SWT/KWS MT. KENYA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT SEPTEMBER 2023
Introduction
11 Cases in September
2 Lion Cases
5 Elephant Cases
September Report by Dr. Jeremiah Poghon The Mt. Kenya and Laikipia region experienced light showers that provided some respite from the prevailing dry conditions, although the rain was insufficient. The Mt. Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit attended to 11 cases in September 2023. These included 3 elephant treatment cases, 2 elephant post-mortem cases, 2 lion collaring cases, 1 snared zebra case, 1 large herbivore translocation case involving 10 buffalos and 13 elands, and 1 primate relocation case involving 3 problematic colobus monkeys. 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
05-Sep 23
Lion
Lolmarik, Laikipia
Collaring
Collaring an adult male lion with a satellite linked collar to mitigate HWC
Task successful
06-Sep 23
Elephant
ADC Mutara Ranch
Natural Causes
Adult elephant bull with marked lameness on the left front limb
Successfully treated
06-Sep 23
Elephant
Male Ranch
Natural Causes
Female elephant calf exhibiting lameness on the front left limb
Prognosis Poor
12-Sep 23
Elephant
Segera Ranch
Postmortem
Carcass of 7-10-year-old elephant bull found with all tusks intact, but at an advanced level of decomposition
Died. Undetermined cause
12-Sep 23
Lion
Lolmarik, Laikipia
Collaring
Collaring an adult lioness with a satellite linked collar to mitigate HWC
Task successful
18-Sep 23
Elephant
Male Ranch
Natural Causes
Young elephant bull with marked lameness on the front left limb
Prognosis Poor
21-Sep 23
Bongo
Mt. Kenya Conservancy
Natural Causes
Adult male bongo with a puncture wound on the left hind limb near the elbow joint.
Successfully treated
23-Sep 23
Zebra
Posta, Laikipia
Snared
Adult female zebra tethered to a tree stump by a tight wire snare on the left front limb
Poaching Death
23-Sep 23
Colobus monkey
Nanyuki Town
HWC
Relocation 3 adult male Colobus monkeys terrorizing residents in Nanyuki town
Task successful
27-Sep 23
Buffalo & Eland
Laikipia Ranches
Relocation
Translocation of buffaloes and elands to the new Naserian conservancy
Task successful
30-Sep 23
Elephant
Doldol Area, Laikipia
Bullet wound
Post-mortem examination on an adult elephant bull that died suddenly
Poaching Death
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
SWT/KWS Mt. Kenya Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations September 2023
Case 1 – 05th September 2023 Lion
Collaring
Lolomarik Conservancy
Lions play a critical role in the ecosystem by regulating herbivore populations and contributing to the strength and health of the herd through predation pressure. However, the growth and expansion of human populations has put pressure on lion habitat and prey species resulting in a surge of human-wildlife conflict characterized by livestock depredation and retaliatory killing of lions. Lolomarik Ranch in partnership with Kenya Wildlife Service collared problem lions within the ranch to mitigate this conflict. Data obtained from the lion collars will be shared with rangers and the community to help deter human – wildlife conflict by enhancing vigilance when the lions are near settlements and enabling the rangers to push the lions away from settlements. The KWS Veterinary department was tasked with collaring the target lions and on 05th September 2023, the Mt. Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit collared 1 adult male lion. Immobilisation and collaring Due to the elusive nature of the lions, a call back system was employed. Sounds of herbivores in distress were played at night. A carcass was also secured to tree to lure the lions to the darting site. A night vision scope was acquired from KWS security teams to assist in the exercise. Shining lights and noise were intentionally avoided. The target adult male lion was identified and darted from a vehicle with 300 mg Ketamine and 4 mg Medetomidine. The lion went down 15 minutes later. 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, paw and canine measurements were taken before fitting the collar. Tissue samples were also collected for DNA analysis. Long-acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatories were administered intramuscularly for management of any bacterial infections and pain. The effects of immobilization drugs were allowed to diminish through metabolism before reversing the anaesthesia with 20 mg Atipamezole. Though a little drowsy, the lion stood and walked away.
Case 2 – 06th September 2023 Elephant
Natural Causes
ADC Mutara Ranch
The KWS Laikipia National Park security teams reported a case of lame elephant bull at the nearby ADC Mutara ranch with marked lameness on the front limb. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was darted from a vehicle with 16 mg Etorphine hydrochloride. After 7 minutes, the animal went down in left lateral recumbency. During the procedure, the respiration rate of the animal was monitored to ensure it was within the normal range. Cold water was poured on the elephant’s body to aid in thermoregulation. The general body condition of the African bush elephant was good. The left front limb was palpated and diagnosed with a joint sprain. The elephant was treated with long-acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Having no other injury, the anaesthesia was reversed with administration of Naltrexone at 20 times the Etorphine dose. The elephant woke up and walked away calmly. Prognosis The elephant has a good prognosis.
