SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Report for June 2023

SWT/KWS TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT

JUNE 2023

Introduction

18 Cases in June

June Report by Dr. Campaign Limo

5 HWC Cases

11 Elephant Cases

The Tsavo Conservation Area did not receive any precipitation in June. However, some natural pans still had water from the rains that fell in previous months. The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit (TMVU) attend to 18 cases over this period. These included 11 elephant cases, 4 lion cases, 1 giraffe case, 1 zebra case and 1 buffalo calf case. Several cases involved juvenile animals. The team rescued 2 female lion cubs trapped in an abandoned pit; treated 2 lame elephant calves on separate occasions, one of these calves was found alone and rescued; and attended to a buffalo calf that was severely injured by a snare. Sadly, the buffalo calf had to be euthanized given its poor prognosis.

Acknowledgement

The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit appreciates all the stakeholders who facilitated the translocation, monitoring, rescue, and clinical cases attended to over this period. The team is also grateful for the ongoing funding received from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) and the technical support provided by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) management.

Case Details

SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations

June 2023

Elephant Natural Causes Giriama Ranch

This injured adult elephant bull was seen by the SWT-KWS De-snaring Unit.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant bull was found alone near a waterhole, and not very far from a herd of cattle. Blood could be seen dripping from the left thigh, near the groin. The bull was darted from a helicopter and immobilized with 20 mgs Etorphine hydrochloride. It took 9 minutes for the drugs to take effect. The animal had multiple fight wounds. There was one large deep wound at the left side of the groin area that was spewing blood and appeared gangrenous; multiple wounds were observed on the animal’s head; several wounds were on the left ear and near the base of the left broken tusk. Damaged devitalized muscle tissues were surgically excised then the wounds were debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water, infused with Iodine and packed with green clay before a topical antibiotic spray was applied. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were then given intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was reversed thereafter with 36 mg Diprenorphine hydrochloride and 150 mg Naltrexone given through a prominent ear vein. The bull rose 3 minutes post-reversal and went about feeding nearby.

Prognosis

The elephant bull has a guarded prognosis

Lion Natural Causes Aruba Area, Tsavo East National Park

An adult lioness with porcupine quills embedded in the neck region was seen by tourists visiting Tsavo East National Park

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

This lioness was found in the Aruba area with 3 other lionesses as they prepared to hunt. One porcupine quill was seen at the animal’s ventral neck region. The lioness was darted from a vehicle and immobilized with 220 mg Ketamine and 4.8 mg Medetomidine. The animal was fully anaesthetized after 9 minutes. Close examination revealed one quill at the ventral neck region and multiple wounds suspected to be from a fight with other lions. The porcupine quill was removed then the wounds were disinfected with Iodine and infused with Cloxacillin antibiotic ointment. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Dexamethasone antiinflammatories were given intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was reversed 1-hour post-darting with 20 mg Atipamezole hydrochloride administered intramuscularly. The lion stood 12 minutes later and joined the pride that was devouring a zebra kill made when the lioness was under treatment.

Prognosis

The lioness has a good prognosis

Elephant Natural Causes Ndara Plains, Tsavo East National Park

An adult elephant bull with an injury on the back and trunk was spotted by a SWT pilot that was on patrol.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant bull was found some distance away from a family of elephants. The injured bull was darted from a vehicle with 20 mgs Etorphine. It took 10 minutes for the drugs to take maximum effect. Close examination revealed a healing wound on the left side of the abdomen and another septic wound on the elephant’s trunk that went through to the nares. These injuries were most likely suffered during a fight with another bull. Damaged devitalized muscle tissues were surgically excised then the wounds were debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, cleaned with water, and infused with Iodine. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Dexamethasone anti-inflammatories were administered intramuscularly before anaesthesia was reversed with 24 mg Diprenorphine hydrochloride and 200 mg Naltrexone given through a prominent ear vein. The bull rose 3 minutes post-reversal and walked away.

Prognosis

The elephant bull has a good prognosis.

Elephant Human – Wildlife Conflict Kamunyu – Mtito Andei Area

A SWT – KWS De-snaring Unit reported that an elephant bull (approx. 18-22 years old) was running rogue in the Mtito Andei area. The bull posed a danger to people and immediate translocation was necessary.

Immobilisation and translocation

The elephant bull was roaming alone when it was first seen. It went out of sight and was later found by a SWT pilot, after an intensive search, with an elephant family in the same area. The bull was darted from a helicopter and immobilized with 18 mg Etorphine. It was fully anaesthetized after 20 minutes. The animal was then loaded into a SWT truck for translocation. An anti-inflammatory (100 mgs Dexamethasone) was given intravenously. Additionally, 40 mg Azaperone was given intramuscularly in transit along with 3 top-up doses of 2 mg Etorphine. The elephant was released at Rhino Valley, Tsavo West National Park. Anaesthesia reversal was achieved with 24 mg Diprenorphine hydrochloride and 150 mg Naltrexone given through a prominent ear vein. The bull rose 2 minutes post-reversal and walked into the wild.

