SWT/KWS TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT NOVEMBER 2021
Introduction
24 Cases in November
4 Poaching Cases
21 Elephant Cases
November Report by Dr. Jeremiah Poghon The dry season continues to ravage the Tsavo Ecosystem with most waterholes dry and severe forage scarcity. As the drought continues, November saw the rescue of many elephant calves that were too weak to walk and were collapsing all over the southern part of Tsavo East National Park. Several other herbivores were also affected by the drought, including elands, buffaloes, impala, hartebeest and wildebeest. The rains are expected in early December and it will come as a great relief to the suffering wildlife. The Unit also treated 4 injured elephant bulls as well as 1 elephant cow for 2 spear wounds to the thorax as well as other elephant cases including post-mortems. In Tsavo East an eland was rescued after it strayed into standard gauge railway fencing and a pangolin was rescued from controlled burning. Acknowledgement The Unit acknowledges the support of its sponsors ViER PFOTEN through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for their huge financial support to the Unit. We also thank Kenya Wildlife Service through the Assistant Director Tsavo Conservation area and the Head, Veterinary services department.
SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations November 2021
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Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
1-Nov-21
Elephant
Chyulu Hills
Spear
The wound to the upper shoulder was probed and found to be shallow
Successfully Treated
1-Nov-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Rescue
Drought has forced herds to abandon calves as they are too weak to keep up
Taken to Orphanage
3-Nov-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Rescue
The calf was spotted after he got stuck in the Satao water hole
Taken to Orphanage
3-Nov-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Rescue
He was alone, weak and with no herd anywhere nearby
Taken to Orphanage
4-Nov-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Rescue
Stuck in a muddy water hole unable to free herself despite struggling for hours
Reunited with Mother
4-Nov-21
Elephant
Tsavo West NP
Spear
The penetrating wound on the lower right front leg was probed and found to be deep
Successfully Treated
8-Nov-21
Elephant
Taita Ranches
Spear
A deep penetrating wound to the right chest extending near the elbow
Successfully Treated
8-Nov-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Post-mortem
Cause of death was due to starvation/drought
Died
8-Nov-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Rescue
Mother died due to drought, and the calf rescued
Taken to Orphanage
13-Nov-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Rescue
The calf was spotted by Satao camp staff having collapsed near the water hole
Died
13-Nov-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Post-mortem
Cause of death could not be determined due to the advanced autolysis
Died
13-Nov-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Post-mortem
Cause of death could not be determined due to the advanced autolysis
Died
15-Nov-21
Elephant
Taita Ranches
Rescue
He was alone, weak and with no herd nearby
Taken to Orphanage
17-Nov-21
Eland
Tsavo East NP
HWC
Entered the fully fenced standard gauge railway station and could not break out
Successfully Treated
18-Nov-21
Buffalo
Taita Ranches
Natural Causes
He had very poor body condition due to the prevailing drought conditions
Died
18-Nov-21
Elephant
Taita Ranches
Natural Causes
The bull was examined and suffered from a possible ligament tear in the left carpal joint
Prognosis Poor
19-Nov-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Rescue
Stuck in Bachuma windmill waterhole and unable to free himself
Taken to Orphanage
20-Nov-21
Elephant
Taita Ranches
Natural Causes
The elephant bull had an impacted rectum with hard faecal material
Prognosis Poor
23-Nov-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Arrow
A former elephant orphan had an arrow stuck in her side
Successfully Treated
23-Nov-21
Elephant
Taita Ranches
Rescue
It was deemed necessary to rescue the calf to assure her survival
Taken to Orphanage
23-Nov-21
Pangolin
Rombo Group Ranch
HWC
Found in an area where vegetation was being burnt for ploughing
Task Successful
25-Nov-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Rescue
The calf was reported to be wandering alone near Satao camp
Taken to Orphanage
29-Nov-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Rescue
The calf was reported to have collapsed near Satao camp with no herd in sight
Died
29-Nov-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Post-mortem
The carcass was in advanced stage of decomposition
Died
Case 1 – 1st November 2021 Elephant
Spear
Misuni, Chyulu Hills
The elephant bull that now resides in community land was spotted by a SWT aircraft with an injury to the upper neck area. A number of elephants relocated to community areas due to the drought in the parks. The Vet was airlifted to Kaluku then to Misuni village to attend to the case. After a brief search the elephant bull was spotted in a bushy area under a tree. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bull was immobilized with 18mgs Etorphine Hcl filled in a Dan inject dart syringe and fitted into a dart gun. The elephant was driven near a clearing and darted on the rump from a helicopter. He went down after 10 minutes. He was pushed into a lateral position and water poured on the ears to keep him cool. The wound on upper shoulder was probed and found to be shallow. It was likely caused by a spear. The wound was cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide mixed with water and the necrotic tissues removed. The wound was then disinfected with Iodine and a final cover of antibiotic spray and green clay used to cover the wound. Long acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatories was administered parenterally. Prognosis A good prognosis was given, and the anaesthesia reversed with Diprenorphine at 3 times the Etorphine dose.