Case 3 – 06th September 2023 Elephant
Natural Causes
Male Ranch, Laikipia
Male ranch rangers reported a severely lame female elephant calf that was favouring its left front limb. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The team found the lame elephant calf in a bushy area with its mother. The duo was in a herd of about 10 elephants. Given the difficulty in successfully immobilizing animals in such situations, the team requested SWT to provide a helicopter to support the exercise and a helicopter was sought from Ol-Maro. To prevent separation of mother and calf, the elephant cow was immobilized with 16 mg Etorphine hydrochloride. After 7 minutes, the calf’s mother went down in left lateral recumbency. The herd was pushed away then the calf was physically restrained and immobilized with 2 mgs Etorphine. The calf was examined and found to have a dislocation of the left shoulder joint with leg carrying lameness and disuse atrophy of the limb. Flunixin Meglumine anti-inflammatories, long-acting antibiotics, and vitamins (B12 complex) were administered. The elephant cow and calf were both revived, they reunited and walked away slowly to rejoin the herd. Prognosis The elephant calf has a guarded prognosis.
Case 4 – 12th September 2023 Elephant
Post-mortem
Segera Ranch
KWS Laikipia National Park rangers reported that an elephant carcass had been found in Segera Ranch by the ranch’s rangers and requested an autopsy to determine the cause of death. Post-mortem examination The elephant was aged at about 7-10 years old and was at an advanced level of decomposition. The tusks were intact, but the carcass was scavenged with most organs and muscle tissues consumed by scavengers. The skeleton, skin and rump were the only parts of the anatomy present. Cause of death The cause of death could not be determined due to advanced autolysis and scavenger activity on the carcass.
Case 5 – 12th September 2023 Lion
Collaring
Lolomarik Conservancy
The Veterinary Department with support from the Mt. Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit collared an adult lioness in Lolomarik Conservancy on 12th September 2023 after a male lion was collared on 05th September 2023 (Case 1). Immobilisation and collaring Due to the elusive nature of the lions, a call back system was employed. Sounds of herbivores in distress were played at night. Additionally, a carcass was secured to a tree to lure the lions to the darting site. A night vision scope was acquired from KWS security teams to assist in darting the lions under the cover of darkness. Shining lights and noise were intentionally avoided. In comparison to the male lion collared a few days prior, it took some time for the target lioness to appear. The lioness was accompanied by 3-year-old lion cubs. The lioness was darted from a vehicle with 300 mg Ketamine and 4 mg Medetomidine. She went down after 10 minutes. Once fully immobilized, the lioness was quickly secured and blindfolded to avoid damage to the cornea. Tissue samples were also collected for DNA analysis. Long-acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatories 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, she rose and walked towards the pride that was roaring nearby.
Case 6 – 18th September 2023 Elephant
Natural Causes
Male Ranch
The KWS security team based at Oljogi conservancy reported a sub-adult elephant bull at the nearby Male ranch with marked lameness on the front limb. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The young elephant bull was found near a dam struggling to walk. The elephant was approached on foot and darted with 18 mg Etorphine hydrochloride. The animal went down after 9 minutes in left lateral recumbency. He was repositioned in right lateral recumbency to facilitate examination of the injured limb. During the procedure, the elephant’s respiration rate was monitored to ensure it was within the normal range. Cold water was poured onto the elephant’s body to cool it. The general body condition of the African bush elephant was fair. The left front limb was palpated and diagnosed with a dislocation of the left shoulder joint. The elephant was treated with long-acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatories. Having no other injury, the anaesthesia was reversed with Naltrexone at 20 times the Etorphine dose. The elephant was assisted to stand, and eventually walked away calmly. Prognosis The elephant has a guarded to poor prognosis. Close monitoring is advised.
