SWT/KWS RIFT VALLEY MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT AUGUST 2023
Introduction
20 Cases in August
10 Poaching Cases
1 Lion Case
August Report by Dr. Titus Kaitho Over the reporting period, the Lake Naivasha Area and the Central Rift Conservation Area in general experienced a dry spell. The Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit attended to 20 cases in August 2023. These included 10 poaching cases involving 3 snared giraffes, 4 snared zebras and 3 snared buffaloes. The team also treated other wildlife species including an injured adult male lion gored on the left front leg and a Masai ostrich chick with a swollen and inflamed right leg at the knee region. Acknowledgement The Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary team greatly appreciates The Brady Hunter Foundation for funding the Unit through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT). The team also acknowledges Angela Sheldrick, CEO -SWT for her unwavering support and interest in the work undertaken by the Mobile Veterinary Unit. Additionally, the team thanks the Wildlife Research & Training Institute (WRTI) for hosting the Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit. All the stakeholders and scouts who reported wildlife in distress and supported veterinary interventions are also appreciated. Thank you all.
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
07-Aug 23
Giraffe
Kenya Nut, Naivasha
Snared
Adult male Masai giraffe wounded by a wire snare on the right front leg.
Successfully treated.
07-Aug 23
Zebra
Olmurogi, Naivasha
Snared
Adult female common zebra tethered by a wire snare on the left front leg.
Poaching Death
11-Aug 23
Zebra
Nini Farm, Naivasha
Snared
Adult male zebra with a copper wire snare on the right hind leg. Also tick infested.
Successfully treated
12-Aug 23
Lion
Lake Nakuru N.P.
Natural Causes
Adult male lion gored on the left front leg.
Successfully treated
14-Aug 23
Buffalo
Kongoni Game Valley
Natural Causes
Adult male buffalo injured on the front leg and flank during a territorial fight.
Successfully treated
15-Aug 23
Giraffe
Naivasha
Snared
Adult female giraffe with a loose wire snare on the left hind leg.
Successfully treated
15-Aug 23
Buffalo
Jua Kali, Naivasha
HWC
Female buffalo calf found abandoned at a chain link fence.
Task successful
17-Aug 23
Buffalo
Marula, Naivasha
Natural Causes
Severely lame adult female buffalo.
Successfully treated
18-Aug 23
Ostrich
Green Park, Naivasha
Natural Causes
Male ostrich chick with a swollen and inflamed right leg at the knee area.
Successfully treated
22-Aug 23
Buffalo
Kigio, Naivasha
Snared
Adult female buffalo wounded by a nylon rope snare on the front left leg.
Successfully treated
22-Aug 23
Zebra
Green Park, Naivasha
Natural Causes
Ill adult female zebra walking around in circles.
Successfully treated
22-Aug 23
Ostrich
Green Park, Naivasha
Natural Causes
Repeat treatment of the lame ostrich chick attended to on 18/08/2023.
Successfully treated
23-Aug 23
Zebra
Nini Farm, Naivasha
HWC
Female zebra foal snared on the left front limb by a plastic container.
Successfully Treated
25-Aug 23
Giraffe
Kigio, Naivasha
Natural Causes
Female Rothchild's giraffe calf with a complete open fracture of right front leg.
Died. Euthanized
27-Aug 23
Buffalo
Kongoni, Naivasha
Snared
Adult male buffalo with a wire snare on the left hind leg.
Poaching Death
27-Aug 23
Buffalo
Aquilla Farm, Naivasha
Snared
Adult female buffalo with a wire snare on the left hind leg.
Successfully treated
28-Aug 23
Giraffe
Naivasha
Snared
Adult female Masai giraffe with a wire snare on the right hind leg.
Successfully treated
28-Aug 23
Zebra
Green Park, Naivasha
Natural Causes
Adult female zebra treated on 22/08/2023 mauled by a hyena.
Died. Euthanized
29-Aug 23
Buffalo
Kwa Muhia, Naivasha
HWC
Translocation of an adult female buffalo after it strayed from Hell’s Gate N.P.
HWC Death
29-Aug 23
Zebra
Wileli, Naivasha
Snared
Adult female common zebra with a wire around the neck.
