SWT/KWS MT. KENYA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT NOVEMBER 2023
Introduction
14 Cases in November
5 Rhino Cases
7 Elephant Cases
November Report by Dr. Jeremiah Poghon Despite the heavy rains witnessed in the region in the month of November 2023, the number of cases in the region sharply increased. The Mt. Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit attended to 14 cases in total. These included 5 rhino cases, 7 elephant cases, 1 lion case and 1 mountain bongo case. 3 rhino cases and 3 elephant cases in November were post-mortem examinations. The Veterinary Unit performed 2 rhino autopsies in Solio Ranch and 1 autopsy in Ol Jogi Conservancy. According to the postmortem findings, these animals died of natural causes. The team also successfully treated a rhino in Ol Pejeta Conservancy for fight wounds and rescued a 1-year-old black rhino found abandoned in Solio Conservancy. The juvenile black rhino was translocated to the SWT Nairobi Nursery. Several elephant deaths in Imenti Forest, Meru County were investigated. Autopsies were undertaken on 4 elephant carcasses in the forest, samples were collected for laboratory investigation. Additionally, the team rescued an abandoned elephant calf found at the fringes of Mt. Kenya Forest. The elephant calf was airlifted to SWT Nairobi Nursery. The team also treated a young elephant calf in Enasoit Ranch with deep wounds on the right hind limb caused by a wire snare; treated a female mountain Bongo at Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy for vaginal prolapse; fitted a satellite monitoring collar on an adult male lion at Laikipia Airbase; and rescued 3 elephant bull trapped in a dam at Kinamba trading centre in Laikipia County. Acknowledgement The Mt. Kenya Mobile Wildlife Veterinary Unit thanks the Senior Assistant Director, Mountain Conservation Area and the Head of Veterinary Services, Kenya Wildlife Service for providing leadership and technical expertise. The veterinary team also appreciates The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for providing the financial and logistical support that enables the Unit to fulfil its mandate.
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
01-Nov 23
Elephant
Kiirua Center, Meru
Rescue
Abandoned male elephant calf.
Taken to Orphanage
04-Nov 23
Elephant
Imenti Forest
Natural Causes
Recumbent, abandoned female elephant calf.
Died, Abandonment
06-Nov 23
Elephant
Enasoit Ranch
Snared
Male elephant calf with a tight wire snare on the right hind limb.
Successfully treated
09-Nov 23
Lion
Laikipia Airbase, Nanyuki
Collaring
Collaring an adult male lion to mitigate human – wildlife conflict.
Task successful
10-Nov 23
Rhino
Ol-Pejeta Conservancy
Natural Causes
Sub-adult male white rhino with an injury on the left hind limb after a fight.
Successfully treated
12-Nov 23
Bongo
Mt. Kenya Conservancy
Natural Causes
Adult female mountain bongo with a vaginal prolapse a week after giving birth.
Prognosis poor
13-Nov 23
Elephant
Imenti Forest
Postmortem
1.5-year-old female elephant calf found dead in Kithoka Area, Imenti Forest.
Died, Anaemia
13-Nov 23
Elephant
Imenti Forest
Postmortem
30-35-year-old female elephant found dead in Themba Area, Imenti Forest.
Died, Caecal impaction
15-Nov 23
Rhino
Solio Ranch
Postmortem
1.5-year-old female white rhino calf carcass found in Solio Ranch.
Died, Lion predation
15-Nov 23
Elephant
Kinamba, Laikipia
Rescue
3 adult elephant bulls trapped in a deep water dam near Kinamba Trading Center.
Task successful
16-Nov 23
Rhino
Solio Ranch
Postmortem
Carcass of an adult female black rhino named Irene found in river Solio.
Died, Drowning
18-Nov 23
Rhino
Solio Ranch
Rescue
Juvenile male black Rhino observed to be browsing alone and with multiple wounds.
Taken to Orphanage
20-Nov 23
Rhino
Ol Jogi Conservancy
Postmortem
Adult white rhino named Baraza found dead 3 weeks after treatment for wounds sustained during a territorial fight.
