SWT/KWS RIFT VALLEY MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT JANUARY 2022
Introduction
31 Cases in January
15 Poaching Cases
6 Elephant Cases
January Report by Dr. Titus Kaitho Many parts of Lake Naivasha and the Central Rift Conservation Area have received sporadic showers. However, the region is generally experiencing a dry spell, with pasture and browse availability decreasing. During the month, the Unit performed general patrols and attended to 31 cases. Some of the cases attended to were in the Masai Mara as the Mara Vet Unit were on leave. 15 of the cases attended to were poaching related including 12 snaring cases, 2 arrowed ostriches and 1 eland that narrowly escaped poachers and their hunting dogs. 3 elephants were collared as they were often involved in human-wildlife conflict. One elephant was also rescued from a muddy swamp. Acknowledgement We sincerely thank Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT), for support, resources & sponsorship for the Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit. We acknowledge Angela Sheldrick’s (SWT CEO), steadfast support. Kenya Wildlife Service supported the activities by availing personnel and other equipment that ensured the activities were successful which is highly appreciated. We sincerely thank all stakeholders and scouts and who reported the cases in distress. Thank you all.
SWT/KWS Rift Valley Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations January 2022
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
4-Jan-22
Giraffe
Naivasha
Snared
This male giraffe had been snared by a wire on the hind leg
Successfully Treated
4-Jan-22
Giraffe
Naivasha
Natural Causes
Suffering a swollen and inflamed front leg
Successfully Treated
4-Jan-22
Zebra
Naivasha
Natural Causes
The zebra had been wounded on the hind leg. The wound was septic
Successfully Treated
5-Jan-22
Zebra
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
On physical examination the zebra had a wire snare on neck
Successfully Treated
5-Jan-22
Zebra
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
The zebra had been snared and wounded by a wire snare on the hind leg
Successfully Treated
8-Jan-22
Elephant
Siana Conservancy
Natural Causes
This elephant matriarch was trapped and stuck in a muddy swamp
Task Successful
10-Jan-22
Antelope
Naivasha
Snared
This female oryx had been snared by a nylon rope on the neck and horns
Successfully Treated
10-Jan-22
Antelope
Naivasha
Relocation
Relocated from a crop area to a predator frere area
Task Successful
11-Jan-22
Buffalo
Naivasha
HWC
A buffalo accidentally got trapped and was electrocuted to death by the fence
HWC Death
13-Jan-22
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
Snared and wounded by a winch wire snare on the left front leg
Successfully Treated
14-Jan-22
Other
Naivasha
Snared
A warthog was tethered by a snare around the neck
Successfully Treated
14-Jan-22
Elephant
Mahimahiu
Collared
Collaring of one of the 11 elephants’ that had strayed into Mahimahiu Town
Task Successful
17-Jan-22
Zebra
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
The zebra had a wire snare on neck
Successfully Treated
17-Jan-22
Giraffe
Soysambu Conservancy
Research/ Survey
Establish the condition of the giraffe and their impacts on the habitat
Task Successful
18-Jan-22
Other
Lake Bogoria
Arrow
An arrow in the ostrich’s neck that was suspected to be laced with poison
Successfully Treated
18-Jan-22
Other
Lake Bogoria
Natural Causes
Had been injured, wounded and had a perforated oesophagus
Successfully Treated
18-Jan-22
Other
Lake Bogoria
Arrow
The ostrich had an arrow lodged in the abdomen, possibly poisonous
Successfully Treated
19-Jan-22
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
The zebra had been wounded by a wire snare on the left front leg
Successfully Treated
19-Jan-22
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
The zebra had been wounded by a winch wire snare on the right front leg
Successfully Treated
19-Jan-22
Giraffe
Naivasha
Natural Causes
This male giraffe calf had been wounded by a predator on the right flank
Successfully Treated
22-Jan-22
Eland
Naivasha
Poaching
Poachers hunting dogs chased an eland into a live wire fence
Successfully Treated
23-Jan-22
Elephant
Olare Orok Conservancy
Snared
The calf had been snared and wounded by a wire snare around the neck
Successfully Treated
23-Jan-22
Zebra
Masai Mara NR
Snared
The zebra had been snared around the neck and the hind leg
Successfully Treated
23-Jan-22
Zebra
Masai Mara NR
Snared
The zebra had been snared on the neck
Successfully Treated
24-Jan-22
Elephant
Oloisukut Conservancy
Collared
A collar needed to be replaced for monitoring purposes
Task Successful
25-Jan-22
Other
Mara Triangle
HWC
The piglet had been injured by a plastic ring around the leg
Successfully Treated
25-Jan-22
Other
Mara Triangle
Natural Causes
The warthog had been wounded on the front leg
Successfully Treated
25-Jan-22
Elephant
Lemek Conservancy
Natural Causes
The calf had a swollen leg, suspected to be a dislocation at the carpus region
Successfully Treated
27-Jan-22
Elephant
Narosura
Collared
Fitted the collar monitoring purposes as the family moves in the landscape
Task Successful
28-Jan-22
Zebra
Oserengoni Sanctuary
