DSWT/KWS Quarterly Mobile Veterinary Report January to March 2017

MOBILE VET UNITS TSAVO – MARA – MERU AMBOSELI REPORT JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH 2017

MOBILE VETERINARY UNITS OVERVIEW JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH 2017 During the January to March 2017 3-month reporting period, the DSWT in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service and their four dedicated KWS field veterinary officers, attended to 79 wildlife cases.

Of the 79 cases attended 45 cases included elephants; 24 of these elephant cases were directly related to poaching activities including 10 poisoned arrow, 8 spearing, 1 snaring and 5 gunshot injuries, whilst there were also 6 elephant rescues, 2 human-wildlife conflict cases, (1 collaring, 8 cases treated for natural causes, 1 blood collection and 3 post-mortems).

During this period 4 rhino cases were also attended to along with 9 lion cases. A number of other species including giraffe, cheetah, leopard, zebra, buffalo and plains game were also treated by the four veterinary units throughout this period.

Below the chart shows cases broken down by types of injury

The Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit attended to 21 cases, many of these cases were contributed to the continuing dry season resulting in cattle invasion and therefore an increase in arrow cases and rescues.

The Mara Mobile Vet Unit attended to 12 cases of which 9 of the cases involved elephants and the remaining cases included a giraffe and buffalo.

The Meru Mobile Vet Unit attended to 14 cases including 7 elephants, 2 rhinos, 3 predators, zebra and giraffe.

The Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit attended to 32 cases, 15 of which were elephant cases (including moving 13 elephants out of community land) and the other cases included 7 predators, 2 rhinos, 2 giraffes and antelope.

TSAVO MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH 2017

TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT JANUARY 2017 Introduction After being away on annual leave in the month of December the Tsavo unit resumed duties in mid-January with few cases handled before the month end. This included treatment and supplementation of an injured young lion in pipeline area of Tsavo east, treatment of an Elephant with arrow wound injury at KMC ranch near Rukinga, snare removal of a Buffalo near Sarova salt lick sanctuary and treatment of an Elephant cow with an arrow injury of the front limb near Tiva River in Tsavo east. A giraffe with a snare near Sarova was not found even after hours of searching. Tsavo ecosystem is still green and no case of starvation was observed as compared to November last year.

1.

TREATMENT OF AN INJURED LION

Date of intervention: 22nd January Animal: African lion Sex: Male Age: Sub Adult Location: Mzima pipeline, Tsavo east History The lion was reported to be in a pride of 5 others with an injury to the neck and the eye. He was treated previously for injuries caused by a buffalo attack.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The lion was immobilized with 100 mgs of Ketamine and 2 mgs of Meditomidine. It took about 5 minutes for the lion to be fully immobilized and a vehicle was used to push the pride away. The lion was then moved under shade for examination. The gaping wound that cut through the skin and muscles was cleaned using tincture of iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. Any open wounds were sutured closed and then covered with green clay to aid the healing process and protect the wound from dirt.

The lion was also administered with 15 cc of long acting Amoxicillin and dexamethasone parenterally.

Reversal and Prognosis The Lion was revived using 2.5 mgs of Atipemazole. He was supplemented with 5 kgs of beef on bone as he was very weak. Further follow up indicated great improvement.

2.

TREATMENT OF AN INJURED ELEPHANT BULL

Date: 28th January 2016 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult (About 30 years) Location: KMC ranch, Tsavo History This elephant bull was spotted by Rukinga patrol aircraft near the KMC ranch area with an arrow wound to the right abdominal flank with blood oozing out. The team rushed to the area to find the bull with another elephant drinking water in a nearby dam.

Immobilization, examination and treatment A dan-inject dart was prepared with 18mgs of Etorphine and loaded into a dan-inject dart gun. However, the elephant ran away at every attempt to approach on foot or by vehicle so the assistance of the DSWT chopper was sought. The elephant was darted from the helicopter and it took him 7 minutes to go down on lateral recumbency of the right side. He was rolled over for treatment using ropes tied to a landcruiser.

Examination revealed a septic wound full of pus. The lowest side of the wound was opened and necrotic tissues plus pus drained. The area was then cleaned using water mixed with Hydrogen peroxide, tincture of iodine and then Oxytetracycline spray applied. Finally the wound was covered with wetted green clay.

An intravenous administration of 50 cc Dexamethasone Hcl was given through the ear vein and 200 cc of long acting Amoxicillin injected intramuscularly.

Reversal and Prognosis Drug reversal was done by administration of Diprenorphine Hcl at three times the Etorphine dose. He stood up and walked away calmly. Prognosis is good.

3.

DESNARING OF A BUFFALO

Date: 30th January Species: Buffalo Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Taita salt lick sanctuary History A report was received from the DSWT de-snaring team of a buffalo with a tight wire snare around the neck near Salt Lick Wildlife Sanctuary. The team rushed into the area to find the snared buffalo under a tree with three other bulls.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The buffalo was immobilized using 9 mgs of Etorphine mixed with 70 mgs of Xylazine and it went down in 5 minutes. The strong wire snare was removed from the neck leaving only small neck wounds. The buffalo was administered with Dexamethasone Hcl and a long acting antibiotic parenterally.

Reversal and Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed using Diprenorphine at three times the Etorphine dose and 0.5cc of Atipemazole Hcl both IV through the jugular vein. The buffalo woke up and joined the others. Prognosis is good.

4.

TREATMENT OF AN INJURED ELEPHANT COW

Date: 31st January 2017 Sex: Female Age: Adult (About 30 years) Location: Tiva River, Tsavo east History This elephant cow was seen by DSWT patrol aircraft near the Tiva River area with an arrow wound to the right abdominal flank with blood oozing out. The vet was airlifted by DSWT aircraft to the area and then boarded a helicopter to the site for easier darting.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The elephant was darted from a helicopter using 18 mgs of Etorphine in a dan-inject dart. It took about 7 minutes for the drugs to take effect and it went down on left lateral recumbency. Ropes were tied to a vehicle to roll him over and expose the wound.

There was a septic wound with pus oozing out on the medial aspect of the right front limb near the fetlock joint.

The injury was opened up so the necrotic tissues and pus could be drained out. The wound was then cleaned using water mixed with Hydrogen peroxide before applying tincture of iodine and Oxytetracycline spray. A final cover of wetted green clay was used to cover the wound.

An intravenous administration of 50 cc Flunixine meglumine was administered through the ear vein and 100 cc of long acting Amoxicillin injected intramuscularly.

Reversal and Prognosis Drug reversal was achieved by administration of Diprenorphine Hcl at three times the Etorphine dose. She stood up and walked away calmly. Prognosis is guarded.

.

Other cases handled by the unit The unit was called in for a snared Giraffe in Salt lick sanctuary but even after extensive search it was not located.

TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT FEBRUARY 2017 Introduction The month of February witnessed a slight increase in injured elephant cases and other species due to an increase in poaching attempts by use of firearms, spears and snares. In the month under review an Elephant bull was treated in Osewan Conservancy near Amboseli National Park for a spear injury to the leg, a lioness was treated for a fight injury near Sarova Salt lick lodge and snares were removed from two waterbucks and a giraffe near the lodge.

An autopsy was carried out on an elephant bull with a bullet injury in Rukinga ranch and an elephant calf was rescued from a septic tank and taken to Nairobi orphanage. Lastly a buffalo calf was rescued and taken to Voi stockade from the same area.

1.

