SWT/KWS Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Report for September2022

8 Cases in September 3 Poaching Cases

September Report by Dr. Kariuki Edward

1 Elephant Case

Amboseli ecosystem experienced a dry and hot period in September. Vegetation dried off and most grasses, except for stumps of Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), were completely degraded or removed. Weak, old, and young animals were significantly affected by these harsh conditions, and many died of exhaustion and thirst. Forage was very scarce for herbivores, a good number of these animals had to rely on the little vegetation left within the swamps for sustenance.

The Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Unit attended to 8 cases in September, 1 of these cases involved an abandoned elephant calf that was successfully rescued. 3 cases, all involving giraffes, were related to poaching. Additionally, the Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Unit carried out disease surveillance and supported sample collection and collaring for ongoing research on baboons in the Amboseli ecosystem.

Acknowledgement

We thank Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for funding the Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Unit We also thank the staff and rangers from SORALO, Kuku, BLF, Eselenkei and Amboseli Elephant Research for their assistance during veterinary interventions Additionally, anyone who may not have been mentioned but supported the monitoring of distressed wildlife is highly appreciated.

Case Details

Giraffe Snared Tinga, Kajiado

The SOLARO team at Tinga reported a giraffe that had a snare around the neck

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The giraffe was darted with 50mg Azaperone and 14mg Etorphine. The giraffe responded well to the sedative, and it was completely immobilized 15 minutes post darting. The sub adult giraffe maintained stable vitals during the treatment

The neck and general body had not suffered any injury since the wire hung loose. 4 ml Amoxicillin was administered intramuscularly to cover for systemic bacterial infection then Diprenorphine was administered intravenously to reverse anaesthesia.

Prognosis

The giraffe has a good prognosis.

Lion Natural Causes Amboseli National Park

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The lion was darted with 300mg Ketamine chloride and 6mg Medetomidine. The first dart had little effect since it was probably discharged superficially into the skin. The lion was therefore darted again, and it was completely immobilized 30 minutes after the first dart landed Stable sedation was achieved throughout treatment.

The lion had an injury on the face and a slit on the upper lip. The wounds were cleaned and disinfected then 30ml Amoxicillin was administered intramuscularly to cover for systemic bacterial infection.

Prognosis

The lion was successfully revied, it has a good prognosis for full recovery.

Mr Eric Karama from Elephant Camp reported a lion that had been injured on the face after a fight.

Several Species Disease Surveillance

Amboseli National Park

The Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Unit continued investigating Anthrax cases in Amboseli National Park after positive cases were reported in August. Anthrax is a zoonotic disease caused by spore forming bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. It is common in herbivores, but it can affect persons exposed to infected tissue and infected animal carcasses. Anthrax is highly fatal; therefore, it is a notifiable disease. Samples collected from carcasses found within the park were processed and examined for Anthrax by smear staining and microscopy.

General Findings

Most animals presented with severe emaciation and pale, dried mucous membranes. Zebras had produced loose faecal material which had a higher number of worms than is naturally normal. Buffaloes, hippos, and wildebeest seemed to have suffered the most. Wildebeests had signs of diarrhoea and exhibited hair matting around the anal opening. Samples from the following carcasses were collected and tested for Anthrax:

Carcass Tested Positive Tested Negative Zebra 0 0 Elephant 0 1 Buffaloes 1 0 Hippos 0 0 Wildebeest 3 2 Total 4 3

Cause of Death

1 Buffalo and 3 wildebeest tested positive for Anthrax. However, all of the animals found dead, including those that tested positive for Anthrax, died from drought related complications.

Giraffe

Arrow Eselenkei

The Big Life Foundation (BLF) team at Eselenkei reported a giraffe that had been shot in the back with 3 arrows.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The giraffe was darted with 14mg Etorphine and 50mg Azaperone. It went down in a thicket when the drugs took effect 12 minutes later It took a while for the veterinary team to cut through the bush and secure the animal. This resulted in the giraffe taking a longer duration to recover from anaesthesia.

The 3 arrowheads were carefully removed then the infected wounds were cleaned, disinfected, and covered with Tetracycline wound spray. 60ml Amoxicillin was administered to counter systemic bacterial infections. It took about 45 minutes for the giraffe to fully recover from anaesthesia.

Prognosis

The giraffe has a good prognosis.

Vultures

Post mortem Amboseli National Park

Diana from the Nature Kenya team found several dead vultures near the southern park boundary

General findings

The vultures were in an advanced state of decomposition, they had also been scavenged upon therefore no pathological lesions were visible.

Cause of Death

The cause of death was inconclusive due to the advanced state of decomposition. The carcasses were disposed off by burning.

Baboons Technical Case Kitirua

The Baboon Trust has carried out more than 50 years of research on baboons in the Amboseli Ecosystem. The Trust continuously follows a group of approximately 400 baboons in the region. This old baboon family is of significant scientific output in the study of primate ecology. Baboon Trust researchers with support from the Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Unit captured 11 baboons.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The baboons were darted with Tiletamine and Zoalezipam. 11 adult baboons (4 males, and 7 females) were immobilized, sampled, and 5 were collared. Data including body mass, long bone measurements, tooth casts, hair samples, and blood samples for genetics were collected. 2 VHF (radio) collars and 3 GPS collars were deployed on females. The female baboons had good body condition, an average temperature of 35.8 degrees and they weighed between 11 kg and 23.3 kg. The females had complete dental formulae, and the examined lymph nodes were normal in size. All the above parameters were used to determine which baboons should be collared. A few males had broken teeth and slightly swollen lymph nodes. Blood, skin, and hair samples were collected for further analysis.

Prognosis

The baboons have a good prognosis

Giraffe Snared Maisuyati

The BLF team in Kuku reported a giraffe with a wire snare around the neck.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The giraffe was darted with 12 mg Etorphine and 50 mg Azaperone. It responded well to the drugs and was completely immobilized 12 minutes later.

Fortunately, the wire snare on the giraffe’s neck had not inflicted any injury. The wire snare was cut off then 40ml Amoxicillin was administered to counter bacterial infections. Anaesthesia was reversed with Diprenorphine and Naltrexone administered intravenously. The giraffe rose a few minutes later

Prognosis

The giraffe has a good prognosis.

Elephant Rescue Amboseli National Park

The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust office informed the Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Unit of the abandoned elephant calf. No prior history could be established.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant calf was emaciated, it had edema and severe dehydration.

The calf was darted with 140mg Azaperone and the sedative took effect after 15 minutes. The calf was then manually captured and transported by vehicle to the Amboseli Airstrip from where it was flown to the SWT nursery for further care. 50mg Azaperone was administered at the beginning of the flight.

Prognosis

The calf has a good prognosis