Died, Peritonitis and pneumonia
28-Nov 23
Elephant
Imenti Forest
Postmortem
Recumbent 55-60-year-old elephant bull in lower Imenti Forest.
Died, Anaemia and old age
SWT/KWS Mt. Kenya Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations November 2023
Case 1 – 01st November 2024 Elephant
Rescue
Kiirua Centre, Meru County
The Warden, Meru KWS Station was informed about an abandoned male elephant calf and notified the Mt. Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit. Rescue The veterinary team found the elephant calf at the Mt. Kenya Forest boundary. The calf was tethered to a tree and people from the community were surrounding it. A request to rescue the calf for care and rehabilitation at a specialized facility was sent to KWS headquarters and approved. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) offered to send an aircraft to airlift the calf to the SWT Nairobi Nursery. The calf was partially tranquilized with 30 mgs Azaperone and 1 mg Etotphine Hcl and airlifted to the Nursery via Wilson airport.
Case 2 – 04th November 2023 Elephant
Natural Causes
Imenti Forest, Meru County
The Mt. Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit was informed about a recumbent female elephant calf by KWS rangers from Meru station. The calf was abandoned and couldn’t stand. Examination and treatment The veterinary unit found the calf too weak to stand with very poor body condition and heavy tick infestation. Supportive therapy was given, but there was no response. The calf died about an hour later. A post-mortem examination was carried out thereafter. Post-mortem findings The carcass was heavily emaciated with poor muscle cover rated at 2/5. There was generalized lymphadenopathy. The spleen was enlarged, the liver had some haemorrhages. The lungs were firm with interstitial pneumonia. Haemorrhages were also observed in the stomach, small intestines, and colon. Samples were collected for laboratory diagnosis. Cause of death According to the autopsy, the cause of death was abandonment, loss of body condition, heavy tick infestation and finally opportunistic blood parasitic infections.
Case 3 – 06th November 2023 Elephant
Snared
Enasoit Ranch
Enasoit Conservancy management reported sighting a young elephant bull with a snare on the right hind. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The snared elephant was found in a thicket with the help of conservancy rangers. Immobilization was achieved by darting the animal with 5mg Etorphine hydrochloride. The young elephant ran for 100 metres and went down in lateral recumbency facing downslope. He was repositioned to ensure the head faced uphill. During the procedure, the respiration rate and temperature of the animal were monitored to ensure they were within normal range. The elephant was also doused with water to cool it down. The general body condition of the elephant was good. There was a tight wire snare cutting into the flesh of the right hind limb. The wire snare was cut loose then the deep wound was cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide, all necrotic tissues were debrided then the wound was doused with Iodine and covered with green clay. 20ml Flunixin meglumine and 40ml Betamox were administered intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was reversed with 100mgs Naltrexone hydrochloride administered through the ear vein. The calf stood and walked away slowly. Prognosis The elephant calf has a good prognosis since he was in good body condition.
Case 4 – 09th November 2023 Lion
Collaring
Laikipia Airbase
Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Laikipia airbase in partnership with Kenya Wildlife Service collared problem lions within the facility to mitigate human-wildlife conflict. The collars will facilitate monitoring of lion movements which will enable KDF management to minimize staff encounters with lions, increase vigilance when the lions are close and enable rangers to drive them away from staff quarters. Immobilisation and collaring Due to the elusive nature of the lions, a call back system was employed where sounds of herbivores in distress were played at night. Additionally, a carcass tied onto a tree was used to keep the animals in sight until they were darted. No noise or no shining of lights were used. The target lion was identified and darted from a vehicle with 300mg Ketamine and 4mg Medetomidine. The lion went down after 15 minutes. Once fully immobilized, the lion was quickly secured and blindfolded to avoid damage to the cornea. The lion was also doused with water to manage hyperthermia and Opticlox eye ointment applied to the eyes to avoid drying. The nose-tail length, shoulder height and the paw and canine measurements were taken before the collars were fitted. Tissue samples were also collected for DNA analysis. Long-acting antibiotics and antiinflammatories were administered intramuscularly for management of any bacterial infections and pain. The effects of immobilization drugs were allowed to diminish through metabolism before reversing anaesthesia with 20 mg atipamezole. Though a little drowsy, the lion stood and walked away.