Successfully treated
SWT/KWS Rift Valley Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations August 2023
Case 1 – 07th August 2023 Giraffe
Snared
Morendat South Farm - Kenya Nut
Morendat Farm security staff reported seeing a snared adult male Masai giraffe. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The snared giraffe was immobilized with 15 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. The animal had a snare on the right front limb, causing a wound. The wound was cleaned with water, rinsed with Iodine, and sprayed with Alamycin to repel flies. 24,000 mg Oxytetracycline and 500 mg Flunixin Meglumine were administered intramuscularly while 10 ml Ivermectin was administered subcutaneously. Anaesthesia was reversed with 250 mg Naltrexone given intravenously and intramuscularly. Prognosis The giraffe bull has a good prognosis.
Case 2 – 07th August 2023 Zebra
Snared
Olmurogi – Kenya Nut
Kenya Nut Farm staff reported an adult female common zebra tethered by a wire snare on the left front limb. Immobilisation and Examination The zebra was darted with 5 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. Once the drugs had taken effect, the animal was examined and found to have sustained a fracture of the right front leg at the shoulder region. Sadly, the zebra had a poor prognosis for recovery and was put to rest to alleviate further pain and suffering. Prognosis The zebra had a poor prognosis and was put to rest to alleviate further pain and suffering.
Case 3 – 11th August 2023 Zebra
Snared
Nini Farm
Nini Farm staff reported an adult male common zebra with a wire snare on the right hind leg. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The snared stallion was immobilized with 5 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. The animal had a loose copper wire snare on its right hindlimb. The zebra was also tick infested. The snare was removed, and fortunately no injury was observed on the limb. 4 ml Ivermectin was administered subcutaneously along with 120g/l Cypermethrin applied spot on. Anaesthesia was reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone given intramuscularly and intravenously. Prognosis The zebra stallion has a good prognosis.
Case 4 – 12th August 2023 Lion
Natural Causes
Lake Nakuru National Park
The Senior Warden, Lake Nakuru National Park reported an adult male lion with an injury on its left front leg. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The lion was darted with 280 mg Ketamine and 4 mg Medetomidine. The 1st dart did not effectively immobilize the animal. Therefore, a 2nd dart with the same dosage was discharged 20 minutes later. Upon clinical examination, the lion was found to have been gored on the left front leg, the wound had become maggot infested. The wound was surgically opened for proper drainage then it was cleaned with water, rinsed with Iodine, and sprayed with a fly repellent (Alamycin® Aerosal). Additionally, 6,000 mg Amoxicillin and 4 mg Dexamethasone were administered intramuscularly while 4 ml Ivermectin and 20 ml Catosal were administered subcutaneously. Anaesthesia was reversed with 25 mg Atipamezole given intramuscularly one-hour post-darting. Prognosis The lion has a good prognosis.
Case 5 – 14th August 2023 Buffalo
Natural Causes
Kongoni Game Valley
Kongoni Game Valley staff reported an adult male buffalo that had been injured during a territorial fight. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bull was darted with 9 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. Upon physical examination, the buffalo was found to have been wounded on the front leg and flank. The wounds were cleaned with water and rinsed with Iodine. A fly repellent (Alamycin® Aerosal) was also applied on the wound. 24,000 mg Oxytetracycline antibiotics and 500 mg Flunixin Meglumine antiinflammatories were administered intramuscularly. 10 ml Ivermectin was also administered subcutaneously. Anaesthesia was reversed thereafter with 200 mg of Naltrexone given intravenously and intramuscularly. Prognosis The buffalo has a good prognosis.
Case 6 – 15th August 2023 Giraffe
Snared
Ecoscapes Ltd – Naivasha
Lentolia Wildlife Conservancy staff reported a snared adult female Masai giraffe. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The giraffe was darted with 14 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. The animal had a loose wire snare on its left hindleg. Fortunately, the giraffe had only suffered minor bruises on the snared limb. The snare was removed then anaesthesia was immediately reversed with 250 mg Naltrexone administered intravenously and intramuscularly. Prognosis The giraffe has a good prognosis.
Case 7 – 15th August 2023 Buffalo
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Jua Kali Farm, Naivasha
Hippo Point security staff reported finding an abandoned buffalo calf at the Jua Kali Farm chain link fence.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The buffalo calf was darted with 1.5 mg Etorphine and 10 mg Azaperone. Upon physical examination, the female buffalo calf was found to have some minor self-inflicted injuries. The wounds were sprayed with a fly repellent (Alamycin® Aerosal). 1,200 mg Amoxicillin and 150 mg Flunixin Meglumine were then administered intramuscularly while 3 ml Ivermectin and 10 ml Catosal were administered subcutaneously. Unfortunately, the calf’s herd could not be traced. Therefore, the calf was moved to Hippo Point. Anaesthesia was reversed on arrival with 125 mg Naltrexone given intravenously and intramuscularly. However, the calf failed to stand. The buffalo calf was therefore put in a boma at Hippo Point for further management. The calf was released early the following morning to join the herd. Prognosis The buffalo calf has a good prognosis.