Zebra Snared Ndii Area

The SWT-KWS De-snaring Unit spotted an adult female zebra with a wire snare around its neck beside the Nairobi - Mombasa highway.

Immobilisation and examination

The snared zebra was found with several zebras near a man-made pond. A tight wire snare was seen dangling from the animal’s neck The zebra was darted from a vehicle and immobilized with 6 mg Etorphine and 40 mg Azaperone. It was completely immobilized 7 minutes later. The stranded wire snare tightly bound around the animal’s neck was cut off with wire cutters. Luckily, the snare had not inflicted any injuries. Anaesthesia was reversed with 36 mgs Diprenorphine hydrochloride delivered intravenously via the jugular vein. The zebra woke up 2 minutes post-reversal and joined the herd.

Prognosis

The zebra has a good prognosis.

Case 6 – 14th June 2023

Elephant Human – Wildlife Conflict Lualenyi Ranch

The KWS PAC team reported that an elephant bull was running rogue in the Lualenyi Ranch community area. Approval was granted by KWS to translocate the elephant bull to Tsavo East National Park.

Immobilisation and translocation

The elephant bull (approx. 40 – 45 years old) was darted from a helicopter and immobilized with 20 mgs Etorphine. It took 11 minutes for the drugs to take full effect. The elephant was then hoisted onto the bed of SWT truck by crane for translocation. 4 top-up doses comprising 2 mg Etorphine each were administered during translocation. The elephant was transported to Lugard’s area, Tsavo East National Park and released at a nearby airstrip. Anaesthesia reversal was achieved with 36 mg Diprenorphine hydrochloride and 150 mg Naltrexone given intravenously through a prominent ear vein. The elephant bull stood 2 minutes post-revival and walked to the nearby Galana River.

Lion Human – Wildlife Conflict Iltialal, Kuku Group Ranch

Kuku Ranch Management, Amboseli KWS Officers and Lion Guardian teams reported 2 female lion cubs trapped in an abandoned pit.

Immobilisation and rescue

The cubs were found in a pit about 4 meters deep. The circumstances that led to the cubs ending up in the pit were unknown, but there was evidence that the cubs were with their mother before this happened. The cubs’ mother had killed a sheep not far from the pit and partially devoured it. The cubs appeared stressed and hungry and were huddled together. They were each darted with 1.8 mgs Medetomidine and 80 mgs ketamine Once the drugs took full effect after 9 minutes, rescuers descended into the pit, placed the cubs on a stretcher and hoisted them to the surface. The cubs appeared to be relatively weak, it was estimated that they had been in the pit for at least 36 hours. No injuries were found upon examination. An antibiotic injection was administered for prophylaxis. Additionally, a systemic antiparasitic drug was given Anaesthesia was reversed 1-hour post-darting with 5 mg Atipamezole hydrochloride administered intramuscularly. The cubs rose 12 minutes later and consumed the supplemental food provided The teams watched over the cubs throughout the night until they reunited with their mother the following day. The lioness happily led the cubs to Kuku ranch conservancy. Both cubs have a good prognosis.

Giraffe Spear Inkisanchani

A SWT-KWS De-snaring Unit reported an adult male masai giraffe with an avulsion wound on its left side.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The bull had a large necrotic wound on the left lateral side of its thoracic region. Avulsed tissue could be seen around the wound. The animal was darted from a helicopter with 15 mgs Etorphine. It took 7 minutes for the drugs to take effect. Closer examination revealed that the septic wound had been inflicted by a spear Damaged devitalized muscle tissues were surgically excised then the wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, cleaned with water, infused with Iodine, packed with green clay, and sprayed with Oxytetracycline topically. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were given intramuscularly before anaesthesia was reversed with 200 mgs Naltrexone given through a prominent ear vein. The giraffe bull stood 3 minutes post-reversal and walked into the wild.

Prognosis

The giraffe has a good prognosis

Case 9 – 18th June 2023

Lion Human – Wildlife Conflict Imbirikani

On 16th June 2023, KWS management at Imbirikani Conservancy reported a collared adult lioness that was speared and died a few hours later. The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit carried out a post-mortem 36 hours after death.

General post-mortem findings

The collared lioness was approx. 4-5 years old and in excellent body condition before death. The perennial region had been scavenged. The carcass was emphysematous. A single sharp edged penetrating wound was evident at the ventral abdomen. Blood from the nostril and mouth was also seen.

Specific post-mortem findings

A sharped edged spear wound was that had punctured the abdominal organs was observed. The diaphragm was torn.

Cause of death

Respiratory distress from a punctured diaphragm and blood loss.