Case 2 – 1st November 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Ndololo Camp, Tsavo East National Park
The calf was spotted after he got stuck in a muddy water hole at Ndololo camp site within Tsavo East National Park. He was found alone, weak and with no herd anywhere nearby.
Rescue After assessment it was deemed necessary to rescue him on animal welfare grounds. The elephant calf was rescued and airlifted to SWT Kaluku Stockade where he was stabilised and given milk. His condition was caused by poor nutrition due to drought. Drought has forced many families to abandon the calves as they are too weak to keep up with the herd as they search for scarce forage and water.
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Case 3 – 3rd November 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Satao, Tsavo East National Park
The calf was spotted after he got stuck in Satao water hole within Tsavo East National Park. He was found alone, weak and with no herd anywhere nearby.
Rescue The elephant calf was rescued loaded onto a truck and airlifted to SWT Kaluku Stockade where he was stabilised and given milk. His condition was caused by poor nutrition due to drought.
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Case 4 – 3rd November 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Satao, Tsavo East National Park
The calf was spotted by Satao Camp Staff wandering alone near the camp that’s within Tsavo East National Park. She was alone, weak and with no herd anywhere nearby. Rescue After assessment it was deemed necessary to rescue the calf to assure her survival. The elephant calf was rescued, loaded onto a truck and airlifted to the SWT Nairobi Orphanage where she was stabilised and given milk with planned return to the park when mature enough. Her condition was caused by poor nutrition due to the drought.
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Case 5 – 4th November 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Satao, Tsavo East National Park
The calf was reported to have been stuck in a muddy water hole in Satao camp, Tsavo East and unable to free herself despite struggling for hours.
Rescue The Vet team rushed to the area and found the mother waiting patiently beside the muddy water hole. The mother was pushed away, the calf rescued and successfully reunited with the mother. .
Case 6 – 4th November 2021 Elephant
Spear
Kitani, Tsavo West National Park
The elephant bull was seen at Kitani lodge water hole by the lodge staff limping badly on the right limp and struggling to walk. After a brief search the elephant bull was spotted in a bushy area under a tree foraging. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bull was immobilized using 18mgs Etorphine Hcl. The Elephant was darted in the rump from a vehicle. He went down after 10 minutes. He was pushed into a lateral position and water poured on the ears to keep him cool. The penetrating wound on the lower right front leg was probed and found to be deep. The wound was flushed using Hydrogen peroxide mixed with water. The necrotic tissues were removed then the wound was doused with tincture of Iodine and finally covered with antibiotic spray and packed with green clay. Long-acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatories were administered parenterally. Prognosis Having been given a good prognosis the anaesthesia was reversed with Diprenorphine at 3 times the Etorphine dose.
Case 7 – 8th November 2021 Elephant
Spear
Teita Sisal Estate Sanctuary, Taita
The elephant cow was spotted in a water hole inside the Teita Sisal Sanctuary with pus oozing from the left chest area. She was with two other Elephants in the area. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was darted in the rum from a vehicle with 16mgs Etorphine Hcl. She went down after 8 minutes. She was pushed into lateral position with ears pushed forwards to cover the eyes and water poured on the ears to keep her cool. The penetrating wound on the right chest area extended near the elbow and was caused by a spear. It was probed and found to be quite deep and filled with pus. A small incision was made on the lowest point of the pus pocket to drain the pus. The wound was flushed with Hydrogen peroxide mixed with water The necrotic tissues were removed then the wound was doused with tincture of Iodine and covered with antibiotic spray then packed with green clay. Long-acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatories was administered parenterally. Prognosis The elephant was given a good prognosis and then the anaesthesia was reversed with Diprenorphine at 3 times the Etorphine dose.
