JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2024
SKY VET QUARTERLY OVERVIEW
During June to September 2024 the SWT/KWS Sky Vet program was called to handle 23 wildlife cases involving 33 animals. Of the cases, 20 involved elephants, 8 were related to poaching and 7 to Human-Wildlife Conflict.
Due to the dry season, this quarter has been marked with an increase in elephants falling into wells, usually dug by people for watering livestock. This has been especially prevalent in Kuranze Ranch, which is far south, skirting along the Tanzania border. On 7 separate occasions, 17 elephants were extracted from wells, including an elephant with 2 babies, and two cases of a mother and a single calf. On the 30th September a total of 7 elephants were extracted from a steep sided dam, requiring the mobilisation of an excavator for such a huge task. Thankfully, after a long day and a lot of teamwork, the herd were finally freed in the early hours of the morning.
The Unit also rescued two elephant calves, one with severe lion injuries and another that was found alone. A further 5 elephants were treated for spear (1), arrow (1) and snare (3) wounds as well as 2 zebras and a giraffe treated for snare injuries. Sadly, two of the elephants succumbed but the other animals were given a good prognosis.
Out of the cases treated there was an overall 69% success rate. 23 Cases
23 Cases Attended to by the SWT/KWS Sky Vet Unit
June - September 2024
Outcomes of Cases Attended to by the SWT/KWS Sky Vet Unit
June - September 2024
Giraffe Plains Game Elephant
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Case 1 – 5th June 2024
Elephant
Natural Causes
SWT's desnaring team reported an injured elephant bull to AMVU. The vet team travelled to the site using an aircraft and attended to the wounded elephant bull in the early afternoon of 5th June 2024 using a helicopter.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The elephant presented with a bleeding abdominal wound. A helicopter helped in darting the elephant and controlling it from moving into the bush. The elephant attained successful immobilization in 10 minutes using 20mg of Etorphine HCl.
The bull had a wound on the right abdominal area. The wound oozed blood due to the bruising injuries. The blood-filled wound was irrigated with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine solution. Amoxicillin injection and Oxytetracycline spray were applied to cover for bacterial infection. The bull was revived using naltrexone and favourably woke up after the drug administration
Prognosis
The elephant has a good prognosis.
Tsavo West National Park
Elephant Arrow
Tsavo West National Park
KWS rangers on park patrol reported an injured elephant to AMVU. The bull presented with a swelling and oozing pus. The vet team moved to the site using an aircraft and a helicopter to immobilize and treat the bull
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The elephant was easily darted and attained successful immobilization using 20mg of Etorphine HCl.
The bull had no foreign body in the wound but a lot of pus. The pus-filled wound was lanced and drained mechanically. Hydrogen peroxide was used for dead tissue debridement and Iodine for bacteria control.
Amoxicillin injection and Oxytetracycline spray were also applied to cover for bacterial infection. Flunixin injection was administered to cover for pain and inflammatory reactions. The bull was revived using naltrexone and favourably woke up after the drug administration.
Prognosis
The elephant was given a good prognosis.
Case
Elephant Spear
Galana Ranch
This adult elephant bull was seen on lateral recumbency by the SWT/ KWS rangers on patrol within Galana Conservancy. He had a wound on his left hindlimb. The SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit was airlifted to the site to attend to the elephant, but sadly the bull died before treatment could be administered.
Post-mortem findings
The affected limb was swollen, and it had a wound on the anterior surface that was oozing pus. Additionally, granulation tissue had formed on the wound. Upon opening the wound site, pus enclosed with bone fracture fragments was found. There was a split fracture on the distal diaphysis of the tibia with complete dislocation of the tibio-tarsal joint. This was believed to have most likely been caused by a spear blow to the bone and subsequent joint dissolution from infection.
Cause of death
The elephant died from septic shock due to the severely infected wound.
Giraffe Snared
Rukinga Ranch
Rangers in Rukinga Ranch spotted an adult male Masai giraffe with a wire snare around his neck.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The giraffe was darted from a helicopter and successfully immobilized with a combination of 14mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 60 mg Azaperone. It took 9 minutes for the drugs to take effect.
Examination revealed a winch wire loosely bound around the neck of the giraffe. Luckily, the wire snare had not inflicted any injuries on the animal’s neck. The wire snare was cut loose with wire cutters and anaesthesia reversed with 150 mg Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via the jugular vein. The giraffe stood and hastily walked away 4 minutes later.
Prognosis
The giraffe has a good prognosis.