Case 10 – 20th June 2023

Elephant Natural Causes Bachuma Gate, Tsavo East National Park

Tourists spotted a lame elephant calf, approx. 1 year old, in an elephant family near Bachuma Gate.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The female elephant calf was found with its mother and an elder sister. Mother and calf were chemically immobilized. The mother was darted from a vehicle with 15 mgs Etorphine and went down on right lateral recumbency 9 minutes later. The calf was immobilized with 2 mgs Etorphine and was fully immobilized after 7 minutes. The calf’s sister was then gently ushered away Close examination revealed multiple wounds on the calf’s left hind leg most likely suffered during an attempted lion attack. A deep pus discharging wound was observed on the cranio-lateral aspect of the joint, several other wounds were observed caudal to the joint. Damaged devitalized muscle tissues were surgically excised then the wounds were debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, cleaned with water, infused with Iodine, and sprayed with Oxytetracycline. Long-acting Amoxicillin and Clindamycin antibiotics were administered intramuscularly along with Dexamethasone antiinflammatories. Both reversals were done simultaneously. They both rose 3 minutes post-reversal. The family was re-united and walked away together into the wild.

Prognosis

The calf has a favourable prognosis.

Elephant Spear Bamba, Kilifi County

This limping adult elephant bull, approx. 35-40 years, was seen by a KWS patrol team.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The injured elephant bull was found with 3 other bulls. The injured animal had a swollen right forelimb. It was darted from a helicopter with 20 mgs Etorphine. Close examination revealed a deep wound, about 10 cm, on the carpal joint. The wound had straw like discharge, and tissue reaction was evident. The penetrating wound was most likely inflicted by a spear. Damaged devitalized muscle tissues were surgically excised then the wounds were debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, cleaned with water, infused with Iodine, packed with green clay, and sprayed with Oxytetracycline topically. 30,000 mg Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and 5,000 mg Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were administered intramuscularly Anaesthesia was reversed with 24 mg Diprenorphine hydrochloride and 200 mg Naltrexone given intravenously through a prominent ear vein. The bull stood 3 minutes post-reversal and joined its companions.

Prognosis

The elephant bull has a favourable prognosis.

Lion Natural Causes Galdessa Area, Tsavo East National Park

Galdessa Camp Staff noticed an emaciated sub-adult lioness, approx. 4-5 years old, just outside the camp’s fence.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

This lioness was found alone near the Galdessa Camp fence. It appeared weak and multiple old wounds were observed on the animal’s back and limbs. Since the lioness was an anaesthetic risk, it was tactfully restrained as opposed to being chemically immobilized. Close examination revealed dehydration and emaciation possibly from starvation. The lioness was physically restrained and given prophylactic antibiotic injections, Dexamethasone anti-inflammatories, a Catasol injection and an antiparasitic injection. Supplemental feeding was also recommended.

Prognosis

The lioness has a poor to grave prognosis.

Elephant Bullet wound Kamboyo Area, Tsavo West National Park

An adult elephant bull, approx. 35-40 years old, with an injury on the left thigh was spotted by a SWT pilot on patrol.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant bull was found alone in the Kamboyo area, a wound was visible on the animal’s left thigh muscles. The bull was darted from a helicopter with 20 mgs Etorphine and was fully immobilized 10 minutes later Close examination revealed a deep wound on the elephant’s left gluteus muscle that had straw like discharge. The wound was most likely caused by a bullet. Damaged devitalized muscle tissues were surgically excised, then the wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water, infused with Iodine, packed with green clay, and sprayed with a topical antibiotic Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were given intramuscularly before anaesthesia was reversed with 250 mg Naltrexone given through a prominent ear vein. The bull stood 2 minutes post-reversal and walked into dense vegetation.

Prognosis

The elephant bull has a good prognosis.

Elephant Natural Causes Kamboyo Area, Tsavo West National Park

While on patrol, a SWT patrol spotted an adult elephant bull with a pus oozing wound on the right thigh.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The elephant bull was approx. 30-35 years old. It was found alone, and there was a visible wound on its right limb near the knee joint. Another wound was also seen on the elephant’s right thigh. The bull was darted from a helicopter and immobilized with 20 mgs of Etorphine. It took 11 minutes for the anaesthetic drug to take full effect. Close examination revealed a deep wound on the right thigh muscles near the knee joint laterally and another wound on the animal’s right flank. Damaged devitalized muscle tissues were surgically excised, then the wounds were debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water, infused with Iodine, packed with green clay, and sprayed with a topical antibiotic. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were given intramuscularly then anaesthesia was reversed with 30 mg Diprenorphine hydrochloride and 150 mg Naltrexone given through a prominent ear vein. The elephant bull rose 2 minutes later and walked into a thicket.

Prognosis

The elephant bull has a good prognosis.

Elephant Natural Causes Finch Hatton’s Area, Tsavo West N.P.

