SWT/KWS AMBOSELI MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT MARCH 2021
Introduction
8 Cases in March
2 Lion Cases
3 Elephant Cases
March Report by Dr. Kariuki Edward SCA-Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Unit attended eight veterinary cases during March 2022. A cable wire was removed from a lion which was possibly set for livestock predators, but it is uncertain. A famous elephant bull (Tolstoy) suffered a suspected spear injury on the right forelimb in a farm adjacent to Kimana Sanctuary, this could have been a poaching or HWC incident. A necropsy on an elephant bull in Satao Elerai could not be concluded due to scavenging and destruction of internal organ systems. However, crucial to the case was maize remains that formed the stomach contents that could be attributed to farm raiding activities before death. All the other five cases were attributed to natural causes. Including a post-mortem on a zebra and an eland, as well as 1 on a lioness, though the exact cause of the lioness’ death could not be concluded due to advanced decomposition. A sick buffalo calf at Kaluku was examined but the prognosis was guarded due to a likely lung injury and a lame elephant bull was treated successfully at Tsavo East. Acknowledgement We thank Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for material support and Mobile Unit funding. Staff and Rangers at KWS, MWCT and BLF are acknowledged for their support and company during the veterinary interventions. Anyone who have not been mentioned but supported the Unit is highly acknowledged and appreciated.
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
8-Mar-22
Lion
Amboseli Environs
Snared
The lion had a snare cable on its right forelimb and interfered with its mobility
Successfully Treated
15-Mar-22
Elephant
Kimana Sanctuary
Spear
The right forelimb had a fresh puncture wound suspected to be from a spear
Successfully Treated
22-Mar-22
Zebra
Kimana Sanctuary
Postmortem
The cause of death was attributed to complications of due colic
Died
24-Mar-22
Eland
Amboseli Environs
Postmortem
Had been observed recumbent the previous evening then died a few hours later
Died
24-Mar-22
Buffalo
Kaluku, Tsavo
Natural Causes
The calf presented with a thoracic injury and laboured breathing
Prognosis Poor
24-Mar-22
Elephant
Tsavo West NP
Natural Causes
The elephant was lame with a long-term scapula fracture.
Successfully Treated
26-Mar-22
Lion
Kuku Group Ranch
Postmortem
Full analysis could not be concluded due to incomplete organ systems
Died
27-Mar-22
Elephant
Kimana Sanctuary
Postmortem
The carcass presented a fair body condition, but autopsy was inconclusive
Died
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
SWT/KWS Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations March 2022
Case 1 – 8th March 2022 Lion
Snared
Olgulului Group Ranch, Amboseli Environs
Field researchers at Lion Guardian sighted and reported the lame lion to AMVU. The lion spent 3 days in the same location. A team composed of AMVU, Lion Guardian researchers and KWS rangers searched for the lion for treatment. The lion was located in an acacia thicket at Mishenani area. Immobilisation, examination and treatment A drug cocktail composed of 300mg Ketamine and 6mg Meditomidine helped in chemical capture of the injured lion. A vehicle helped in penetrating through the acacia thicket where the cat was resting, the lion was then darted with a Dan-inject projectile dart. The lion presented with a ring-shaped wound at the wrist and a swollen right forepaw. A tight cable wire was deeply embedded into the wound, probably due to the lion tightening the noose as he tried removing the wire. The cable wire was cut free with a wire cutter then the wound was irrigated with an Iodine solution to control local infection. The lion was administered with Dexamethazone and Amoxicillin for inflammatory reaction and bacterial infection respectively. Prognosis Finally, the lion was revived using intravenously administered Yohimbine. Prognosis is good.