TREATMENT OF AN INJURED ELEPHANT BULL

Date: 2nd February 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult (about 40 years) Location: Osewan conservancy, Amboseli History The elephant bull was spotted in Osewan conservancy Amboseli with fresh blood oozing from its leg. The vet was airlifted from Tsavo east by a DSWT fixed wing aeroplane to attend to the case. After searching for about an hour the Elephant was not spotted due to thick bushes. The next morning a request for a chopper was made and it arrived that morning. The Elephant bull was finally spotted after a two-hour search by the DSWT chopper.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The elephant was located with the aid of DSWT chopper and darted with 18 mgs of Etorphine in a Dan-Inject dart from a Dan-Inject dart gun. It took him 7 minutes to go down on sternal recumbency and he was pushed to lateral recumbency to access the wounded part of the leg.

There was a fresh deep penetrating wound caused by a spear on the lateral aspect of the left front leg. Necrotic tissues, plus and blood were drained out, and the wound then cleaned using water mixed with Hydrogen peroxide.

Tincture of iodine and Oxytetracycline spray were applied and a final cover of wetted green clay was used to cover the wound. An intravenous administration of 100 cc Dexamethasone Hcl was given through the ear vein and 200 cc of long acting Amoxicillin injected intramuscularly.

Reversal and Prognosis Drug reversal was achieved by administration of Diprenorphine Hcl at three times the Etorphine dose. He stood up and walked away calmly.

Prognosis is guarded.

2.

TREATMENT OF AN INJURED LION

Date: 6th February 2017 Species: African lion Sex: Female Age: Young adult Location: Taita salt lick lodge, Tsavo History The lioness was reported to be in a pride of 3 others with an injury on the right thigh area. The injuries were thought to be caused by a Buffalo attack.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The lion was immobilized with a dart containing 300 mgs of Ketamine and 4 mgs of Meditomidine. It took about 5 minutes for the anesthetic to take effect and a vehicle was used to keep the pride away whilst the lion was moved to a shaded area. The gaping wound that cut through the skin and muscles was cleaned and sutured using size 2-0 nylon suture. Tincture of iodine and Oxytetracycline were applied and then green clay was used to cover the sutured area to aid in healing. 15 CC of long acting Amoxicillin and 10cc Dexamethasone was administered parenterally.

Reversal and Prognosis The Lion was revived using 2.5 mgs of Atipemazole. Further follow up indicated great improvement.

3.

ELEPHANT AUTOPSY REPORT

Date of autopsy: 15th February 2017 Species: African Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Rukinga ranch, Tsavo East History A report was made by KWS rangers of an Elephant bull that was shot in an attempted poaching incident but survived and died later inside Rukinga ranch adjacent to Tsavo east National park.

Autopsy The carcass was lying on the left flank with the face chopped off and tusks recovered by KWS rangers. The carcass was fresh and the front right limb was swollen and bone fragments visible from the skin. Autopsy revealed complete facture of radial and fibula bones. Cause of the fracture was a high velocity projectile (bullet) from the attempted poaching. Cause of death – Hemorrhage from bullet shot

4.

DESNARING OF A WATERBUCK

Date: 16th February 2017 Species: Waterbuck Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Sarova Taita lodge, Tsavo History The Waterbuck was seen at the Taita lodge water hole with a wire snare dangling from its neck.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The waterbuck was immobilized using 6 mgs Etorphine and 40 mgs Xylazine. The antelope was darted in the rump and went down after six minutes. The wire snare was removed from the neck and thankfully was not tight so had not caused any wounds requiring treatment.

Reversal and Prognosis The anesthesia was reversed and the waterbuck let free. Prognosis is good.

5.

DESNARING OF A GIRAFFE

Date: 16th February Species: Maasai Giraffe Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Sarova salt lick lodge, Tsavo History Shortly after de-snaring the waterbuck, a giraffe was spotted with a tight wire snare around its lower leg near Taita lodge.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The giraffe was immobilized using 12 mgs of Etorphine mixed with 60 mgs of Xylazine. It took 10 minutes for the anesthetic to take effect and the giraffe was roped down to lateral recumbency. The anesthesia was immediately reversed using Diprenorphine mixed with Naltrexone and Atipemazole Hcl administered through the jugular vein and the giraffe held down by the neck for snare removal.

The tight wire snare around the right rear limb was removed with wire cutters. The wound was then cleaned using water mixed with Hydrogen peroxide before tincture of iodine and Oxytetracycline spray was applied. A final cover of wetted green clay was used to cover the wound.

An intravenous administration of 50 cc Dexamehasone Hcl was given through the jugular vein and 100 cc of long acting Amoxicillin injected intramuscularly.

Prognosis The giraffe was released free but was too weak to stand up. Ropes and several staff pulled him to a sitting position from which he stood up and walked away calmly. Prognosis is good.

6.

DESNARING OF A WATERBUCK

Date: 16th February 2017 Species: Waterbuck Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Sarova salt lick lodge, Tsavo History Shortly after the Vet Unit treated the giraffe, a second waterbuck was reported near Taita salt lick lodge water hole with a wire snare dangling from its neck.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The waterbuck was immobilized using 6 mgs Etorphine and 40 mgs Xylazine. Luckily the snare was not tight and had not caused any wounds to the waterbuck. After the drugs took effect, the snare was easily removed and the anesthetic reversed.

Prognosis Prognosis is good.

7.

RESCUE OF AN ELEPHANT CALF IN TAITA SALT LICK LODGE

Date: 22nd February 2017 Animal: African Elephant Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: 1 month old Location: Taita salt lick lodge, Tsavo East History A report was made by Taita salt lick lodge staff regarding an elephant calf that had fallen into a septic tank near the lodge with no family around.

Rescue The vet team together with the Voi stockade team rushed to the area to find the young elephant swimming inside the septic tank desperately trying to find a way out. The tiny elephant was rescued from the pit with the use of ropes and an air evacuation from DSWT Nairobi orphanage was requested.

Prognosis Due to his age the calf was airlifted to Nairobi orphanage for care. Prognosis is good.

8.

TREATMENT OF AN INJURED ELEPHANT COW

Date: 23rd February 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Female Age: Adult (About 30 years) Location: Tiva River, Tsavo east History Reports indicated that the condition of an elephant cow treated on 31st January in the Tiva River area had deteriorated hence repeat treatment was necessary. The vet was airlifted by DSWT aircraft to Kaluku then by helicopter to the site for easier darting. The lame Elephant was found inside Tiva river bed in great pain.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The elephant was approached on foot and darted with 18 mgs of Etorphine from a Dan-inject dart gun. It took about 6 minutes for the anesthetic to take effect and the elephant went down in left lateral recumbency.

There was a septic wound with pus oozing out on the medial aspect of the right front limb near the fetlock joint.

The wound was opened for the necrotic tissues and the pus to be drained out, then cleaned using water mixed with Hydrogen peroxide. Tincture of iodine and Oxytetracycline spray were applied before a cover of wetted green clay was used to cover the wound.

An intravenous administration of 50 cc Dexamethasone Hcl was administered through the ear vein and 100 cc of long acting Amoxicillin injected intramuscularly.

Reversal and Prognosis The anesthetic was reversed by administration of Diprenorphine Hcl at three times the Etorphine dose. She was helped onto her feet by ropes tied onto a landcruiser. Prognosis is poor.

Other cases handled by the unit On the 23rd Feb 2017, the unit was called in to rescue a buffalo calf near Sarova salt lick lodge and took it to Voi Elephant stockade but it succumbed days later.

TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT MARCH 2017 During March the Vet Unit attended to cases of injuries in elephants and other species due to poaching attempts by use of firearms and arrows. An autopsy on an elephant bull in Salaita, Tsavo West National Park revealed it had died of a bullet injury and four other carcasses were examined for cause of death but all were too decomposed for any meaningful autopsy to be undertaken. Several elephant calves were also rescued throughout the vast Tsavo Ecosystem and taken to the Nairobi Nursery.

1.

RESCUE OF AN ELEPHANT CALF

Date: 7th March 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: 6 months Location: Mzima pipeline, Tsavo East Rescue A report was made by tour operators regarding an elephant calf that fell into a temporary water hole along the Mzima water pipeline, Tsavo East and eventually abandoned by the mother.

The vet team together with the Voi stockade team rushed to the area to find the young elephant in the shallow hole.

He was extracted from the waterhole and examined, which revealed he was very weak and must have gone without milk for some time. The calf was airlifted to Nairobi for care.

2.

Date: Species: Sex: Age: Place:

ELEPHANT AUTOPSY 14th March 2017 Elephant Male About 30 years Salaita, Tsavo east.

History A report was made by KWS rangers of an elephant bull that was found dead in Salaita inside Tsavo West National Park with blood oozing from the neck and chest area and the tusks still intact.

Examination The carcass was male, fresh and lying on the right flank. The tusks were recovered by KWS rangers. There was a penetrating wound at the top of the neck and the chest which were still oozing blood and pus. Autopsy revealed a penetrating wound that went into the neck under the scapula blade, hit the transverse process of cervicothoracic vertebrae and was deflected caudo-ventrally and exited at the right chest area. Ventral edema was evident on the chest and abdominal area.

Conclusion Cause of death was a high velocity projectile (bullet) from the attempted poaching.

3.

ELEPHANT AUTOPSY REPORT

Date: 15th March 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Sobo area, Tsavo East History A report was made by KWS rangers of 3 elephant carcasses spotted within Tsavo East National Park. KWS requested for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Examinations All three carcasses were visited and all were females as per the KWS records. The carcasses were all visited the same day and no autopsy could be carried out as they were highly decomposed to an extent that one only had a few pieces of bones left. No cause of death was ascertained and all were deemed to have died naturally.

4.

RESCUE OF AN ELEPHANT CALF

Date: 18th March 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: 1 year Location: Satao, Tsavo East Rescue A report was made by tour operators of an elephant calf that was abandoned near Satao, Tsavo East. The vet team together with the Voi stockade team rushed to the area to find the young elephant alone and pacing the area. The calf had lost condition and had an injury to the left hind leg. He was quickly captured and taken to the Voi Stockade whilst a rescue plane was organized to take him to the Nairobi Nursery.

5.

RESCUE OF AN ELEPHANT CALF

Date: 21st March 2017 Species: African elephant Sex: Male Age: 6 months old Location: Irima hill, Tsavo East Rescue A report was made by KWS rangers of one elephant calf that was abandoned near Irima hill, Tsavo East. The vet team together with the Voi stockade team rushed to the area to rescue the elephant calf so it could be airlifted to the Nairobi Nursery for care.

6.

Species: Sex: Age: Date: Place:

TREATMENT OF AN ELEPHANT BULL WITH ARROW INJURY Elephant Male About 35 years 23rd February 2017 Ithumba, Tsavo east

History An elephant bull frequenting the Ithumba Stockade water hole was spotted with an injury on the side of the body.

The vet was airlifted by DSWT aircraft to Ithumba.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The elephant was immobilized using 18 mgs of Etorphine in a dan-inject dart from a Dan-inject dart gun. The elephant was initially approached on foot but avoided all attempts at darting. He was eventually darted from the helicopter and it took about 6 minutes for the drugs to take full effect.

Examination revealed a septic wound with pus oozing out on the medial right abdominal area. An arrow head was removed from the wound, then the wound was opened and necrotic tissues mixed with pus drained out. The area was then cleaned using water mixed with hydrogen peroxide before iodine and Oxytetracycline spray were applied. Wetted green clay was then used to cover the wound.

An intravenous administration of 50 cc Dexamethasone Hcl was administered through the ear vein and 100 cc of long acting Amoxicillin injected intramuscularly.

Reversal and Prognosis Drug reversal was done by administration of Diprenorphine Hcl at three times the Etorphine dose. Prognosis is good.

7.

RESCUE OF AN ELEPHANT CALF

Date: 23rd March 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: 6 months Location: Dida Harea, Tsavo East Rescue A report was made by tour operators of an elephant calf that was abandoned near Dida harea water hole, Tsavo East. The vet team together with the Voi Stockade Team rushed to the area to find the young elephant was already rescued by the Tsavo Trust team and taken to the Voi stockade. The Vet Unit examined the young elephant before the rescue plane arrived. It had no injuries but was in poor condition.

Another calf was rescued by the Big life team and taken to the Ziwani airstrip. Both elephant calves were collected by the same plane and flown to the Nairobi Nursery.

8.

Date: Species: Sex: Age: Place:

TREATMENT OF AN INJURED ELEPHANT CALF 28th March 2017 Elephant Female About 1.5 years Voi River, Tsavo east

History This elephant calf was spotted by tour drivers along Voi River near Kanderi swamp in a herd of about 8 others.

The calf had obvious carrying leg lameness of the hind leg.

Immobilization, examination and treatment A decision was made to immobilize the mother and the calf to prevent separation. The mother was immobilized first from a vehicle using 16 mgs of Etorphine. Once the drugs started to take effect the calf was immobilized using 2 mgs of Etorphine and both went down in left lateral recumbency. The calf’s left hind limb had an old injury at the knee with malformed healing. Nothing could be done for the injury and surgical intervention would not be able to rectify the lameness. The lameness is not life threatening and the young elephant will live with the deformity. An intravenous administration of 20 cc Dexamethasone Hcl was administered through the ear vein and 20 cc of long acting Amoxicillin injected intramuscularly.

Reversal The anesthetic was reversed by administration of Diprenorphine Hcl at three times the Etorphine dose and both mother and calf woke up together and walked away calmly. Prognosis is good.

Other activities handled by the unit The unit vet travelled to Malindi to testify in a case of elephant trophies recovered from suspects who were charged in Malindi courts

MARA MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH 2017

MARA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT JANUARY 2017 The Mara Unit was on annual leaving during the month of January.

MARA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT FEBRUARY 2017 Introduction Like most parts of the country, the Masai Mara and its environs remained dry for the better part of the month.

Most wildlife species have moved into Conservancies and Community areas in search of forage and water.

A few animals have suffered as a result of human wildlife conflict with at least two elephants and a giraffe treated for human inflicted injuries.

The following were cases handled during the period;

1.

TREATMENT OF A SPEARED ELEPHANT

Date: 6th Feb 2017 Species: African elephant Sex: Male Age: Young Location: Kishermuruak History This elephant in a family of about ten elephants was seen with an injury on his right hind limb by a team of rangers from KWS, Olarro conservancy, Olkinyei conservancy and Mara elephant project who were doing joint patrols.