Case 5 – 10th November 2023 Rhino
Natural Causes
Ol-Pejeta Conservancy
A while rhino named Rafiki had been involved in a fight with another male and had sustained an injury on the left hind limb at the level of the distal metatarsus. The wound had started healing, but it had opened again causing slight lameness needing assessment and treatment. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The rhino was darted from a vehicle with 4.5mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 80mg Azaperone. The dart landed on the musculature of the right hip and full immobilization was achieved after 7 mins with the rhino in left lateral recumbency. A rope was used to further secure the animal. Rafiki was blindfolded to prevent ocular damage. 5mg Butorphanol was administered intravenously, and oxygen insufflation started intranasally to improve cardio-respiratory function. Rafiki had a good body condition (score of 3.5 out of 5). The wound was a deep laceration that had a slight infection. It was scrubbed with dilute Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed and irrigated with Iodine before being packed with green clay, and covered with Oxytetracycline spray. 15,000mg Amoxicillin and 2,000mg Flunixin meglumine were administered intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was reversed with 100 mg Naltrexone administered intravenously and 50 mg Naltrexone administered intramuscularly. The animal was up and running in 2 minutes. Prognosis Rafiki has a good prognosis. However, the wound will take time to heal given its location.
Case 6 – 12th November 2023 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
The Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy monitoring team reported that a mountain bongo had developed vaginal prolapse a week after giving birth. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The Mt. Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit attended to the case assisted by a team from Mt Kenya Conservancy. The bongo was approached on foot and darted with 5mg Etorphine hydrochloride combined with 40mg Azaperone tartrate. The dart landed on the musculature of the thigh. After 9 minutes, the bongo went down on sternal recumbency. Oxygen was supplemented intra-nasally, and the bongo was blindfolded to prevent light stimulation. The prolapsed vagina was cleaned with water and Iodine and the oedema reduced by application of sugar to absorb the fluid. After 30 minutes of reduction, the prolapsed vagina was covered with topical antibiotics and reduced into the pelvic cavity. Seven interrupted sutures were used to reduce the size of the vulva. Longacting Gentamicin, Phenylbutazone, Multivitamins and Ivermectin were administered intramuscularly and subcutaneously. Prognosis After treatment, anaesthesia was revered by administration of Naltrexone intravenously at 20 times the Etorphine dose. The bongo has a guarded prognosis due to the risk of infection and relapse of the prolapse.
Case 7 – 13th November 2023 Elephant
Post-mortem
Imenti Forest, Meru County
A KWS team from Meru station reported that the fresh carcass of a female elephant calf (approx. 1.5-yearsold) had been found in Imenti forest. The elephant’s family was not in the vicinity. The Mt. Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit responded and carried out a post-mortem to determine the cause of death. General post-mortem findings There was no rigor mortis. Therefore, time of death was estimated to be more than 8 hours. The extremities and trunk were normal with poor carcass body condition rated at 2.5 over 5. Eye membranes were pale, and the eye sockets were infested with beetles. The ears were examined and were normal. The animal was heavily infested with ticks (Boophilus, Rhipicephalus species) and beetles. The body condition was poor exhibited by a prominent spine. The animal was lying on its left side, it was examined visually then turned over before opening the carcass. Generalised paleness was observed upon opening the carcass. The lymph node behind left shoulder was massively enlarged. Prescapular lymph node massively swollen, mesenteric lymph nodes massively enlarged too. Generalised lymphadenopathy. The spleen was massively enlarged. GIT was normal in position, but it was gas filled. The spleen has petechial haemorrhages. The liver was swollen and rounded and autolysed for any meaningful pathological deductions to be made. No parasites observed. Liver greyed. The left kidney was