Case 2 – 15th March 2022 Elephant
Spear
Kimana Sanctuary
AMVU was notified about an elephant (Tolstoy – a Big Tusker) that had a wounded forelimb. The elephant presented with good body condition but severe limping. The bull was observed to be alert and moved away when approached by a vehicle. A decision to dart was not made immediately as there was a risk of recumbency after immobilization due to its huge tusks. Big life rangers were advised to continue monitoring. On a revisit the next morning, Tolstoy was found sleeping on the ground but stood when he sensed human presence. With the confidence of him being able to wake up, a decision to immobilize him was determined. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was immobilized using a dart containing 20mg Etorphine hydrochloride. The dart was placed on the rump and worked efficiently in about 10 minutes. On physical examination, the right forelimb had a fresh puncture wound suspected to be from a spear. The wound was washed, infused with Hydrogen peroxide and topically irrigated with Iodine. Amoxicillin and Dexamethasone were given intramuscularly to cover for inflammatory reaction and bacterial infection. Prognosis Good, wound management was successful, and the elephant recovered safely from chemical immobilization.
Case 3 – 22nd March 2022 Zebra
Post-mortem
Kimana Sanctuary
Patrol rangers reported a dead zebra near Kimana gate. Post-mortem Examination AMVU visited the area and located the zebra for post-mortem examination and analysis. Cause of Death The cause of death was attributed to complications of due colic.
Case 4 – 24th March 2022 Eland
Post-mortem
Elerai Satao, Amboseli Environs
Big Life Patrol Rangers notified AMVU of an eland found dead near a borehole in Satao Elerai Community Conservancy. The eland had been observed recumbent the previous evening at around 18:00 hours but died a few hours following the sighting. Post-mortem Examination External examination: The carcass had good body condition but was heavily infested with ticks. The carcass had been scavenged on and opened by the time of the necropsy. The ears were missing and the stomach opened. Vomitus flowed out of the mouth and nose and covered the ground besides the carcass. Internal examination: Lungs were congested, and no significant findings were noted on the digestive system and the liver. Cause of Death Aspiration pneumonia.
Case 5 – 24th March 2022 Buffalo
Natural Causes
Kaluku, T savo
Kaluku office reported a sick buffalo calf that had been rescued from the wild and kept at the nursery for care and rehabilitation. Examination The calf presented with a thoracic injury and laboured breathing. The injury looked emphysematous and was likely due to a traumatic force that resulted in a probable lung injury. However, the animal was not treated since it had received antibiotic injections on the previous day Prognosis Guarded.
Case 6 – 24th March 2022 Elephant
Natural Causes
Tsavo West National Park
One SWT pilot while on patrol sighted the lame elephant. The AMVU team responded on the same day for examination and treatment. The SWT aircraft picked the Vet team from Amboseli and the SWT helicopter aided in elephant darting.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was lame with a long-term scapula fracture. It was treated with antibiotics and left to remain in the area. The injury is an old case that had been present for years before the day of the treatment. Relocation, revival and prognosis The animal had a presented with favorable prognosis but will remain lame for life. The scapula is crucial for weight bearing and such a massive and weighty animal pose a lifetime challenge to mobility.
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Case 7 – 26th March 2022 Lion
Post-mortem
Kuku Group Ranch
MWCT Rangers notified AMVU of a lioness found dead in the park adjacent to Kuku Group Ranch. The same team assisted AMVU in locating the carcass for post-mortem analysis. Post-mortem Examination The carcass was found scavenged upon and demonstrated advanced stages of decomposition. Existing remains were composed of the head and few broken ribs. Diarrhoea remains were observed in the area adjacent to the carcass Cause of Death Full analysis could not be concluded due to incomplete organ systems.
Case 8 – 27th March 2022 Elephant
Post-mortem
Kimana Group Ranch
Big Life Patrol Rangers notified AMVU of a dead elephant in Kimana Group Ranch. AMVU travelled to site and located the carcass for post-mortem analysis and the dead elephant was identified as Ulysses. Post-mortem Examination External examination: the carcass presented in fair body condition. The tusks were removed and under the custody of Kenya Wildlife Service. The carcass was scavenged and most internal organs eviscerated. Inconsistent organ systems hindered a complete post-mortem analysis. Internal examination: Maize and other farm products that could not be identified were part of the spilled contents after the evisceration of gut. The findings expressed a likelihood that the elephant died after a farm raid. Cause of Death Inconclusive; incomplete organ systems hindered full post-mortem examination and analysis.