They informed the mobile veterinary unit for intervention. The herd was found in an open place having crossed from Olarro Conservancy towards Olkinyei Conservancy. The injured elephant walked with an obvious limp on his right hind leg with a septic wound at the back of the leg slightly above the ankle.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Restraint was achieved chemically by use of 8mgs Etorphine hydrochloride remotely delivered through a 1.5mls Dan-Inject dart from a vehicle. It took ten minutes for this young bull to be fully immobilized with examination and treatment being carried out immediately. This revealed a deep penetrating wound that appeared to have resulted from spearing. The wound was a couple of days old and already septic.

The purulent liquid and necrotic tissues were cleaned out with the help of Hydrogen peroxide and swabs. The wound was then rinsed with copious amount of water and disinfected with tincture of iodine. Green clay was then packed to absorb toxins and hasten the healing. Additional treatments included administration of 7500mgs Amoxicillin anti-biotic and 2500mgs Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory all given intramuscularly.

Reversal and Prognosis Reversal of the anaesthetic was achieved by use of 18mgs Diprenorphine hydrochloride given through a prominent ear vein. He woke up in three minutes to join the herd. Prognosis is good.

2.

RESCUE OF A BABY ELEPHANT

Date: 11th Feb 2017 Species: African elephant Sex: Female Age: Approximately 1 year old.

Location: Ngirare in Mara Triangle Conservancy History This baby elephant was spotted in the evening of the day preceding her rescue by Mara Triangle Rangers on patrol. She was in a big herd with a tight snare round her trunk. Mara Triangle management asked their rangers to keep vigil and called on the Mobile Veterinary Unit to come first thing the next morning as it was already late when they spotted her. The next day the herd was found in a forested area. It was obviously difficult to capture her without pushing the herd out of this bush so the services of the Mara Elephant Project helicopter were sought to push the herd out of the thicket. The herd came out with the baby elephant who appeared to be in great pain.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The baby elephant was captured by use of 1mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered in a 1.5ml Dan- Inject dart from a vehicle. It took ten minutes for the drugs to take full effect. The mother was pushed aside to allow for her examination which revealed a tight snare round her trunk that had cut deep and partially exposed the nares. The snare was more proximal on the trunk, a point at which if amputated would leave a small stump about a third of its total length. The elephant was breathing through the damaged part but the distal part of the trunk was still viable.

The team arrived at three options, to amputate the trunk, try to reconstruct it or conservative management.

However, none of the options could be undertaken in the field as this required constant medication and monitoring. Feeding and drinking water would really be difficult without assistance as she recuperates. Her survival in the wild was considered at stake hence after considerations and consultations, the team decided to refer her to DSWT elephant orphanage in Nairobi for possible surgical reconstruction.

The wound was thoroughly cleaned and temporarily reconstructed before the baby elephant was airlifted to DSWT orphanage for further management. She was given 20mgs Dexamethasone sodium anti-inflammatory intravenously and another 20mgs intramuscularly to ease pain and avoid shock. By the time she was on the plane this baby elephant had metabolised the anaesthetic and was fully conscious on transit.

Prognosis The elephant is currently doing well at the Nairobi Nursery and her wound is being managed. So far amputation has been ruled out though healing is ongoing and it is likely she will only have partial use of her trunk.

3.

RESCUE OF A BUFFALO

Date: 11th Feb 2017 Species: Cape buffalo Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Masai Mara National Reserve (Border with Sentrim lodge) History This adult male was seen stuck in a swampy area bordering the Sentrim lodge in Masai Mara National Reserve (MMNR) and community area by the Sentrim lodge management. They brought this to the attention of MMNR management who sought our services to rescue him.

Rescue This buffalo was trying to reach better forage in a swampy area because of the current dry spell. However, he got stuck and could not pull himself out. After several attempts, he was fatigued and by the time the team arrived he showed signs of severe exhaustion.

He was pulled out of the swamp with ropes and with no anesthesia made to lie comfortably. He could not stand up immediately due to excessive fatigue and the rangers were advised to keep watch over him before he gained energy to stand and move.

Prognosis Poor. His body condition had deteriorated due to the prevailing drought making him an easy target for predators.

4.

TREATMENT OF A GIRAFFE

Date: 12th Feb 2017 Species: Masai giraffe Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Olarro Conservancy History This female was seen by the rangers of Olarro conservancy with an arrow stuck in her right perineal area. This occasioned her limping gait with the arrow head visibly seen protruding. The Vet Unit found her isolated from the rest of the herd, moving with difficulty.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Restraint was achieved by use of a combination of 12mgs Etorphine hydrochloride and 50mgs Azaperone delivered in a 3mls Dan-Inject dart from a vehicle. When signs of narcotization became evident, she was roped down for effective restraint. She was heavily gravid and treatment was quick so as not to compromise her and the calf’s health.

The barbed arrow head was worked out gently and the wound debrided with help of Hydrogen peroxide and gauze swabs. The wound was disinfected with tincture of iodine and packed with green clay to absorb toxins.

Additional treatments involved intramuscular administration of 7500mgs Amoxicillin antibiotic and 2500mgs Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory.

Reversal and Prognosis Reversal of the anaesthetic was achieved by administration of 24mgs Diprenorphine hydrochloride intravenously through the jugular vein. She woke up with little assistance in three minutes and dashed to join the rest of the herd. Prognosis is good.

5.

TREATMENT OF A SPEARED ELEPHANT

Date: 12th Feb 2017 Species: African elephant Sex: Male Age: Young (10 – 15 years) Location: Olarro conservancy History This young bull was spotted close to where the giraffe was being treated as the team was winding up with the giraffe treatment. He was alone in a small bush with a wound to his left flank and seemed to be in a lot of pain.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Restraint was achieved by use of 11mgs Etorphine hydrochloride delivered through a 1.5ml Dan-Inject dart from a vehicle. It took ten minutes for the drugs to take full effect with the elephant assuming left lateral recumbency.

He had to be flipped over for proper examination and treatment to be achieved.

Examination revealed a spear inflicted wound which was approximately one week old and had become septic. No foreign body was detected. The purulent liquid was effectively drained out and necrotic tissues debrided. Copious amount of clean water was used to lavage the wound before tincture of iodine disinfectant was applied. Finally, green clay was packed to promote healing. Additional treatments include parenteral administration of 22500mgs Amoxicillin antibiotic and 5000mgs Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory.

Reversal and Prognosis Reversal of the anaesthetic was achieved by administration of 30mgs Diprenorphine hydrochloride through a prominent ear vein. He woke up in three minutes and walked to a nearby thicket. Prognosis is good.

6.

COLLARING OF AN ELEPHANT

Date: 17th Feb 2017 Specie: African elephant Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Shompole History With the recent discovery of elephant carcases at Loita forest near Kenya /Tanzania border, stakeholders in wildlife conservation thought there was need to keep track of this group of elephants who are known to stay in Loita forest and sometimes move up to Nguruman in Kajiado.

Given that these areas are poorly accessible due to vegetation and terrain, KWS, Save the Elephants (STE) and Mara Elephant Project (MEP) teams jointly decided to deploy a collar on one of the elephants so that the herds can easily be monitored.

Immobilization and collar deployment A herd of about 30 elephants was identified having moved up from Loita to Shompole and the second in command female in one of the families was identified as a good candidate.

She was chemically restrained by use of 17mgs Etorphine hydrochloride delivered through a 3ml Dan-Inject dart from a helicopter given the status of the terrain. She was guided to a relatively open ground before being darted and restricted from moving back to the forest by helicopter. It took ten minutes for her to be fully narcotized. A collar was quickly fitted by the team after ascertaining her soundness. This was a SAT/GSM collar for maximum access and recovery of data. She was given 20000mgs Oxytetracycline hydrochloride intramuscularly for prophylaxis before being reversed.