Natural Causes
The zebra had an extensive deep wound on the rump which was septic
Prognosis Poor
28-Jan-22
Zebra
Naivasha
Natural Causes
The zebra had a long standing fracture of the front leg with open wounds
Died
Case 1 – 4th January 2022 Giraffe
Snared
Lake Naivasha
This male giraffe had been snared by a wire on the hind leg. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The giraffe was with 10mg Etorphine combined with 60mg Azaperone. The snare was removed and the giraffe treated with 10ml Noromectin and 30ml Butasal. Reversal and Prognosis The giraffe was reversed from the anesthesia with 60mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM route. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 2 – 4th January 2022 Giraffe
Natural Causes
WRTI Game Ranch, Naivasha
This female giraffe suffered from a swollen and inflamed front leg. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The giraffe was immobilised with 12mg Etorphine combined with 60mg Azaperone. When the giraffe was immobilised she was administered 7,500mg Betamox, 10ml Noromectin, 2,000mg Phenylbutazone and 30ml Butasal. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 3 – 4th January 2022 Zebra
Natural Causes
Florensis Farm, Naivasha
This zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. Examination revealed, the zebra had been wounded on the hind leg which was septic. The wound was cleaned with water, Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with Iodine and sprayed with a fly repellant. The zebra was then given 6,000mg Betamox, 800mg Phenylbutazone, 4ml Noromecting and 15ml Butasal. Prognosis for a full recovery is good.
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Case 4 – 5th January 2022 Zebra
Snared
Soysambu Conservancy
A zebra with a wire snare around the neck was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The snare was quickly removed and the anesthetic reversed. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 5 – 5th January 2022 Zebra
Snare
Kasambara, Soysambu Conservancy
The Unit found this zebra with a snare on its hind leg whilst on patrol within the Conservancy. So the snare could be removed, the zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The wound caused by the snare was cleaned with water, rinsed with Iodine and sprayed with Alamycin wound spray as a fly repellant. Then the zebra was administered with 6,000mg Betamox, 200mg Flumeg and 4ml Noromectin. Prognosis is good.
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Case 6 – 8th January 2022 Elephant
Natural Causes
Siana Conservancy
This case was reported by the Senior Warden of Narok Station. Immobilisation, examination and treatment Initially the Unit attempted to manually restrain the elephant with ropes. Unfortunately, this didn’t work, and it was decided after a long struggle to put the elephant under general anesthesia. The elephant was darted with 10mg Etorphine then she was tied with ropes to two vehicles to pull her out of the muddy swamp. Reversal and Prognosis The anesthesia was reversed with 72mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM route. The matriarch was exhausted due to the day’s struggle in the mud but later, though with some difficulty to stand, she walked away from the swamp without any assistance. This was a challenging nights work, but the prognosis of the case is good and hopefully the elephant will make a full recovery.
Case 7 – 10th January 2022 Oryx
Snare
Marula Estates, Naivasha
This female oryx had been snared by a nylon rope on the neck and horns. The oryx was darted with 6mg Etorphine and 60mg Azaperone so the snare could be removed. The snare hadn’t caused any damage and was quickly removed. The oryx was released with a good prognosis.
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Case 8 – 10th January 2022 Impala
Relocation
Marula Estates, Naivasha
Marula Estates Ltd had made an urgent request for relocation of several herbivores from a crop section of the land. The majority were moved earlier but the last 2 impalas still remained and required translocation. They were very nervous around vehicles and people and not easily approachable. However, they were successfully darted with 2.5 mg Etorphine and 10mg Azaperone. The animals were manually loaded onto a on a pick-up truck with hay beddings and transported under general anesthesia for a distance of 8km across Lake Naivasha Moi North Road.
Case 9 – 11th January 2022 Buffalo
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Kedong Ranch, Naivasha
This female buffalo accidentally got trapped and was electrocuted to death by fence wires during the night at Kedong ranch. The carcass was buried in a deep pit on the property.
Case 10– 13h January 2022 Zebra
Snare
Naivasha
The Unit found this zebra with a snare around the leg whilst on routine patrol. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone . The zebra had been snared and wounded by a winch wire snare on the left front leg. The wound was cleaned liberally with water and rinsed thoroughly with tincture of Iodine. The wound was then sprayed with a fly repellant (Alamycin Aerosol). The zebra was then administered with 6,000mg Betamox, 1,000mg Phenylbutazone and 5ml Noromectin. The prognosis is good.