Zebra Snared
Rukinga Ranch
An adult male common zebra in Rukinga Ranch was seen with a snare that had inflicted a deep wound on the neck.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The zebra was successfully immobilized with a combination of 7mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 60mg Azaperone hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan-inject dart. The animal was darted from the helicopter, and it took 8 minutes for the drugs to take effect.
Examination revealed the tight winch wire had injured the zebra’s neck. The snare was cut loose with wire cutters and removed. The wound was then cleaned with water, flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water, and infused with tincture of Iodine. Topical antibiotic spray was thereafter applied on the wound.
Prognosis
Anaesthesia was reversed with 100mg Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via the jugular vein. The zebra stood and dashed away 3 minutes later. The zebra stallion has a good prognosis.
Elephant Snared
Ithumba, Tsavo East National Park
An adult elephant bull with a purulent wound at the radiocarpal joint on the left forelimb was spotted by a SWT pilot on routine patrol. The Veterinary Unit was informed and was airlifted to attend to the animal.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The elephant was darted from a helicopter and immobilized with 18mg Etorphine delivered remotely via a 3cc Dan inject dart. It took 6 minutes for the drug to take effect Examination revealed several small wounds circumnavigating the radiocarpal joint. The wounds were oozing pus, and on probing a deeply embedded wire snare was discovered. The wire snare was removed with pliers, the wounds were cleaned and devitalized tissues removed. Thereafter, the wounds were flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water and infused with tincture of Iodine. Topical antibiotic spray was then applied topically. Additionally, antiinflammatory medication was administered parenterally. The elephant was revived with 200mg Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via a prominent ear vein. The bull stood and walked away 3 minutes later.
Prognosis
The elephant bull has a good prognosis.
Elephant
Natural Causes
Finch Hattons, Tsavo West
This adult elephant bull was spotted close to Finch Hatton’s lodge. He had a wound on his left forelimb.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The elephant bull was darted from a helicopter and immobilized with 18mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely via a 3cc Dan inject dart. It took 8 minutes for full anaesthesia to be achieved.
Examination revealed a perforating wound on his left forelimb just above the radio carpal joint. This wound was suspected to have been inflicted by the tusk of a rival elephant during a fight. One wound opening had formed excessive granulation tissue and had pus. Both wounds were thoroughly cleaned, debrided and flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, they were then infused with tincture of Iodine and packed with antibiotic pessaries and green clay. Topical antibiotic spray was applied on both wounds. Antibiotics and antiinflammatory drugs were also administered parenterally before anaesthesia was reversed with 200mg Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via a prominent ear vein.
Prognosis
The elephant bull has a fair prognosis, his recovery will be monitored.
Elephant
Natural Causes
Lake Jipe National Park
The animal was seen looking slow and in poor body condition with masses hanging down her abdomen.
Immobilisation and examination
The elephant collapsed prior to immobilization attempt. Once down she was dministered 7mg of Etorphine IM to mitigate stress and allow for safe examination.
Identified multiple hard, pendulous masses spanning from the level of the thoracic cavity to below the hind limbs and an additional mass under the jaw. The elephant succumbed necessitating a necropsy examination.
Post-mortem Findings
The gastrointestinal tract was devoid of ingesta with a thickened lumen, suggesting impaired gut motility. The masses were consistent with organized fat and muscle, firmly attached to the peritoneum.
Cause of Death
The physical burden of the masses likely impeded normal gastrointestinal function, leading to malnutrition and critical energy deficits. It is also possible that herniation of the intestines had previously occurred and reorganized into the masses observed. The elephant likely succumbed to complications arising from the mass-induced impairment of normal physiological functions
Case 9 – 30th July 2024
Zebra Snared Manyani, Tsavo
Reported to have a wire snare around its neck.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The zebra was immobilised with 6mg Etorphine and 50mg Azaperone loaded into a dart and administered using a Dan-inject dart gun to facilitate safe approach and handling.
The vet found a wire snare loosely encircling the neck, posing a risk of deeper injury or strangulation.
The snare was successfully removed using a wire cutter.The zebra was administered multivitamins to support recovery.
Prognosis
The intervention was successful in removing the snare, with immediate supportive care provided. The zebra is expected to recover fully with proper monitoring and minimal risk of complications.
Natural Causes
This injured elephant was a candidate of a KWS collar deployment exercise, it was noted that he had a wound on the inguinal area.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The elephant was darted from a helicopter with 20mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. It was successfully immobilised in 8 minutes.
Examination revealed a wound at the inguinal area, the wound was suspected to be a fight wound. The wound was thoroughly cleaned and debrided, this was followed by flushing with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsing with water and infusing with Iodine solution. Topical antibiotic spray was thereafter applied on the wound.