Reversal The anesthetic was reversed by administration of a combination of 30mgs Diprenorphine hydrochloride and 150mgs Naltrexone intravenously through a prominent ear vein. She woke up in three minutes to join the rest of the herd.

7.

SICK VULTURE

Date: 21st Feb 2017 Species: White backed vulture Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Base Camp (Talek) History This vulture was found partly submerged at Talek River by an employee of Base camp. She showed servere incoordination and flapping of the wings. After picking her from the river he called the mobile veterinary unit for assistance. No other vulture or any other species was seen affected near the area at that time.

General examination This vulture appeared dehydrated, wasted and fatigued after a lot of struggle. She had a tendency of tucking her head below her left wing and her left eye was partially damaged.

Management As a precautionary measure, she received a dose of Atropine sulphate being antidote of the most commonly used poison in the area, given that they are mostly affected by this. Poisoning was also considered as a differential diagnosis. She also received 0.5mgs Dexamethasone sodium anti-inflammatory all given through breast muscles.

She was then put in a relatively warm area and closely monitored. However, she did not survive and succumbed during the night.

Post mortem was then conducted which revealed, severe dehydration, debility and an entirely empty gastrointestinal tract. No solid food was found in the digestive system, with greenish biliary regurgitates on the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Diagnosis This vulture died of malnutrition and dehydration occasioned by her inability to feed and drink. She could also have been exposed to chronic poisoning. Liver samples were collected for further analysis

MARA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT MARCH 2017 Introduction The month experienced a lot of precipitation with most seasonal rivers becoming flooded. This came as a relief for most herbivores as availability of forage was guaranteed. Conflict cases consequently decreased as competition with humans and domestic animals declined.

The following are cases handled during the period:

1.

TREATMENT OF AN ARROWED GIRAFFE

Date: 9th Mar 2017 Species: Masai giraffe Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Olarro conservancy History This giraffe was seen with a swelling on the left side of his withers by the Olarro Conservancy Rangers who informed their management. He was in a herd of ten giraffes and the others were in good condition. He stayed a few meters from the rest of the herd and was clearly in pain whilst walking.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Immobilization was achieved by use of a combination of 12mgs Etorphine hydrochloride and 50mgs Azaperone delivered through a 3ml dan-inject dart from a vehicle. It took eight minutes for the drugs to take full effect whereupon he was roped down for effective restraint.

Examination revealed an arrow head lodged in the giraffe’s withers which had created sepsis and maggot infestation. The arrowhead and all maggots were manually removed from the wound. It was suspected the arrowhead had been poisoned.

The wound was debrided and all necrotic tissues removed. Tincture of iodine was then applied as a disinfectant.

He also received 7500mgs Amoxicillin antibiotic and 1500mgs Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory intramuscularly. To stop maggot re-infestation, 200mgs Ivermectin parasiticide was administered subcutaneously.

Reversal and Prognosis Reversal of the anesthetic was achieved by intravenous injection of 150mgs Naltrexone. He rose up to join the rest of the herd. Prognosis is good.

2.

TREATMENT OF AN ARROWED ELEPHANT

Date: 20th March 2017 Species: African elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Masai Mara National Reserve.

History This lone bull was seen by the veterinary mobile team as he came towards their residence to drink water. He was limping on his front left leg with a swelling near his elbow. He moved with some degree of pain though he appeared to be in good body condition.

Immobilization, examination and treatment He was restrained chemically by use of 16mgs Etorphine hydrochloride delivered through a 3ml dan-inject dart.Induction time was ten minutes and he assumed right lateral recumbency. Examination of the swelling revealed an old but septic wound most likely caused by an arrow.

The wound was probed for foreign bodies but none were found; presumably the arrowhead had been dislodged over time. The wound was debrided with dilute Hydrogen peroxide, lavaged with clean water before tincture of iodine was applied to disinfect. Green clay was then applied to the wound to facilitate healing.

He additionally received a parenteral administration of 22500mgs Amoxicillin antibiotics and 5000mgs Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatory.

Reversal and Prognosis Reversal of the anaesthetic was achieved by administration of 150mgs Naltrexone intravenously through a prominent ear vein. He rose up in three minutes and dashed into a nearby thicket. Prognosis is good.

3.

COLLECTION OF WHOLE BLOOD FROM AN ELEPHANT BULL

Date: 22nd March 2017 Species: African elephant Age: Adult Sex: Male Location: Masai Mara National Reserve History Most of the young elephant calves rescued from the wild need to have their immunities boosted to survive regular health challenges. Some of them are rescued very young before getting the full benefits of their mother’s colostrum. Whole blood from adult healthy males is normally collected for serum extraction to be used to boost their immunities.

Immobilization and blood collection This bull was chemically restrained by use of 17mgs Etorphine hydrochloride delivered through a 3ml dan-inject dart.It took ten minutes for the drugs to take full effect with this massive bull assuming right lateral recumbency.

Blood was collected from visible ear veins to new blood bags. The procedure took slightly over twenty minutes after which the anaesthetic was reversed.

Reversal Reversal of the anaesthetic was achieved by administration of 200mgs Naltrexone intravenously through a prominent ear vein. He rose up in three minutes and took off to a nearby bush.

The collected blood was flown immediately to competent laboratories in Nairobi for processing.

4.

POST MORTEM OF A SPOTTED HYENA

Date: 23rd March 2017 Species: Spotted hyena Sex: Female Age: Sub adult Location: Aitong (Near Naretoi) History This hyena was seen by Naretoi management late evening on the 22nd March with signs of posterior ataxia and vomiting; she died soon after. Management called the veterinary unit for help to determine the cause of her death.

General observation This hyena appeared to have been in good body condition before her death. No other hyena or any other species carcass was seen or reported in the area. There were also indications that she vomited before death.

On opening the carcass, the following was noted; • • • • • •

•

There were signs of lung congestion with froth evident on the trachea.

Oesophagus was partially eroded with traces of refluxed greenish material sticking onto the mucosa Liver and kidneys appeared congested with the liver showing cooked appearance The stomach was empty. No food traces found Spleen was heavily engorged The lower portion of small intestines and part of large intestines were congested and necrotic with clear evidence of severe intestinal torsion. The mesentery at the point of torsion was tense with 360 degrees’ rotation along its own axis.

No other pathology detected grossly

Conclusion This hyena died of severe intestinal torsion.

5.

INJURED LION

Date: 23rd March 2017 Species: African lion Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Masai Mara National Reserve (Talek area) History This lion was seen by Masai Mara National Reserve Rangers who reported that the lion was limping with an injury to one of his hind legs.

The Vet Unit found this male inside a small bush next to his brother and he looked very agitated. His left hind leg appeared wasted from a long-term injury causing atrophy though disuse but still there was a fresh wound that caused concern.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Chemical Restraint was achieved with a combination of 6mgs Medetomidine and 25omgs Ketamine delivered in a 3ml dan-inject dart. The lion was darted from a vehicle though this was quite a challenge because he was aggressive and did not want to be approached.

Finally, he was darted and examination revealed a freshly inflicted spear wound hardly 24hours old. The wound was about 4 inches deep accessing the knee joint and damaging joint cartilage. He had also suffered a long term injury on the same leg diagnosed as hip subluxation.

The wound was cleaned with water, disinfected with iodine and infused with cloxacillin ointment.