A SWT-KWS De-snaring Unit reported an injured elephant bull, approx. 50-55 years of age, near Finch Hatton’s Tented Camp.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The injured elephant bull had multiple fight wounds. The bull was approached on foot and darted with 20 mgs Etorphine. It took 16 minutes for the drugs to take effect. Close examination revealed a deep maggot infested wound on the right shoulder region; a deep wound on the left groin region; 2 wounds on the trunk with the deepest one perforating the trunk causing exhaled air to escape through the opening. All wounds were severely septic. Damaged devitalized muscle tissues were surgically excised, then the wounds were debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water, infused with Iodine, packed with green clay, and sprayed with a topical antibiotic. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine antiinflammatories were given intramuscularly. The elephant bull stood after anaesthesia was reversed, but it collapsed a few minutes later. All attempt to assist the animal to rise were futile. The elephant bull passed away peacefully a short while later. A post-mortem was carried out immediately after the bull died.

Significant post-mortem findings

The wound at the thoracic region was deep and gangrenous. Fatty degeneration of rectus abdominis muscles was evident. Anaemia was evident, likely from blood loss. Gastrointestinal tract contents were scantly, indicating that the bull had stopped feeding.

Cause of death

The elephant bull died from septic shock exacerbated by immobilization stress. The septic wounds were inflicted by a rival bull’s tusks.

Elephant Natural Causes Pipeline Area, Tsavo East National Park

A lame, lone elephant calf was seen by tourists in Tsavo East National Park

Immobilisation, examination, treatment

The female elephant calf, approx. 4-5 years old, was found alone in the pipeline area. It had multiple wounds on the right hind limb. The calf had carrying limb lameness with a severely swollen right knee. The calf was approached on foot and darted with 3 mgs Etorphine hydrochloride. It took 7 minutes for the drugs to take full effect, and the animal assumed left lateral recumbency when it went down. Close examination revealed a septic wound on the ventral neck with necrotic material. Multiple bite wounds were observed on the calf’s right and left hind legs. There was a deep fresh wound on the knee joint with a dorso-lateral course. Damaged devitalized muscle tissues on the neck wound were surgically excised. All wounds were debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water, infused with Iodine, packed with green clay, and sprayed with a topical antibiotic. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were given intramuscularly.

Rescue

Given the calf’s vulnerability to further assault by predators since it was alone, it was translocated to the SWT Voi elephant stockade. Translocation to the stockades would also facilitate regular assessment and ease of review. Upon arriving at the stockade, anaesthesia was reversed with 75 mgs Naltrexone given through a prominent ear vein. The calf rose 3 minutes post-reversal and begun familiarizing itself with its new environment.

Treatment review on 28th June 2023

The calf was tranquilized with 70 mg Azaperone. It took 10 minutes for the drugs to take effect. Upon further examination, the deep wound on the knee was found to have been caused by a high velocity projectile. All the wounds were debrided and cleaned before being packed with green clay. Clindamycin antibiotic was also administered. The calf has a favourable prognosis.

Buffalo Snared Shimba Hills National Reserve

A severely injured male buffalo calf was spotted by a SWT pilot on patrol in Shimba Hills National Reserve

Immobilisation and examination

The calf was in a herd of 4 buffalos, it was limping and favouring its right front limb. To facilitate treatment of the calf, the veterinary team contemplated immobilizing the mother and capturing the calf physically should efforts to push the buffalos away fail. Fortunately, a SWT pilot managed to drive away the herd which made it possible for the team on the ground to capture the buffalo calf. Upon examination, it was observed that the snare had almost severed the left front limb at the carpus, and the limb was only held in place by a partially damaged tendon. Given the severity of the calf’s injuries, the team decided to put the calf to rest to alleviate further pain and suffering.

Prognosis

The buffalo calf was put to rest given its poor prognosis.

Case 18 – 27th June 2023

Elephant Natural Causes

Tsavo River, Tsavo West National Park

While on patrol near Tsavo River and Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, a SWT pilot noticed that an adult elephant bull collapsed twice in a span of minutes.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The Veterinary Unit found the elephant bull near Tsavo River resting under a big tree. It was darted from a helicopter with 18 mgs Etorphine and was fully immobilized 11 minutes later Close examination revealed injuries that were most likely suffered during a fight with another elephant bull. There was a wound on the ventral aspect of the elephant’s trunk and another wound on the right flank. Damaged devitalized muscle tissues on the neck wound were surgically excised. All wounds were debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water, infused with Iodine, packed with green clay, and sprayed with a topical antibiotic. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were given intramuscularly. The bull appeared to have also suffered mild colic. Anaesthesia was reversed with 250 mg Naltrexone given through a prominent ear vein. The bull stood 2 minutes post-reversal and walked into dense vegetation.

Prognosis

The elephant bull has a good prognosis.