Reversal and prognosis
He was revived using 200mg Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via a prominent ear vein. He rose and walked away 2 minutes later
Prognosis is good.
Tsavo East National Park
Case 11 – 14th August 2024
Elephant Snared Tsavo East National Park
This elephant was spotted by the Wildlife works/KWS Rangers with a tight wire snare round the head.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This bull was successfully immobilized from a helicopter using 18mg Etorphine hydrochloride
Examination revealed a thick crane wire snare tightly tied around the head, behind the right ear and over the left ear. This had unfortunately led to ischemia of both ears resulting in tissue swelling and gangrene formation. The wire snare was immediately cut using wire cutters, this was followed by thorough cleaning of the wounds using clean water, disinfection using tincture of Iodine and application of topical antibiotic spray.
Unfortunately the bull succumbed during treatment.
Post-mortem findings
The tight wire had ligated blood supply and venous return of both ears resulting in severe ischemia of both ears. All blood vessels in the ears were collapsed and they had begun to necrotize. The face was inflamed and swollen. The snare partially obstructed the nares at the base of the trunk limiting his breathing. The bull succumbed due to influx of toxins as a result of release of the tight wire snare that had formed a tourniquet.
Case 12 – 15th August 2024
Elephant Snared Tsavo East National Park
This young elephant calf was spotted by the SWT pilot during routine patrols in the park, she had a snare and was dragging a log.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The calf was with her family the team therefore decided to immobilize both the calf and the mother to ease the de snaring operation. The mother was immobilized using 18mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered in a 3cc Dan inject dart. She was darted from the helicopter and it took 7 minutes for full anesthesia to be achieved. The calf was thereafter anesthetized using 3mg Etorphine hydrochloride;, she was darted on foot and was fully anesthetized 8 minutes later.
Examination revealed a winch wire snare tied around the neck, the other free end was secured to a piece of log that the calf had been dragging along. The wire snare was cut immediately and the calf was given anti inflamatories parenterally. Topical antibiotic spray was applied on the bruises inflicted by the snare.
Revival and prognosis
The mother and calf were revived using naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via prominent ear veins. They both rose and walked away 3 minutes later. Prognosis is good.
Case
Elephant
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Tsavo East National Park
This bull was spotted in the community by the KWS/SWT team at the area after they recovered one tusk that the bull had dropped.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This bull was immobilized from a helicopter using 20mg Etorphine hydrochloride.
Examination revealed a deep fight wound on the right side of his face slightly below the eye, the wound was oozing pus. The fallen tusk left a gape with part of its fragments embedded. The tusk fragments, devitalized tissues and pus were all evacuated from the wounds, this was followed by flushing the wounds using Hydrogen peroxide, water and infusing Iodine. Topical antibiotic spray was thereafter applied on the wounds. The bull was given Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin anti-inflammatories parenterally.
Translocation
The bull was carefully hoisted onto a flatbed translocation truck where he was secured using straps and translocated away from the community into a safe conservation area (KARI). The elephants vitals were monitored during transit and to ensure the depth of anesthesia was sufficient. On arrival, the anaesthesia was reversed and he walked away 4 minutes later. His prognosis is guarded.
Case
Elephant
Human Wildlife Conflict
Kuranze Ranch
Herders discovered a female elephant and her infant calf trapped inside a deep, water-filled well on Kuranze Ranch. Extracting an adult elephant is never easy, but the presence of a calf significantly complicated matters.
Rescue Mission
The SWT helicopter collected the SWT/KWS Tsavo Vet Unit, and a SWT grader, which was luckily only 30km from the well, made the slow journey by road. By the time SWT teams arrived, the herders had extracted the calf and tied him to a tree, ensuring he didn't run off while his mother remained trapped
Dr Limo felt it would be too risky to anaesthetise the elephant in the water. Instead, we decided to use the grader to backfill the well which would raise water levels, floating the elephant to a makeshift step from which she could clamber to safety. The calf was untied from the tree and shepherded back towards the well, so he would meet his mum when she emerged. The mother clambered to safety and made a beeline for her baby the moment she reached solid ground. This was hugely fortunate; if she had gone off in the other direction, we would have been faced with the formidable task of engineering a reunion. The helicopter immediately lifted off the ground and circled overhead to be certain that mum and baby had linked up. The pilot was greeted by a heartwarming scene: The mum inspected her baby from trunk to tail, making sure he was okay. And then, even better, the rest of the herd circled in, enveloping the pair back into the fold.