Damaged tissues were sutured together and the skin closed leaving a small space for discharge. He received an injection of 3000mgs Amoxicillin antibiotic intramuscularly and 80mgs subcutaneous injection of Ivermectin parasiticide.

Reversal and Prognosis Reversal of the anaesthetic was achieved by administration of 20mgs Atepamezole hydrochloride intramuscularly one hour after immobilization. He got up after ten minutes and relaxed under a shade.

Prognosis is fair as the injury is not life threatening and he has survived so far with the older injury.

MERU MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH 2017

MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT JANUARY 2017 Introduction This report describes the activities of the Meru veterinary unit in January 2017. The unit resumed duty on 19th January after a 4-week annual leave.

Northern Kenya received lower than average rainfall during the November/ December season; hence data shows limited pasture and water resources in the region in January. Laikipia for example has recorded increasing incidences of human wildlife conflict due to incursion of pastoralists into landscape which were predominantly occupied by wildlife. One such case was an injured elephant Mugie ranch Laikipia which was treated for gunshot injuries on its leg.

In Meru National Park we attended to a lioness which had showed a loss of body condition. A leopard which was responsible for livestock depredation in Ol Donyo ranch was captured relocated to Meru national park.

1.

Sick lioness in Mururi area

Date: 20/01/17 Species: Lion Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Meru national park History On 17/01/17 the lion monitoring team in Meru NP reported a lioness (called Virginia) which showed severe emaciation. It had three cubs approximately six weeks old and was accompanied by another lioness. The pride had a water buck carcass.

This lioness was evaluated on 20/01/17. It had joined a pride of seven female lions. Though she had lost considerable weight she was alert. Weight loss was attributed to lactation stress, therefore we recommended further monitoring. Images taken seven days later showed that she had improved and seemed to be on its way to full recovery.

Virginia had been darted to replace a faulty satellite collar in November 2016. A physical examination then had shown lacerations on its claw, a fracture on its rib and a broken canine tooth. It was suspected to be pregnant.

For two months, data from the tracking collar showed that she had moved into a swampy area of the park that could not be accessed by vehicle for monitoring.

2.

Relocation of a Leopard

Date: 27/1/17 Species: Leopard Sex: Male Age: Adult This leopard in Ol Donyo ranch, Timau was identified as the cause of livestock losses in the ranch. It was captured using a cage trap and relocated to Meru Park. A general veterinary assessment carried out before release showed that it was in good health.

3.

Elephant treatment at Mugie ranch

Date: 28/1/17 Species: Elephant Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Mugie ranch History Rangers on patrol at Mugie ranch Laikipia requested for examination and treatment of an injured elephant. This elephant showed lameness and exuded pus on its right hind leg. Recent reports indicated increasing incidences of human wildlife conflict in parts of Laikipia due to drought and livestock incursion in private ranches and conservancies.

Chemical immobilization and examination This injured elephant was found in a herd of 15 adult females and calves of various age. Immobilization was achieved using CaptivonÂŽ delivered in a 3cc DanInject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle with the dart placed into the gluteal muscles. Down time was 4 minutes and it fell onto right lateral recumbence.

Examination showed a puncture wound distal and caudal to the hock joint. The wound seemed to have been inflicted by a gunshot exiting ventrally on the cranial aspect. It exuded copious amount of pus. Manipulation of the leg did not show injury to the bone, only the soft tissue was affected.

Treatment and prognosis Wound cleaning and debridement using dilute hydrogen peroxide and application of povidone iodine. Parenteral antibiotic was injected and flunixin meglumine was given for pain management. This elephant is expected to make a complete recovery after successful treatment of septic wounds.

MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT FEBRUARY 2017 Introduction This report describes activities of the Meru Veterinary Unit in February 2017. Drought continues to affect Northern Kenya, this has caused a reduction in pasture and water resources for wildlife. In Meru National Park, the unit attended to a white rhino which showed lameness and an elephant which had an abscess on its abdominal wall. In Shaba National Reserve the unit treated an elephant for gunshot injuries.

The Meru veterinary unit is supported by the David Sheldrick Trust to provide veterinary care in northern Kenya.

1.

Lameness in a White Rhino

Date: 16th February 2017 Species: White Rhino Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Meru National Park History On 01/02/17 the rhino monitoring team in Meru National Park reported a white rhino which showed lameness on its left hind leg. Close observation showed a laceration suspected to have been caused during a territorial fight. No treatment was required. On 16/02/17 rangers reported that this rhino was on its way to recovery.

2.

Injured Elephant in Meru

Date: 16th February 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult (approximately 25 years old) Location: Meru national park History On 15/02/16 the Meru Veterinary Unit received a report from the manager at Elsas Lodge in Meru National Park about an elephant with a huge swelling exuding pus on its left ventral abdominal wall. The Vet Team began an immediate search for the male elephant which was in a herd of 4 young males. On 16/02/17 at 1430 hours, with the assistance of tour drivers, the team tracked the sick elephant to a rocky area near the lodge. It was darted for treatment when it moved to a plain grassland terrain.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Immobilization was achieved using Captivon delivered in a 3cc Dan-Inject dart placed into the left gluteal muscles.

Down time was 8 minutes with the elephant falling on right lateral recumbence.

Examination showed an abscess on the left ventral abdominal wall exuding pus through a sinus tract opening dorsally. Necrotic tissue was hanging from the opening. The vet was unable to determine the cause of this injury.

Treatment involved lancing the abscess ventrally to drain the pus, debridement of necrotic tissue and application of iodine antiseptic. Green clay was also applied. Antibiotic and anti-inflammmatory injection was given by intramuscular route.

Reversal and Prognosis To reverse the effects of the immobilizing drug, Naltrexone hydrochloride was given through the superficial ear vein. Two minutes after injection of the antidote this elephant was up on its feet.

The Vet is hopeful that the elephant will recover although a repeat treatment is scheduled in two weeks in addition to continuous monitoring during the recovery period.

3.

Gunshot wound to an elephant

Date: 19th February 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Shaba national reserve History On 18/02/17 rangers from the Nakuprat – Gotu conservancy on patrol in Funan, Shaba NR reported an elephant showing severe lameness of its left forelimb with severe swelling and pus exudate. Treatment was conducted on 19/02/17.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The elephant was approached on foot and immobilized with Captivon 18mg delivered in a 3cc Dan-Inject dart placed into the left gluteal muscles and down time was 4 minutes.

Examination of the affected left forelimb showed septic wounds caudal and ventral to the cubital joint. There were two penetrating injuries observed, perhaps more than 2 weeks old, and appeared to have been caused by a gunshot. Injuries affected the soft tissue only. The wounds were washed thoroughly and chemical debridement of necrotic tissue and pus was attempted using Hydrogen peroxide. Povidone iodine and green clay was applied.

An antibiotic and anti- inflammatory drug was given by deep intramuscular route.

Reversal and Prognosis This elephant was revived from anesthesia by intravenous injection of Naltrexone hydrochloride.

Prognosis for recovery is guarded due to deep seated bacterial infection which may spread to the bone. The Conservancy rangers will continue to monitor and report on its progress.

MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT MARCH 2017 Introduction This report describes the activities of the Meru Veterinary Unit in Northern Kenya in March 2017. Drought continues to affect many parts in the eastern part of Meru, Samburu and Laikipia. This has caused a reduction in pasture and water resources for both wildlife and livestock.

We attended to the following cases: In Meru National Park a reticulated giraffe was immobilized to remove a wire snare and four elephants were treated for injuries ranging from a gunshot wound, a spear and fracture of the thigh bone.