Case 8 & 9 – 8th November 2021 Elephant
Post-mortem/Rescue
Maungu, Tsavo East
A report was made by KWS rangers of an elephant carcass near Maungu within Tsavo East National Park that was freshly dead with the calf standing next to the mothers’ carcass. The Tsavo vet unit visited the area to ascertain the cause of death. Post-mortem and rescue The carcass was lying on the left flank and still fresh. The carcass condition was graded at very poor 2/5. There were no external or internal pathology observed on post-mortem. The cause of death was put as starvation/drought due to the prevailing dry conditions. The calf was rescued and airlifted to Kaluku SWT orphanage where it will receive care.
Case 10 – 13th November 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Satao, Tsavo East National Park
The calf was spotted by Satao camp staff having collapsed near the water hole that’s within Tsavo East National Park. There were no other elephants in the vicinity. Observation There were scavenger laceration marks on the abdominal area. The condition was extremely poor due to the drought and therefore poor nutrition. Prognosis She was euthanized due to poor prognosis.
Case 11 & 12 – 13th November 2021 Elephant
Post-mortem
Satao and Dida Harea, Tsavo East
A report was made by KWS rangers of 2 scavenged elephant carcasses spotted near Satao and Dida Harea areas of southern Tsavo East. Post-mortem The veterinary team visited the nearly fully scavenged carcasses of the two elephant calves aged about 2 and 5 years old. Cause of Death Cause of death could not be determined due to the advanced autolysis. The tusks were recovered and taken to KWS Tsavo East armoury for safe custody. Cause of the deaths was thought to be drought related.
Case 13 – 15th November 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Rukinga Ranch, Taita
The calf was spotted by Widlife Works, Rukinga Rangers having collapsed near a watering point within Rukinga ranch. He was alone, lying on his side with no other elephants nearby. Rescue After assessment it was deemed necessary to rescue the calf to assure his survival. The elephant calf was loaded onto a truck then transported to the SWT Voi orphanage where she was stabilised and given milk. Her prognosis was poor as she was in such a weakened state due to the prolonged drought and poor nutrition.
Case 14 – 17th November 2021 Eland
Human-wildlife conflict
Mbololo SGR Station, Tsavo
The eland was reported to have entered the fully fenced standard gauge railway station near Mbololo after allegedly being chased by predators. The station is fully fenced, and the eland could not break out hence the vet team was called in to assist removing the eland from the station and avoid collision with the train. Rescue 10 mgs of Etorphine Hcl and 60 mgs of Xylazine in a dan inject dart was prepared and loaded into a dart gun. He was approached by foot and darted in the rump, going down on sternal recumbency after moving slowly for about 5 minutes. Water was poured on the animal to keep it cool. Due to difficult terrain that is inaccessible to vehicles the eland was loaded onto a stretcher and carried by hand out of the SGR and into the nearby Tsavo East National Park. Release The anaesthesia was reversed and the eland set free in the Park.
Case 15 – 18th November 2021 Buffalo
Natural Causes
Teita Sisal Estate, Tsavo
The buffalo bull was reported unable to stand up and on sternal recumbency. The Tsavo vet unit visited the sickly-looking herbivore for examination. Immobilisation and examination He was found lying down at the initial site. Due to recumbency and little or no threat of attacking the team, he was held down by the horns and examined. First observation revealed he had very poor body condition, this is due to the prevailing drought conditions across the region. A dental examination was undertaken and he had lost most of the lower incisors. Finally, an old, healed fracture on the right hind leg was found. Prognosis and management All this contributed to poor prognosis and the buffalo was euthanized to alleviate further suffering.
Case 16 – 18th November 2021 Elephant
Natural Causes
Teita Sisal Estate
The elephant bull was spotted in a water hole inside the Teita Sisal Sanctuary with marked lameness. He was with several other bulls near the water hole. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bull was darted in the rump from a vehicle with 18mgs Etorphine Hcl. He went down after 8 minutes. He was pushed onto a lateral position and water poured on the ears to cool him down. The elephant bull has been treated previously for the same ailment. The bull was examined and noted to be suffering from a possible ligament tear in the left carpal joint. The injury is serious due to the animals’ heavy weight. He was administered with anti-inflammatories to relief the pain and long-acting antibiotics. Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed, and the bull assisted onto his feet. Prognosis is guarded.
Case 17 – 19th November 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Bachuma Windmill, Tsavo East
Tour drivers spotted this 4-year-old elephant calf stuck in the Bachuma windmill water hole and unable to free himself. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The calf was attended to and pulled out of the muddy waters. After assessment it was deemed necessary to rescue the calf to assure his survival as he was extremely weak and in poor condition. The elephant calf was loaded onto a truck and transported to the SWT Voi Stockade where he was stabilised and given milk. The prevailing drought within the reason has sadly seen an increase in such cases, especially among the old and the young. As their conditions deteriorate quickly and herds have to keep moving, often they are too weak to extract themselves or get left behind.
