Case 10 – 21st May 2023

Zebra Snared Manga Area

A SWT-KWS De-snaring Unit spotted an adult female common zebra along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway with a wire snare around the neck.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The snared zebra was found within a zebra herd that was inside the park just near the fence. A plain wire snare was seen around the animal’s neck. The zebra was darted from a vehicle and immobilized with 7 mgs Etorphine and 50 mgs Azaperone. Complete immobilization was achieved after 7 minutes. Closer examination revealed that the loose wire snare had not inflicted any injuries. The wire snare was removed then anaesthesia was reversed with 24 mgs Diprenorphine hydrochloride delivered intravenously through the jugular vein. The zebra stood 3 minutes post-reversal and joined the nearby herd.

Prognosis

The zebra has a good prognosis.

Elephant Arrow Galana Ranch

A SWT-KWS De-snaring Unit spotted an elephant bull that was limping due to an injury on the right forelimb.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The bull was found alone. It was darted from a vehicle and immobilized with 17 mgs Etorphine hydrochloride. It took 8 minutes for the drugs to take full effect. The bull went down on left lateral recumbency, and close examination revealed one deep fresh wound on the animal’s right scapula muscles and a superficial pus discharging wound medial to the carpal joint proximally. Devitalized muscle tissue on the superficial wound was surgically exercised then it was debriding with Hydrogen peroxide, cleaned with water, and infused with Iodine. Both wounds were packed with green clay. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were administered intramuscularly before anaesthesia was reversed with 36 mgs Diprenorphine hydrochloride and 100 mgs Naltrexone given through a prominent ear vein. The bull stood 3 minutes post-reversal and walked away from the team.

Prognosis

The elephant bull has a good prognosis.