The Meru Veterinary Unit is supported by the David Sheldrick Trust to provide veterinary care in northern Kenya.

1.

SNARE REMOVAL IN GIRAFFE

Date: 8th March 2017 Species: Reticulated giraffe Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Meru national park History A giraffe showing lameness caused by a debilitating snare on its left hind leg was first seen by rangers on patrol in Kinna triangle, Meru national park on 6th March 2017. Following this report the Meru vet unit searched for and immobilized this giraffe for treatment on 8th March 2017.

Immobilization, examination and treatment Immobilization was achieved using a combination of CaptivonÂŽ and Azaperone tartate delivered in a 1.5cc DanInject dart from a vehicle. The drugs took effect after 8 minutes and it was roped to lateral recumbence for examination and treatment.

Examination showed a septic wound caused by a plain wire snare that had cut through the skin, muscle and tendons on the right metatarsal.

Treatment involved snare removal using a wire cutter, wound debridement using Hydrogen peroxide, application of iodine antiseptic and green clay paste. An antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drug was also administered.

Reversal and Prognosis Complete reversal of the anesthetic was achieved by intravenous administration of NaltrexoneÂŽ hydrochloride through the jugular vein. Two minutes later the giraffe was in a standing position and ran into the bushes. We expect that the injuries will heal following removal of this harmful snare.

2.

LAMENESS IN A ZEBRA

Date: 8th March 2017 Species: Common zebra Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Meru national park History The Vet Unit discovered this injured zebra in Meru national park while searching for a snared giraffe on 8th March 2017. The zebra showed lameness of its left hind leg.

Immobilization, examination and treatment A combination of CaptivonÂŽ and Azaperone tartate was used to immobilize this zebra. The zebra was darted from a vehicle with the dart placed into the gluteal muscles. Three minutes after darting the zebra was recumbent. A blindfold was applied and the zebra was positioned on left lateral recumbence for examination.

Examination showed that lameness was caused by traumatic lateral hoof amputation of its right hind leg. An abscess with a sinus tract around the coronary band was also observed. These injuries may have been caused by a snare which dropped. The abscessed was lanced and drained and hydrogen peroxide applied to remove necrotic tissue. An antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drug was also administered.

Reversal and Prognosis The effect of anesthetic was reversed by intravenous administration of Naltrexone hydrochloride through the jugular vein. This zebra will regain good health though it will remain lame due to the deformity on its leg.

3.

RELOCATION OF A CHEETAH

Date: 9th March 2017 Species: Cheetah Sex: Male Age: Adult Capture site: Garissa Release site: Meru national park History A cheetah was captured by the KWS station in community land in Garissa where it was involved in livestock depredation. The Veterinary Unit was present to assess the health of the animal and assist with the relocation. It was relocated to Meru national park and released along Mulika swamp.

4.

SPEAR REMOVAL IN ELEPHANT

Date: 15th March 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Loisaba conservancy History Wildlife scouts in Loisaba conservancy, Laikipia found an elephant which had a spear penetrating into its left rump. The conservancy manager contacted Meru veterinary unit for assistance to treat this elephant.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The Veterinary Unit found this elephant in a thicket near the Conservancy Headquarters. The terrain here was rocky so the elephant had to be driven out using vehicles to a plain open grassland area.

The elephant was successfully darted from a vehicle after a brief chase using 16mg CaptivonÂŽ and induction time was six minutes.

The one-and-a-half-foot spear had penetrated through the left gluteal muscles and was carefully removed.

Necrotic tissue was removed manually and flushed with Hydrogen peroxide. Povidone iodine and green clay was also applied. A long acting antibiotic was given by intramuscular route.

Reversal To reverse the anesthetic effect, NaltrexoneÂŽ hydrochloride was injected intravenously through the superficial ear vein. Though the injuries were life threatening if left untreated, we are hopeful this elephant will recover fully after treatment. After the treatment, the elephant ran off into the bushes to rejoin the rest of the herd

5.

LAMENESS IN A WHITE RHINO

Date: 21st March 2017 Species: White rhino Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Lewa wildlife conservancy History The Meru Veterinary Unit provided technical support to the KWS veterinarian in Lewa to immobilize and treat a white rhino which showed lameness of its right leg.

Examination and treatment Examination of the affected leg showed traumatic removal of the toe nail. The wound was thoroughly cleaned before iodine was used to disinfect the wound and a pressure bandage applied. Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic drugs were also administered.

Prognosis Prognosis is good

6.

RECUMBENT ELEPHANT AT OLE NAISHU

Date: 26th March 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Ole Naishu ranch History On 26th March, the KWS senior warden in Laikipia reported that a female elephant in Ole Naishu ranch was recumbent for more than 12 hours and needed urgent veterinary assessment. This female had a calf estimated at less than 18 months old which was still dependent on its mother for nutrition and protection.

Physical examination On arrival we found a comatose elephant with its male calf and a herd of six surrounding it. Observation showed severe emaciation, dehydration, and anemia. There was a septic wound penetrating into the muscles of the right forelimb from the medial aspect. Manipulation of the leg revealed a fracture of the radius bone. These findings are consistent with gunshot injuries.

Case management This elephant had a poor prognosis for recovery due to the severity of the injury and we recommended euthanasia to relieve suffering. Though its male calf joined the herd, we recommended close monitoring and if it is abandoned it should be rescued and taken to an orphanage.

7.

LAMENESS IN ELEPHANT IN NGILAI

Date: 27th March 2017 Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Namunyak conservancy, Ngilai History Rangers in Ngilai reported severe lameness in a female elephant affecting the left hind leg. Community reported that this elephant had its leg trapped in a rocky crevice on the Mathews range but later freed itself. A veterinary assessment was required to determine the extent of injury and treat this elephant.

We tracked this elephant to a thicket in steep and rocky terrain where darting was not safe. Observation showed severe injury affecting the left hind leg, the elephant was able to walk for short distances with a hopping gait and could not charge at us even from close range. It had a huge swelling on its thigh and the thigh bone seemed unstable suggesting a fracture.

Prognosis Sadly, this elephant succumbed to its injuries a few days later 8.

LAMENESS IN ELEPHANT IN KALEPO

Date: 28th March 2017 Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Namunyak conservancy, Kalepo History Namunyak conservancy reported lameness in a lactating female elephant which had a one year old calf. We immobilized this elephant for examination and treatment on 28/03/17.

Immobilization, examination and treatment For immobilization we used CaptivonÂŽ 18mg delivered in a 3 milliliter Dan-Inject dart. The elephant was darted from foot after tracking the elephant in a lugga. Induction time was seven minutes and the elephant fell onto right lateral recumbency.Examination showed a deformity of the left hind leg. It had a swelling on its left stifle joint which was shorter than its right hind leg. Palpation revealed a hard mass deduced as bone. This deformity was caused by a healed dislocation/ fracture. Anti- inflammatory drugs were injected and the animal revived.

Prognosis Both mother and calf were in good health

AMBOSELI MOBILE VET UNIT REPORT JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH 2017

AMBOSELI MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT JANUARY 2017 Introduction Weather being unpredictable the Amboseli ecosystem received little rainfall below the usual seasonal expectations. This has adverse effects on the amount of foliage for the wild animals as other rains are expected by the beginning of April. Hopefully the wild animals will keep off from the cultivated crop farms thus reduce human-wildlife conflict.