not peeling easily, pyelonephritis with left kidney full of pus. The right kidney was normal. Ecchymotic haemorrhages were observed on the mucosa of the bladder. The bladder contained straw coloured urine. Circulatory system: Pericardial fluid was very minimal; heart was massively swollen; both ventricles were rounded; chicken fat in heart chambers; both tricuspid and tricuspid valves were normal; both lungs had a spongy consistency; the left lung was dark red - hydrostasis; the mucosa of the trachea was pale and mucoid with diffuse haemorrhages. Stomach: Diffuse haemorrhages on the glandular part of the stomach; food in the stomach was fluidly with an acidic smell; reduced food in stomach which indicates poor feeding; paramphistomes present in the stomach and intestines. Ileum: small intestine empty. Colon: Feed in the colon still fluidly, no bolus formation; diffuse haemorrhages on mucosa of the ascending colon. Significant post-mortem findings Pyelonephritis with pus in the kidney; generalized paleness due to anaemia; generalized lymphadenopathy. Cause of death Anaemia caused by ticks and internal parasites exacerbated by tick borne infections and pyelonephritis. Samples of the liver, spleen and lymph nodes were collected for laboratory diagnosis.
Unfortunately, there are no pictures of this case.
Case 8 – 13th November 2023 Elephant
Post-mortem
Imenti Forest, Meru County
KWS Meru station rangers based at Rurii area adjacent to Imenti Forest reported that the carcass of an adult elephant cow had been found in the forest on 12/11/2023 during the afternoon hours. Given the team’s tight schedule and heavy rains, the autopsy was conducted on 13/11/2023. Trophies were extracted on 12/11/2023 by the Meru KWS team and taken to Meru station for safe custody. The carcass was not turned over due to lack of machinery and impassable roads. General post-mortem findings The carcass was slightly swollen with no rigor mortis. There was massive tick infestation on the back, perineal area and the neck region. Genitalia was oozing a cream brown mucoid substance. Specific post-mortem findings General pink mucosa observed upon opening the carcass. The right kidney was bright red with petechial haemorrhages on the external surface of the kidney. Capsule peeled easily. The right kidney was slightly enlarged. Gastro-intestinal system: Dark peritoneal fluid (dark red); intestinal rupture noted on the large intestine; peritoneal fluid was black, more than 5 litres; ruptured caecum and caecal contents had leaked into the peritoneum causing the animal to die of septic shock. The stomach and small intestines were empty. Food impacted in the colon. Uterus: The animal was pregnant with a 6 - 8 months old male foetus. The liver was swollen, round edges and autolysed. Heart: Swollen and autolysed but with no major pathological changes. Cause of death Change of food from dry season and wet season triggered torsion and rupture of the caecum. This is caused by very green and highly fermentable lush green forage that results in increased intestinal movements. This rupture leads to contamination of the peritoneal/ abdominal area leading to septic shock and death.
Unfortunately, there are no pictures of this case.
Case 9 – 15th November 2023 Rhino
Post-mortem
Solio Ranch
The fresh carcass of a female white rhino calf (approx. 1.5-years-old) was found in Solio Ranch. It had scratch marks on the back and was partly eviscerated. Post-mortem findings The animal submitted for necropsy was a female rhino calf. The postmortem interval was estimated to be approximately 8 hours. The body condition was good (scoring 3 on a scale of 5). The carcass was lying in right lateral recumbency. Horns were intact. There were scratch marks all over the back. There was a deep bite wound at the lumbar region and more bite marks on the neck. The muzzle, lower jaw and ears had been bitten off. The chest area and perineal region had been eaten and most of the internal abdominal organs were missing. There were footprints, most likely to be lion prints, on the ground where the carcass was found. Significant post-mortem findings The scratch marks on the back and the deep bite wounds on the neck and the lumbar region. The muzzle, lower jaw and ears had been bitten off. The perineal region had been eaten and most of the abdominal organs were missing. Footprints like those of a lion at the site where the carcass was found. Cause of death The cause of death was predation by lions.