Case 18 – 20th November 2021 Elephant
Natural Causes
Teita Sisal Sanctuary, Taita
The elephant bull was spotted in a water hole inside the Teita Sisal Sanctuary with a distended abdomen and struggling to pass stool. He was with several other bulls near the water hole.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bull was immobilized using 18mgs Etorphine Hcl. The elephant was darted in the rump from a car and he went down after 9 minutes after moving slowly from the water hole. He was pushed onto a lateral position and water poured on the ears to cool him down. On examination the elephant bull had an impacted rectum with hard faecal material still in the anal opening. The rectum was emptied in a one-hour operation and the hardened dung scooped out. He was then administered with Flunixin Meglumine to relief the pain and colic as well as long-acting antibiotics. Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed and the bull woke up and ran away into the bushes. Prognosis is guarded.
Case 19 – 23rd November 2021 Elephant
Arrow
Ithumba Stockade, Tsavo East
This elephant cow was reported by SWT Ithumba Stockade staff after she returned with other former elephant orphans with an arrow stuck in her side. The report was immediately relayed to the Tsavo vet who was airlifted by SWT aircraft to Ithumba.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The cow was immobilized using 16 mgs of Etorphine Hcl. The elephant was darted in the rump from foot and she went down in 6 minutes after moving slowly. The arrowhead, which was still sticking from the right abdominal area, was removed and the wound flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, then doused with tincture of Iodine before a final cover of green clay was applied. Long-acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatories were also administered by injection. Prognosis After the treatment was finalized, the anaesthesia was reversed by administration of Diprenorphine Hcl at 3 times the Etorphine dose. Prognosis is good.
Case 20 – 23rd November 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Taita Hills, Taita Ranches
The calf was spotted by Taita Hills Sanctuary staff wandering alone near in the conservancy with no herd nearby. Rescue To ensure her survival, the calf needed to be rescued immediately. The elephant calf was restrained then loaded onto a truck and transported to a nearby airstrip. She was airlifted to the SWT Nairobi Orphanage where she was stabilised and given milk. Sadly, this is another victim of drought and was in severely poor condition due to malnutrition.
Case 21 – 23rd November 2021 Pangolin
Human-wildlife conflict
Gicheha farm, Taveta
Workers in the vast farm near Taveta were burning bushes in the farm as a way of clearing before ploughing when they noticed a curled up animal in the fires. They immediately extinguished the fire and rescued the animal and identified it as ground Pangolin. They contacted the Tsavo Vet unit who sent his team to collect the poor endangered mammal. The Pangolin was examined and found to have only superficial scale burns and fairly unscathed. He was released near Luggards falls along Galana River within Tsavo East National Park.
Case 22 – 25th November 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Satao, Tsavo East National Park
The calf was reported to be wandering alone near Satao camp, Tsavo East with no herd in sight. Rescue The Vet team, assisted by the Voi Stockade staff, rushed to the area and found the lone tiny and emaciated elephant calf all alone. She was captured, stabilized and loaded into a truck and transported to the Voi SWT Stockade for further treatment. She was moved to Kaluku SWT stockade the next day.
Case 23 – 29th November 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Satao, Tsavo East National Park
The calf was reported to have collapsed near Satao camp, Tsavo East with no herd in sight. Rescue The Vet team, assisted by the Voi Stockade staff, rushed to the area and found the lone tiny and emaciated calf in a state of collapse. Examination revealed she was barely breathing and died shortly during treatment. Cause of Death The cause of death is starvation from the prevailing drought.
Case 24 – 29th November 2021 Elephant
Post-mortem
Bachuma, Tsavo East National Park
A report was made by KWS rangers of an Elephant carcass near Maungu within Tsavo East National Park that was decomposed but with the tusks on. The Vet team visited the carcass to ascertain the cause of death. Post-mortem The carcass was lying on the right flank and in an advanced stage of decomposition. There was also extensive scavenger activity on the carcass. Due to the mentioned factors, no meaningful autopsy could be undertaken. The tusks were retrieved and taken to Tsavo East armoury for safe custody. Cause of Death No definite cause could be determined but because of the increase in deaths due to the drought, this could also be another drought victim.