Case 11 – 14th January 2022 Warthog
Snare
Loldia Farm, Naivasha
This case was reported by Hon. Warden Gary Hoffcraft of Loldia farm. This male warthog was tethered by a snare around the neck. The warthog was physically restrained so the wire snare could be cut from the neck. He was then safely released. The case has a good prognosis.
Case 12 – 14th January 2022 Elephant
Collaring
Mahimahiu Town
This bull was one of 11 elephants that had strayed and visited Mahimahiu Town area. One of the bulls was planned to be darted for collaring to monitor the herd. Helicopter support was provided by Mara Elephant Project (MEP). The family was staying on the escarpment and had to be driven to the floor of Rift valley. The elephant was darted with 18mg Etorphine then quickly collared for monitoring purposes as the family moves in the landscape The bull was reversed from the anesthesia with 72mg Diprenorphine Hcl. The recovery was smooth and worked well
Case 13 – 17th January 2022 Zebra
Snare
Soysambu Conservancy
The zebra was immobilized with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. A wire snare was removed from the zebra’s neck. Thankfully it had not caused any damage. The anesthetic was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine given by IV & IM route. Prognosis is good.
Case 14 – 17th January 2022 Giraffe
Research/Survey
Soysambu Ranch
Congreve farm is a 6,000‐acre part of the Soysambu Conservancy (48,000 acres) adjacent to Lake Nakuru National Park. It’s a mixed used farm with a tourist facility the “Mbweha Camp” as well as a domestic livestock feeding area (2600 head of cattle). The main objective of the assessment is to establish the condition of the giraffe within Congreve as well as their impacts on the habitat especially the debarking of the acacia. The main methods of the collection of the information were through direct observations which revealed that it is necessary to move the 11 giraffes into Lake Nakuru National Park if the boundary fence is opened at a strategic point. The animals are sometimes browsing on trees directly sitting on the fence line.
Case 15– 18th January 2022 Ostrich
Arrow
Lake Bogoria
The ostrich was darted with 4mg Etorphine and 80mg Ketamine. The ostrich had an arrow lodged in the neck which was suspected to be laced with a poisonous substance. The arrow was removed and the wound cleaned with water, rinsed with tincture of Iodine and sprayed with a fly repellant. The ostrich was also given 4,500mg Betamox, 8mg Dexamethasone and 15ml Metaphosol. The prognosis is good.
Case 16– 18th January 2022 Ostrich
Natural Causes
Lake Bogoria
The ostrich had been injured, wounded and had a perforated esophagus and was darted with 4mg Etorphine and 80mg Ketamine for treatment. The gullet was open and the ostrich was suffering ingesta or feed loss through the open part of the gullet. The wound was cleaned with water, rinsed with tincture of Iodine then surgically closed the perforated area of the gullet using Polyglactin sutures material. It was then sprayed with a fly repellant and the ostrich administered with 4,500mg Betamox, 8mg Dexamethasone and 15ml Metaphosol.
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Case 17– 18th January 2022 Ostrich
Arrow
Lake Bogoria
The ostrich was darted with 4mg Etorphine Hcl and 80mg Ketamine. The ostrich had an arrow lodged in the abdomen. The arrowhead was suspected to be laced with a poisonous substance. The arrow was retrieved and the wound cleaned with water and rinsed with tincture of Iodine. A fly repellant (Alamycin® Aerosal) was added then Betamox 4,500mg, Dexamethasone 8mg and Metaphosol were administered.
Case 18– 19th January 2022 Zebra
Snare
Manera Farm, Naivasha
This zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. Physical examination revealed the zebra had been wounded by a wire snare on the left front leg. The wound was cleaned liberally with water and rinsed thoroughly with tincture of Iodine. The wound was sprayed with fly repellant then 4,500mg Betamox, 250mg Flumeg and 4ml Noromectin was administered.
Case 19– 19th January 2022 Zebra
Snared
Manera Farm, Naivasha
The zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The zebra had a winch wire snare around the front right leg. The wound was extensive, and the wire had cut through the tissues/muscles up to the bone. The snare was removed, and the wound was cleaned with water, rinsed thoroughly with Iodine and sprayed with Alamycin. The zebra was then administered with 4,500mg Betamox, 250mg Flumeg and 4ml Noromectin.
Case 20– 19th January 2022 Giraffe
Natural Causes
Kongoni Valley, Naivasha
This male giraffe calf had been injured and wounded by predator on the right flank. The giraffe was darted with 7mg Etorphine and 30mg Azaperone. The wound was cleaned liberally with water, rinsed thoroughly with tincture of Iodine and sprayed with a fly repellant. Betamox 6,000mg, Noromectin 5mL, Flumeg 300mg and Metaphosol 15ml were administered. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 21– 22nd January 2022 Eland
Poaching
Marula Estates, Naivasha
This case was reported by an informer at Kigio Group ranch while the Unit were on routine patrol. Poachers were hunting with dogs and were chasing a male eland. The exhausted eland attempted to jump a live wire fence but unfortunately got trapped by the fence. The hunting dogs attacked the eland and inflicted severe and life-threatening injuries on the animal. Response The Unit quickly responded to this case, but unfortunately the poachers and the hunting dogs managed to escape into the darkness and thick bushes. The matter was handed over to the investigation department for action. The eland was released from the fencing wire. While the Unit were trying to pursue the poachers, the rescued eland, managed to get up and escaped into the bush, approximately 15 minutes after it was freed.