Case 7 – 21st September 2023 Bongo
Natural Causes
Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
The monitoring team in Mt. Kenya Wildlife Conservancy reported that an endangered male mountain bongo had been injured on the left hind limb near the left knee joint during a territorial fight. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bongo was approached on foot and darted with 5 mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 40 mg Azaperone tartrate. The dart landed on the musculature of the thigh. The drug took effect after about 8 minutes with the animal in sternal recumbency. Oxygen was supplemented intra-nasally and a blindfold was placed on the bongo’s head to prevent light stimulation. The animal was then examined and found to have signs of pneumonia including nasal discharge and hush sounds from the lungs. Parenteral long-acting antibiotics, vitamins and anti-inflammatories were administered intramuscularly. The bongo also had a swollen, pus oozing, puncture wound on the left hind limb near the elbow joint. The wound was cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide mixed with water, disinfected with Iodine, and covered with green clay. Long-acting Gentamicin, Phenylbutazone, multivitamins and Ivermectin were administered intramuscularly and subcutaneously. Anaesthesia was revered by administration of Naltrexone at 20 times the Etorphine dose intravenously. Prognosis The bongo has a good prognosis.
Case 8 – 23rd September 2023 Zebra
Snared
Posta Trading Centre, Laikipia
Community rangers reported an adult female common zebra at Posta Trading Centre, Rumuruti within Laikipia County that was snared on the left front limb and was unable to walk. Examination The snared zebra was found lying down in sternal recumbency with a tight wire snare on the left front limb tethering it to a small tree stump. The left front limb had a complete fracture caused by the snare. Prognosis The zebra had a poor prognosis. It was put to rest to alleviate further pain and suffering.
Case 9 – 23rd September 2023 Colobus
Human – Wildlife Conflict
Nanyuki Town
On 23rd September 2023, KWS community rangers from Laikipia station were informed about 3 adult male Colobus monkeys terrorizing residents in Nanyuki town. After responding to the report, they reached out to the Mt. Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit for assistance. Capture The team found a large crowd surrounding the monkeys, a lady had been bitten on the arm by one of the colobus monkeys. Each monkey was immobilized with 50 mgs Ketamine Hcl mixed with 1 mg Medetomidine. The dart was discharged using a lower power Dan-inject dart gun. Once the drugs took effect, the monkeys were either captured while they were on the trees, or they were caught by nets as they fell to the ground. Relocation and revival The Colobus monkeys were blindfolded, loaded onto a pickup truck, and translocated to Mt. Kenya Forest. Anaesthesia was reversed at the release site with administration of Atipamezole Hcl at 3 times the Medetomidine dose.
Case 10 – 27th September 2023 Buffalo & Eland
Relocation
Kifuko/Mutara and Olpejeta Conservancies
Human - wildlife conflict is rife in the Laikipia area where wildlife is competing with farming for space. This conflict has escalated in ADC Mutara ranch where part of the ranch is leased out for farming and in Kifuko ranch where wildlife competes for pasture with livestock. In Ol Pejeta ranch abundant herbivores also compete for inadequate pasture with livestock. The new Naserian Conservancy requested translocation of wildlife to the conservancy which was approved by the KWS Director General. Immobilisation and relocation The KWS Veterinary and Capture Services Department was tasked with implementing the translocation exercise. Therefore, the Mt. Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit teamed up with the capture unit from KWS headquarters. Given the challenge of capturing elands, a helicopter was sought from Tundra company, the owners of Naserian Conservancy. The elands were first immobilized by darting from the helicopter. The animals were darted individually and loaded onto a truck before being revived and pushed to a compartment. Once the truck was full, the animals were translocated to Naserian Conservancy and off loaded near a newly built dam full of water. The exercise was repeated until the desired numbers were translocated. The team moved to Ol Pejeta and immobilized buffaloes from vehicles and a few elands by helicopter darting. In total 10 buffaloes (4 males and 6 females), and 13 elands (4 males and 9 females) were successfully translocated.
Case 11 – 30th September 2023 Elephant
Bullet Wound
Doldol Area, Laikipia
KWS rangers at Doldol Station reported an elephant bull that died suddenly after becoming aggressive and restless. Post-mortem findings The carcass was still fresh with no fluids oozing from any orifices. The carcass was found lying on the right flank some signs of struggle in the area. The skin, rib cage and abdominal muscles were cut open to reveal the abdominal cavity. There was copious blood-tinged peritoneal fluid on the abdomen. The intestines were haemorrhagic with fibrinous inflammation on the surface. The heart had pericardial and endocardium haemorrhages. The liver was enlarged with haemorrhagic areas on the surface. Kidneys had haemorrhages on the cortex. The carcass was turned over to expose the left side and a penetrating wound was found that went through the skin, rib cage, and vanished into the abdominal cavity rupturing the colon and causing massive peritonitis. Cause of Death The cause of the injury was a high velocity projectile, specifically a bullet.