Case 15 – 2nd September 2024
Elephant
Human Wildlife Conflict
Kuranze Ranch
Once again, we were called by the KWS Commander to come to southern Kenya to rescue two elephants from Kuranze Well A mother elephant and her tiny calf had fallen into a well and were hopelessly stuck. The mum was submerged, using her trunk as a snorkel, while her baby was struggling to keep her head above water.
Rescue Mission
The SWT helicopter flew to the site with manpower and equipment. For the previous case we had a grader nearby, which we used to backfill the well to create a step but this week, we had a water bowser in the vicinity instead. We used the bowser to further fill the well using water from a nearby well. As the water level rose, the elephants would float to freedom. When the teams arrived, the calf was exhausted and really struggling to swim. It would take several hours to pump the well up to an adequate level, and we feared she would not be able to tread water for that long, so ropes were secured around her and she was pulled to solid ground and taken to rest in the shade until the extraction was complete.
Using our bowser and a supplemental water pump, it was slow but steady going to fill the well. When the water level rose to the lip, we threw ropes around the mum, which we then tied to the bowser and a Land Cruiser. Pulling in tandem, they dragged the elephant to freedom. As soon as the mum was standing on all four feet, we released her calf. They ran right to each other and reunited with a sense of palpable relief.
Case 16 – 8th September 2024
Elephant Natural Causes Kanga Area, Tsavo West National Park
This adult elephant bull was spotted by a SWT pilot during a routine patrol around the park, he had a swelling on the flank area. The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit was notified and responded to investigate.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The elephant was successfully immobilized with 20 mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was carried out from a helicopter, and it took 9 minutes for the drugs to take effect.
Examination revealed a firm swelling on the right flank area, on aspiration no contents were extracted. The swelling was confirmed to be excessive granulation tissue formed during the healing process Anaesthesia was immediately reversed with 200 mg Naltrexone hydrochloride delivered intravenously via a prominent ear vein. The bull stood slowly and walked away 3 minutes later.
Prognosis
The elephant bull has a good prognosis.
Elephant Rescue Wamata, Tsavo East National Park
Our fixed-wing pilot was flying along the Tiva River when he spotted a little elephant near Wamata, in Tsavo East National Park. She was alone and visibly forlorn, partially shrouded in the riverine forest.
Rescue
Fortunately, the SWT helicopter had just wrapped up a separate operation and was in the area. It conducted another aerial sweep for any family groups, which again came up empty. While we cannot say how she came to be orphaned, it is possible that she was left behind in the dry season or perhaps something happened to her mother. Now, it was time to bring the little orphan to safety.
The ground teams approached the calf on foot. Given her weakened state, she didn’t put up much resistance. They loaded her onto a stretcher and carried her to the helicopter, which whisked her up to our Nairobi Nursery.
In Nairobi, the little orphan was greeted by a team of men in green. The Keepers showed her into her new stable, which was stocked with freshly cut branches and soft hay. She spent her first night with us surrounded by the comforting rumbles of the other orphans. We named her Wamata, to forever connect her to her origins.
Case 18 – 16th September 2024
Elephant
Human Wildlife Conflict
Kuranze Ranch
Like so many ranches across Kenya, Kuranze Ranch is mixed use for wildlife and livestock. There are hundreds of wells across the landscape, and unfortunately, fencing every single one is simply not feasible. But when wildlife fall into trouble, rest assured that we will be there to help them. This was yet another case of a mother and not one, but two infants that had fallen into a well and required extraction.
Rescue Mission
The SWT helicopter and ground teams arrived on the scene to find a mother and her juvenile offspring (approx. 3-year-old calf) and a much younger calf that was less than a year old, trapped inside a deep well. Once again, the teams mobilised the equipment required to extract the helpless trio.
The best option was to fill the well with water and get the elephants closer to the lip of the well so they can clamber out. As the water levels rose, the youngest infant was quickly roped and pulled to safely, then secured nearby to wait for the rest of its family. Then as the water continued to rise, the team were able to rope and assist the older calf to solid ground. Due to the larger size, it was less likely that this juvenile would wander to far, so it was allowed to run away, and it moved off to a safe distance. Finally, the well was full enough that the mother elephant was able to free herself; the youngest calf was released, and they reunited with the older calf, clearly relieved to be back together and free!
Case
Elephant Natural Causes Gazi Area, Tsavo
This injured adult elephant bull was spotted outside the park in the community area, he had a wound on his upper thigh.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The bull was first herded back into Tsavo East National Park with assistance from a helicopter. He was darted on the way through the fence with 20 mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from the helicopter, and he was fully anaesthetized 8 minutes later.