Case 22– 23rd January 2022 Elephant
Snared
Olare Orok Conservancy
This baby elephant had been snared around the neck. The mother had to be immobilized to allow treatment of the calf. After treatment they were reunited with the help of a helicopter. The calf was darted with 4mg Etorphine dart. The wound was extensive, and the wire had cut through the tissues and muscles. The snare was cut away then the wound cleaned with water, disinfected with Iodine and sprayed with fly repellant. The elephant was also adminstered with 6,000mg Biocillin, 2,000mg Phenylbutazone and 30ml Catasol.
Case 23 – 23rd January 2022 Zebra
Snare
Transmara
This zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. The zebra had been snared around the neck and the hind leg which had caused some wounds. The snare was removed and the resulting wounds were cleaned liberally with water and disinfected with tincture of Iodine. A fly repellant was applied then 6,000mg Biocillin (Amoxicillin), 200mg Flumeg and 4ml Noromectin were adminstered.
The prognosis is good.
Case 24 – 23rd January 2022 Zebra
Snare
Mara Triangle
This zebra was with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. On physical examination the zebra had been snared on the neck but it hadnt caused any wounds. The snare was promptly removed and the zebra was reveresed and given a good prognosis.
Case 25 – 24th January 2022 Elephant
Collared
Olosiokot Conservancy
This elephant matriarch’s (Ivy) collar had failed. Ivy is a very shy elephant and hides in the forest and is a well-known crop raider causing lots of human wildlife conflict. A helicopter darting of the elephant was planned and support was provided by Mara Elephant Project (MEP). The helicopter had to drive the family across a river where there is no road connection. Support staff were also flown across the river. The elephant was darted with 18mg Etorphine then the collar was replaced so the herd could continue to be monitored. The operation went smoothly and Ivy recovered quickly from the anaesthetic.
Case 26 – 25th January 2022 Warthog
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Mara Triangle
The male warthog piglet was seen with a plastic ring around the leg The piglet was darted with 3mg Etorphine and 10mg Azaperone.The plastic ring had caused minor injuries. It was quickly removed then the wound cleaned with water and rinsed with tincture of iodine. A fly repellant was added. We also administered 750m Biocillin-150, 50mg Flumeg and 8ml Catasal.
Case 27 – 25th January 2022 Warthog
Natural Causes
Kichwa Tembo, Masai Mara
The male warthog was darted with 4mg Etorphine and 20mg Azaperone. On physical examination the warthog had been wounded on the front leg. The wound was cleaned with water and rinsed with tincture of iodine. A fly repellant was added. We also administered 1,200mg Biocillin-150 (Amoxicillin), 500mg Flumeg and 10ml Catasal. The prognosis is good.
Case 28 – 25th January 2022 Elephant
Natural Causes
Lemek Conservancy
This young elephant was darted with 7mg Etorphine. On physical examination the calf had a swollen leg and was suspected to have a dislocation at the carpus region. The calf exhibited a high degree of lameness. The elephant was given 12,000mg Alamycin (Oxytetracycline 30%), 500mg Flumeg and 30ml Catasol.
Case 29 – 27th January 2022 Elephant
Collared
Engata, Narosura
This elephant matriarch was in a family of 8 elephants who are crop raiders in the Engata Entirit area causing lots of human wildlife conflict. Helicopter support was provided by Mara Elephant Project (MEP). The elephant was darted from the helicopter with 18mg Etorphine. The collar was quickly fitted for monitoring purposes as the family moves in the landscape.
Case 30 – 28th January 2022 Zebra
Natural Causes
Oserengoni Conservancy
This zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. On physical examination the zebra had been wounded on the rump. The wound was deep, extensive, suppurative, septic and infested with maggots. The zebra had a poor prognosis. The zebra was put to rest using Sodium phenobarbitone (Euthanase®) 4,000mg administered by IV route.
Case 31 – 28th January 2022 Zebra
Natural Causes
Green Park, Naivasha
This zebra was darted with 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Azaperone. On physical examination, the zebra had a fracture of the front leg at the phalanx II region. The fracture was a long standing one with open wounds and sinus formation. The hoof had also overgrown. The zebra had a poor prognosis and was put to rest using Sodium phenobarbitone (Euthanase®) 4,000mg administered by IV route