foreseeable months.
Remarkably, there was a noticeable reduction in the number of wildlife cases. The Meru Vet Unit encountered a case involving an elephant bull exhibiting pronounced lameness due to an open fracture in its left forelimb.
Throughout much of the month, the veterinary team focused on tracking the movements of Dr. Cat, a lion that had encroached into community territories in Tharaka-Nithi County, preying upon livestock and posing a danger to the local community. The lion was subsequently captured in the Kaare area and euthanized due to the significant risk it posed to the safety of the surrounding populace.
Acknowledgement
We express our sincere appreciation to Sylvie Chantecaille for the unwavering and generous financial support of the Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit, made possible through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Your consistent contributions have played a vital role in the preservation of wildlife and their habitats within the Meru ecosystem. Our gratitude also extends to the Kenya Wildlife Service, specifically acknowledging the Senior Assistant Director-Eastern Conservation Area and the Head of KWS-Veterinary Services Department for their indispensable oversight and logistical support. The collaborative efforts of our conservation partners and the individuals who reported wildlife cases are equally acknowledged, as their steadfast support has been instrumental during our interventions. It is your collective support that enables our veterinary team to make a substantial impact on wildlife preservation in the Meru region. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all involved for their valuable contributions.
Case Details
Date Species Area Found Reason for Intervention Outcome 14-Feb-24 Elephant Laikipia County Natural Causes Adult male elephant exhibiting signs of lameness in the left forelimb. There was an open fracture at the mid-section of the ulna and radius bones Died 28-Feb-24 Lion Tharaka Nithi County Human Wildlife Conflict Adult male lion, named Dr. Cat, was roaming in the Kaare area posing a significant threat to both people and livestock HWC Death
February 2024
Mobile Vet
SWT/KWS Meru
Unit Treatment Locations
Case 1 – 14th February 2024
Elephant Natural Causes
Mutara Area, Laikipia
The Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit received a report regarding an adult male elephant exhibiting signs of lameness in the left forelimb, specifically involving the left elbow joint in the Mutara area. The elephant had a substantial swelling at the affected site, accompanied by apparent indications of pain and distress.
Immobilisation and examination
The elephant was successfully immobilized using 17mgs Etorphine and was recumbent 10 minutes later enabling a thorough examination of the affected limb. Assessment revealed an open fracture at the midsection of the ulna and radius bones. Given the grave prognosis and out of consideration for the welfare of the animal, a decision was made to humanely euthanize the elephant to alleviate pain and suffering.
Conclusion
A postmortem was conducted which revealed that even though the bull was in good body condition, it displayed evident indications of distress and discomfort stemming from the fracture. The open nature of the fracture posed a significant risk of infection, potentially leading to septicaemia. Compounded by restricted mobility impeding access to nourishing sustenance and hydration, there exists a heightened likelihood of multiple organ failure culminating in mortality. Given the absence of notable cutaneous wounds on the afflicted limb, it is inferred that the elephant incurred the fracture likely as a consequence of a fall
Lion Human-Wildlife Conflict
Kaare, Tharaka Nithi County
Lions, as apex predators play critical roles in maintaining the balance and health of wildlife ecosystems. However, the presence of problematic lions in human settlements pose significant dangers to both people and livestock. One such case is Dr. Cat, a lion that was roaming within Tharaka-Nithi County. Dr. Cat's presence in human settlements necessitated urgent action to capture and relocate him to a secure area.
Immobilisation, capture and management
The joint efforts of the Veterinary and PAMU teams successfully tracked the lion's movements. However, the challenging terrain and dense vegetation presented obstacles, limiting access by both vehicles and on foot and posed significant difficulties in administering tranquilizing darts. A lion-call back system was employed without success. Subsequently, a cage trap with live bait was utilized, yet this also proved unsuccessful. A KWS helicopter was then used to drive the lion to an open area for darting; however, the lion took refuge in hills with dense vegetation. Despite these challenges, tracking efforts persisted, and the lion was finally sighted by a helicopter from Lewa however, due to safety concerns for the community members who were scattered in excitement at the sight of the helicopter and potential dangers associated with encountering the lion, the use of the helicopter was aborted. The lion was later spotted in a homestead and successfully darted using 6mgs Medetomidine and 300mgs Ketamine. However, the animal became aggressive posing a threat to the multitude of community members gathered at the scene. In the interest of public safety, the decision was made to eliminate the aggressive lion.
Case 2 – 28th February 2024
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