Examination revealed a fresh fight wound, approximately 10 cm deep, on the posterior upper left thigh. The wound was flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water and infused with tincture of Iodine. Antibiotic pessaries and green clay were packed in the wound followed by topical antibiotic spray. The bull additionally received a shots of Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin anti-inflammatories parenterally. Anaesthesia was reversed with 200 mg Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via a prominent ear vein. He stood and slowly walked away 3 minutes later.
Prognosis
The elephant bull has a good prognosis.
Elephant Natural Causes
Kitenden, Amboseli
Biglife Foundation rangers reported an injured elephant bull to AMVU. The vet team travelled to the site using a vehicle and attended to a wounded elephant using a helicopter.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The elephant presented with two injuries on the gluteal muscles of both right and left hind limbs. A helicopter helped dart the elephant and controlled it from drifting away into the nearby village and bush. The elephant attained successful immobilization after 12 minutes post darting using 20mg of Etorphine HCl.
The bull had two wounds on both hind limbs. The wounds were fresh but had oozing pus. The wound was treated using Hydrogen peroxide to debride the dead tissues while Iodine solution helped cover opportunistic secondary infections. Amoxicillin injection and Oxytetracycline topical spray were applied to cover for bacterial infection. The bull was revived using naltrexone and favourably woke up after the drug administration.
Prognosis
The elephant bull has a good prognosis.
Unfortunately there are no pictures available for this case.
Case 21 – 20th September 2024
Elephant Human Wildlife Conflict
Kuranze Ranch
Again, an elephant had gotten trapped inside a deep, water-filled well on Kuranze Ranch something that has become an all-too-common occurrence during the dry season. The SWT helicopter flew down to the scene, where ground teams were ready and waiting.
Rescue Mission
The water went up to the elephant’s eye level, and the sides were almost vertical, making it impossible for her to climb out on her own. Even with all the manpower, horsepower, and equipment at our disposal, rescuing her was going to be a challenge. Extracting an adult elephant is an enormous undertaking, and each one unfolds a bit differently. Given the depth of this well, the only option was to fill it with water even further, to ‘float’ the elephant to a level where we could pull her out to safety. Thus began the long, complex undertaking of pumping water from a nearby well into the elephant’s well.
As the water rose, the team arranged ropes in a ring formation around the elephant, so they could pull her out. This required several tries, but at last, the ropes lined up perfectly behind the female. We attached them to two Land Cruisers, which moved in tandem to bring her to solid ground.
Despite the prolonged time she had spent in the well, the elephant was fighting fit. She ran off with remarkable speed no doubt to find her herd, which would still be in the area.
Elephant Rescue
Voi Wildlife Lodge, Tsavo East National Park
On the 23rd September, an young injured elephant was reported at the Voi Wildlife Lodge in Tsavo East National Park.
Rescue
The SWT helicopter immediately collected the Tsavo Mobile Vet and fell to the scene.
Sadly the little calf, had multiple wounds to his front and hind legs, presumably after being severely mauled by multiple lion attacks.
He was still with his herd, but would have died without extensive veterinary intervention. Even with treatment on site, he simply would not survive in wild conditions without continous care. The difficult call was made by Dr Limo of the KWS/SWT Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit to rescue the calf so that he could be given more dedicated and constant care.
This calf was also airlifted to the Nairobi Nursery by helicopter.
Case 23 – 20th September 2024
Elephant Human Wildlife Conflict
Kuranze Ranch
Yet again, the SWT teams were called to another report of elephants stuck in a well on Kuranze ranch. However, this case was more challenging as 7 elephants, (4 adults, 2 juveniles and 1 baby) had become stuck after entering a deep, steep sided dam built for livestock. The SWT helicopter quickly flew down with a rescue team and equipment.
Rescue Mission
This large dam had just been built; it had steep sides but with no easy access. This family of elephants entered the dam but then couldn’t exit out the sides. Thankfully, the adult and juvenile elephants could stand with their heads above water, but the little calf struggled to remain afloat and had to tread water. Due to the size of the dam, it was impossible to fill the dam with water as in previous cases, and SWT machines were too far away. There was also the additional challenge of crowd control as the dam became surrounded by local people – further stressing the trapped herd.
Luckily, we were able to mobilise an excavator from Ukunda but that was delayed as it needed a lowbed truck. The helicopter took to the sky and found a contractor with a 1955 caterpillar bulldozer nearby who was happy to help. Unfortunately, the dozer couldn’t quite the job done and had to stop at sunset. Thankfully the excavator arrived at midnight and the elephants were finally freed at about 1:30am.