On 16th August 2023, the Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit participated in a stakeholder’s meeting at Loldia Wildlife Conservancy drawing participants from the wider Eburu Forest and Lake Naivasha Corridor.
Case 8 – 17th August 2023 Buffalo
Natural Causes
Marula Estates
Marula Estates security staff reported a severely lame adult female buffalo. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The buffalo cow was darted with 7.5 mg Etorphine and 50 mg Azaperone. Upon physical examination, the buffalo was found to have suffered a leg fracture of the left front limb which had healed with malunion, causing lameness. 250 mg Flunixin Meglumine was administered intramuscularly, 6 ml Ivermectin and 20 ml Catosal were also administered subcutaneously. Anaesthesia was then reversed with 100 mg Naltrexone given intravenously and intramuscularly. Prognosis The buffalo has a good prognosis.
Case 9 – 18th August 2023 Ostrich
Natural Causes
Green Park Estate
Kamaura from Green Park Estate reported a lame male Masai ostrich chick. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The four (4) chicks that were being cared for were on maize and kales diet. The veterinarian recommended supplementing their diet with Selenium, Vit. E, and other multivitamins along with commercial grower mash to address deficiencies. The lame ostrich chick was manually restrained. It had a swollen and inflamed right leg at the knee region. 600 mg Amoxicillin and 2 mg Dexamethasone were administered intramuscularly. Prognosis The ostrich chick has a good prognosis.
Case 10 – 22nd August 2023 Buffalo
Snared
Kigio Group Ranch
The Kigio Group Ranch manager reported a case involving a snared adult female buffalo. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The buffalo cow was darted with 8 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. The animal had a nylon rope snare on the left front leg, causing a wound. The cow was also trapped between 2 electric fence lines. The snare was removed then the wound was cleaned with water, rinsed with Iodine, and sprayed with a fly repellent (Alamycin® Aerosal). Additionally, 18,000 mg Oxytetracycline and 300 mg Flunixin meglumine were administered intramuscularly while 6 ml Ivermectin was administered subcutaneously. Anaesthesia was reversed with 200 mg Naltrexone given intramuscularly and intravenously. Prognosis The buffalo has a good prognosis.
Case 11 – 22nd August 2023 Zebra
Natural Causes
Green Park Estate, Naivasha
Green Park security staff reported an adult female zebra that was unwell.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra mare was found walking around in circles. It was darted with 5 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. Upon physical examination, the zebra was found to have lost its sight due tick initiated myasis with CNS involvement. 12,000 mg Oxytetracycline was administered intramuscularly, 4 ml Ivermectin was administered subcutaneously and 120g/L Cypermethrin was applied spot on. Anaesthesia was reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone given intravenously and intramuscularly. Prognosis The zebra mare has a poor prognosis.
Case 12 – 22nd August 2023 Ostrich
Natural Causes
Green Park Estate
The Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit performed follow up treatment on the lame Masai ostrich chick treated on 18/08/2023. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The ostrich chick was manually restrained. The inflammation on the right leg at the knee region had slightly reduced. The owner was advised to continue supplementation feeding with Selenium & Vitamin E et al., (multivitamins) as well as commercial grower mash. 600 mg Amoxicillin and 2 mg Dexamethasone was administered intramuscularly. Prognosis The ostrich chick has a good prognosis.
Case 13 – 23rd August 2023 Zebra
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Nini Farm
Nini Farm staff reported a zebra foal snared by a plastic container on its left front leg. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The female zebra foal was darted with 3 mg Etorphine and 50 mg Azaperone. The zebra’s left front leg was trapped in a plastic container causing minor bruises. A fly repellent (Alamycin® Aerosal) was applied on the bruises then 4 ml Ivermectin was administered subcutaneously. 120 g/L Cypermethrin was also applied spot on. Anaesthesia was reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone administered intravenously and intramuscularly. Prognosis The zebra foal has a good prognosis.
Case 14 – 25th August 2023 Giraffe
Natural Causes
Kigio Group Ranch
The Kigio Group Ranch manager reported an injured Rothchild’s giraffe calf. Examination The female Rothchild’s giraffe calf had suffered a complete open fracture of right front leg. The fracture was also gangrenous. Sadly, the calf had a poor prognosis for recovery and was put to rest to alleviate further pain and suffering. Prognosis The Rothchild’s giraffe calf had a poor prognosis for recovery and was put to rest to alleviate further pain and suffering.