Case 10 – 15th November 2023 Elephant
Rescue
Kinamba Area, Laikipia County
On 15th November 2023, a KWS warden from Rumuruti reported that they had spotted 3 elephant bulls trapped in a new, deep-water dam near Kinamba Trading Centre. The Mt. Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit rushed to the area after carrying out the post-mortem in Solio Ranch highlighted under Case 9. Rescue The veterinary team found the 3 elephant bulls trapped in the dam with a huge crowd of people milling around the dam. The Vet team with assistance from the local KWS team, police and provincial administration moved people away from the dam. Ropes were attached to a vehicle and an attempt was made to pull the elephants out. However, the animals resisted and removed the rope once the loop caught any of them. An excavator was called in to dig a way out for the elephants in one of the corners. The elephants were then pushed out through the channel. They climbed out slowly and moved towards a nearby bushy area.
Case 11 – 16th November 2023 Rhino
Post-mortem
Solio Ranch
The severely decomposed carcass of an adult female black rhino named Irene was found in Solio River on 16/11/2023. Irene was last seen on 22/10/2023 and was reported to be in poor body condition. Searches were mounted over the days that followed, but she was not found until 16/11/2023. Post-mortem findings The carcass was found lying in sternal recumbency in River Solio at an advanced stage of putrefaction. The perineal and pelvic area had been eaten by scavengers. The left ear and part of the muscles on the left side of the neck had also been eaten by scavengers. The right ear was partially eaten off. Most of the skin, trunk, torso, and mammary glands were intact. Bite marks made by scavengers were present on the dorsal part of the neck. Both horns were missing, but there were no sharp object cut marks. Body condition was poor given the minimal subcutaneous fat and general low muscle cover on the carcass. Brown fluid was present in the bronchi of both lungs. Diffuse haemorrhage was present on the surface of the right ventricle. There was absence of fat on the coronary groove. There was blood in the right atrium and none on the left atrium indicating that death occurred during systole. The liver was totally decomposed. Significant post-mortem findings The carcass was found along River Solio. Carcass was 3-4 weeks old. Both horns were missing - they might have fallen off due to decomposition. There was evidence of scavenger activity. Brown fluid was present in the bronchi of both lungs. The animal had a poor body condition score as indicated by the low muscle cover and low fat distribution. Cause of death The cause of death was not definitive due to the severe decomposition of the carcass. The tentative cause of death was drowning which was shown by the presence of fluid in the bronchi of both lungs.
Case 12 – 18th November 2023 Rhino
Rescue
Solio Ranch
A juvenile (approx. 1-year-old) male black rhino was observed to be browsing alone without the company of the crash. He was limping on the right hindlimb, and he had multiple wounds on the torso and on both hindlimbs. Rescue The young rhino was darted with 1mg Etorphine hydrochloride combined with 30mg Azaperone delivered using a Dan-Inject® CO2 rifle fired from a vehicle. The dart malfunctioned and failed to discharge. Therefore, the rhino was captured by roping. After capture 30mg Azaperone was administered intramuscularly. Upon examination, the wounds were found to be shallow, and they appeared to be fresh. It was suspected that the wounds were most likely inflicted by an older male in the herd. Topical Oxytetracycline spray was applied to the wounds. The right hindlimb was examined and there were no signs to indicate that the rhino had sustained a fracture. 1,500 mg Amoxicillin, 500 mg Flunixin meglumine and 1,000 mg Catosal (Butaphosphan+ Cyanocobalamin) were administered intramuscularly. The rhino calf was then loaded into a lorry and transported to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nairobi Nursery. Multiple stops were made to monitor the calf enroute.
Case 13 – 20th November 2023 Rhino
Post-mortem
Ol Jogi Conservancy
A 31-year-old male white rhino named Baraza was reported dead after being treated 3 weeks prior for injuries sustained during a territorial fight. The fight wounds were visible on the head, both hindlimbs and the perineum. Post-mortem findings The animal submitted for necropsy was an adult male white rhino. The carcass was still fresh, and the postmortem interval was estimated to be less than 24 hours. The carcass was lying in right lateral recumbency. Scavenger activity was present on the muzzle, neck, and tail. The body condition was good (scoring 3 on a scale of 5). Integumentary and musculoskeletal system: There were several wounds on the head, the left thoracic wall and on both hindlimbs. There were penetrating wounds on the left side of the abdomen above the flank and on both hindlimbs. The penetrating wound on the rump of the left hindlimb was crepitant and oozing gas bubbles. Overextension and over flexion of the hock joint of the left hindlimb. There was one broken rib with a penetrating wound on the left side of the abdomen above the flank. Mud had been introduced into the peritoneum through this wound. The hock joint of the left hindlimb was filled with pus and had broken bone fragments. Cardiopulmonary system: There was bruising on the cranial aspect of the left thoracic wall. The lungs failed to collapse on opening the thoracic cavity. The cranial lobes of the lungs had advanced autolysis. Pleuritisadhesions was present on the surface of the lungs, diaphragm, and the pleura. Pleural fluid was absent. The pericardial fluid was red in colour and there was diffuse haemorrhage on the pericardium and endocardium. Lymphatic system: The spleen had been punctured. Digestive system: There was massive fibrinous peritonitis indicated by the widespread accumulation of fibrin on all internal abdominal organs. There was diffuse haemorrhage on the serosa of the small and large intestines. Cause of death Cause of death was fibrinous peritonitis and pneumonia. Introduction of mud through the penetrating wound at the site of the rib fracture caused massive fibrinous peritonitis which led to septic shock. Pneumonia is indicated by the non-collapsed lungs.
Unfortunately, there are no pictures of this case.
Case 14 – 28th November 2023 Elephant
Post-mortem
Kamtune, Imenti Forest
An adult male elephant was reported to have been recumbent for more than 6 hours in lower Imenti Forest. Elephants in the herd had made attempts to help the recumbent bull to stand, but he was unable rise. Post-mortem findings The animal submitted for necropsy was an adult male elephant (approx. 55-60-years old). The postmortem interval was estimated to be less than 3 hours. The body condition was poor (scoring 1.5 on a scale of 5). The carcass appeared to be emaciated with a very prominent spine and general wasting of muscles. The carcass was lying in right lateral recumbency. There was accumulation of dung at the site of recumbency. Integumentary and musculoskeletal system: Severe general muscle wasting. Lichenification of the skin along both sides of the spine. Sunken eyes with a pale conjunctiva. Poor distribution of subcutaneous fat with generalized paleness of the carcass and minimal bleeding on incision of muscles. Generalized icterus. Digestive system: The peritoneum had ecchymotic haemorrhages at the point of contact with spleen. The stomach contained minimal ingesta (the glandular part, non-glandular part and the margoplicatus of the stomach were examined and found to be normal.) The liver was grossly enlarged and with rounded edges. The liver was firm and had ejected hepatic vessels. The liver parenchyma had a cooked appearance and there was excessive bleeding from the cut surface. The omentum had fibrinous adhesions and was diffusely haemorrhagic. Urogenital system: The kidney capsule was slightly adherent to the parenchyma. The kidney had a cooked appearance and was friable. There were diffuse haemorrhages on the kidney parenchyma. The bladder was distended with urine that was cloudy and yellow in colour. Lymphatic system: The spleen was very pale (almost white) with rounded edges and ecchymotic hemorrhages on the serosa. The mesenteric lymph nodes were enlarged and diffusely hemorrhagic. Significant post-mortem findings Muscle wasting and poor distribution of subcutaneous fat. Generalized icterus and paleness of the carcass. Paleness of the spleen. Swollen liver and pooling of blood in liver. Cause of death The cause of death was downer syndrome, anaemia, and old age.
Unfortunately, there are no pictures of this case.