Case 15 – 27th August 2023 Buffalo
Snared
Kongoni Game Valley
Kongoni Game Valley staff reported an adult male buffalo with a wire snare on the left hind leg. Immobilisation and examination The buffalo bull was darted with 9 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. It had a wire snare on the left hind leg, causing a wound. The snare was cut off with wire cutters then the wound was cleaned with water, rinsed with Iodine, and sprayed with a fly repellent (Alamycin® Aerosal). Additionally, the following drugs were administered intramuscularly: 18,000 mg Oxytetracycline and 300 mg Flunixin meglumine. Prognosis and mangement Sadly, the buffalo developed anaesthesia complications that included vomiting, apnea and fatal cardiac arrest and died during treatment. These complications were attributed to the animal’s advanced age. The carcass was safely disposed of.
Case 16 – 27th August 2023 Buffalo
Snared
Aquilla Farm, Naivasha
The Aquilla farm security manager reported a case involving a snared adult female buffalo. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The buffalo cow was darted with 8 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. The animal had been feeding poorly, due to the significant pain and discomfort caused by the snare. The cow displayed poor body condition and dehydration. The wire snare was on the buffalo’s right hind leg and had caused a wound. The snare was cut off with wire cutters then the wound was cleaned with water and rinsed with Iodine. A fly repellent (Alamycin® Aerosal) was applied topically then 18,000 mg Oxytetracycline, 300 mg Flunixin meglumine and 40 ml Catosal were administered intramuscularly. 6 ml Ivermectin was also administered subcutaneously. Anaesthesia was reversed with 200 mg Naltrexone given intravenously and intramuscularly. Prognosis The buffalo cow has a favourable to guarded prognosis.
Case 17 – 28th August 2023 Giraffe
Snared
Sanctuary Farm, Naivasha
Sanctuary Farm security staff reported a snared adult female giraffe. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The adult female Masai giraffe was darted with 14 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. The animal had a wire snare on its right hind leg inflicting minor bruising. The snare was removed then anaesthesia was reversed with 250 mg Naltrexone given intravenously and intramuscularly. Prognosis The giraffe has a good prognosis.
Case 18 – 28th August 2023 Zebra
Natural Causes
Green Park Estate, Naivasha
This adult female zebra had been treated on 22/08/2023 for CNS involvement - tick initiated myasis. On this day, Green Park Estate security staff reported that the zebra had been mauled by a hyena. Examination The zebra had been mauled by a hyena on the perineum, udder, and abdomen. In addition, the zebra was walking in circles due to CNS involvement - tick initiated myasis. Sadly, the animal had a poor prognosis. Therefore, it was put to rest to alleviate further pain and suffering. Prognosis The zebra had a poor prognosis and was put to rest to alleviate further pain and suffering.
Case 19 – 29th August 2023 Buffalo
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Kwa Muhia Shopping Centre
KWS security staff (PAC) at Hells Gate National Park reported that an adult female buffalo had strayed from the park and the dispersal area. The rogue buffalo ended up in Kwa Muhia Shopping Centre and was a threat to the residents of the small town. Immediate translocation was required. Immobilisation and translocation The buffalo cow was darted with 8 mg Etorphine and 50 mg Azaperone. When the dart landed, the buffalo was startled and run off. At this point, a large, excited, surging crowd of citizens caused the buffalo to run across the tarmac road into an electric fence. Tragically, the buffalo suffered electrical injuries and burns during the final phase of immobilization. It was then loaded onto the bed of pick - up truck and translocated while under general anaesthesia to Hells Gate N.P. Sadly, the buffalo was pronounced dead upon arrival at the release site. The animal had experienced complications during the translocation process that included fatal cardiac arrest. The carcass was safely disposed of in the park.
Case 20 – 29th August 2023 Zebra
Snared
Wileli Conservancy, Naivasha
The SWT – KWS De-snaring Unit reported a case involving a snared adult female zebra. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted with 5 mg Etorphine and 80 mg Azaperone. The animal had a loose double plain wire snare around the neck. Fortunately, the snare had not inflicted any injury on the zebra’s neck. The snare was removed then anaesthesia was reversed with 75 mg Naltrexone administered intravenously and intramuscularly. Prognosis The zebra has a good prognosis.