The Southern Conservation Area Mobile Vet Unit has been busy for the better part of month as it stands in for Tsavo Vet Unit which resumed duty later in the month from annual leave.

Noticeable during the month was absence of any elephant injury case report and successful rescue of a baby female elephant abandoned by the mother after plugging into a water well. All of which are encouraging.

Following are veterinary activities attended to during the month:

1.

Postmortems of two Black Rhinos

Date of postmortem: 2/1/2017 Species: Black Rhino Location: Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary; Tsavo West History It was reported on 2/1/2017 by Tsavo West that a postmortem was required of two black rhinos which had been poached on 31/12/2016. The incidence occurred at around 1700hrs when gunshots (burst) were had. The carcasses were spotted by the help of a KWS fixed wing on 1/1/2017.

General examination The two carcasses were just a few meters apart probably ten. The small female was found on sternal recumbence while the big female was found on left recumbence. Maggots had already invaded the carcasses especially on sites where predation had taken place. All horns had been retrieved during poaching leaving open nasal cavities.

The small female had at least six gunshot penetrations while the female had at least five. Definite gunshots could not be made because some carcasses’ locations had been mauled/predated on.

Postmortem Findings The big adult though with several gunshot penetrations as indicated in Fig. 1 below, only one bullet path was visible internally. This is the one just in front of the right shoulder. It penetrated the chest cavity at right rib number five causing shattering fracture, through the right lung lobe, through diaphragm almost at the center, through the gastric stomach through the ventral colon to lodge at the inguinal region just under the vulva skin.

This caused massive internal breeding both into chest and abdominal cavities accompanied by rupture of the colon as digestive truck content had spilled into the abdominal cavity. The bullet head was recovered at inguinal area.The small female had several lethal shots as indicated in Fig. 11 below. One was on the right rump which fractured the hip bone as it went internally through hitting the kidneys. Another was on the left shoulder which went through the chest cavity hitting the two lung lobes, fracturing the right rib number three causing severe soft tissue injury around that area. Another went in at left lumbar area hitting the left kidney and ruptured the dorsal colon. One also went in at the right chest cavity just behind the right shoulder and is thought to have hit the liver near hepatic portal vein. Another though not lethal was just in front of the lethal one at left shoulder. It was retrieved just some few centimeters lodged into shoulder muscles. No any other bullet head was recovered. All caused massive vital organ injuries accompanied by hemo-thorax and peritoneum. Just adjacent to the carcass on the left belly side a spent cartilage was recovered Postmortem Diagnosis Both rhinos died as a result of shock secondary to resultant injuries on vital organs inflicted by gunshots during poaching.

2.

Treatment of an injured Lion

Date: 5/1/2017 Species: Lion Sex: Male Age: Sub Adult Location: Ngutuni Lodge; Tsavo East History A report of an emaciated weak and seemingly injured lion was made by Mr. Trevor who had been informed of the same by manager Ngutuni Lodge on 4/1/2017 in the evening prompting a visit on the following day.

Findings Despite being under pressure for attention the Unit was surprised to hear that the lion was not on sight regardless of the long journey from Amboseli all the way. It had been sighted latest having a drink near the lodge waterhole the previous night. The suspected area of residence was combed for more than two hours all in vain.

The manager was met and taken through the procedure of such a report and what ensues thereof. He promised to make a more sound report and follow-up thereafter. He was instructed to report the matter at Tsavo East KWS Office once sighted so that necessary action can be taken.

Prognosis From the picture shared through social media it appeared to have very poor prognosis

3.

Case review of a treated Elephant

Date: 6/1/2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Oldonyo Wuas History The mighty bull had suffered two spear wound injuries following a fracas where one person had been killed by an elephant about a month earlier. He had been treated on 6/12/2016 and had to be reviewed after ten days. He went missing after initial treatment till 5/1/2017 when he resurfaced. A call was made to that effect and the review was scheduled for the next day.

Observation The bull availed himself at a swimming pool for a quench when all necessary observation was made. He was observed when in motion and still. The right fore limp though slightly swollen at metacarpus due to initial injury, it was not lame at all. The two wounds had regressed sufficiently and the two fore limbs were in use without any favor. Joint flexing in both limbs were equally the same and he appeared to be in no pain. The injury on left rump had healed significantly and one could not note anything needing attention. He was in good health. After a drink, he walked away slowly into the nearby browse and observed browsing impeccably.

Conclusion It was reckoned that there was no need to dart the animal as he had shown tremendous improvement. Darting risks surpassed the need for the same considering the surrounding terrain and health status of the animal.

Meanwhile he will remain under observation for another month.

Prognosis It has favorable prognosis.

4.

Lioness Collaring

Date: 6/1/2017 Species: Lion Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Oldonyo Wuas; Chyulu Hills History The lioness (Nolewua) being six years and nine months old was considered to be among the best candidate for collaring. It is under surveillance of the Lion Guardian and her dispersal area needed to be established as she shares the niche together with cattle. The first attempt was on 10/12/2016 night and she failed to yield to call backs made. She was assumed to be dip in the nearby lava area. Another attempt was done when she was sighted within the same area this time in company of a male in mating. She was to be lured into the bait placed substantial distance from lava by call backs so that once darted she could not find his way back to lava before full anesthesia.

Immobilization This was done in early hours of evening. Bait was secured tightly onto a strong tree trunk after being dragged from the edges of lava where they were seen copulating. Call backs were made severally and after an hour they presented themselves to the bait. The candidate was darted as she attempted to tear the bait. She was darted with 300mgs Ketamine and 4mgs Medetomidine on the left supraspinous muscle. They attempted to run into lava area but was kept away by use of vehicles. She was completely anaesthetized in sixteen minutes and assumed right lateral recumbence. The male kept guard by her side and attempted to attack the car but he was confronted head on and ran away. He was chased into the lava area and one vehicle kept an eye on him during the exercise.

The GPS collar was fitted allowing enough space for breathing and ingestion. Meanwhile as ketamine regression was being awaited, the dart wound was swabbed of blood, one tube of Cloxacillin antibacterial cream infiltrated into the pouch and Tetracycline wound spray topically applied. The skin laceration noted on the shoulder area was sprayed with Tetracycline wound spray. During the narcosis vital parameters were monitored in a span of every seven minutes and breathing rate averaged 17/minute and pulse was 58/minute. She had had a good meal the previous night as indicated by the extended belly which could be mistaken as being pregnant.

Reversal This was achieved by use of a cocktail of 60mgs Doxapram and 35mgs Atipamezole in one single intramuscular injection into left neck muscles after one hour since the time of darting. Surprisingly she was up in less than a minute and jumped away about four meters. She slept four about three minutes and was fully up there after and walked away.

5.

Lion Collaring

Date: 8/1/2017 Species: Lion Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Olbiris; Chyulu Hills History The two brother lions have been suspected as perennial boma raiders predating on cattle calves and or shots within the area residence. In a previous week alone they had killed six calves and eleven shoats. They prefer lighter preys so that they can easily carry away into the nearby lava flow area. The candidate was just above five years old. The male needed to be collared so that it can be proven without doubt that they are raiders and also assist in preparing the boma owners to be on guard if the males are near the bomas. This would also assist the PAC team to scare them away from the bomas thus preventing predation. Their dispersal area also will be marked.

The exercise is under Lion Guardian surveillance who provided the bait to lure the lions out of lava area in company of call backs. After trying several call backs they failed to present to the bait and we pulled away about half a kilometer to see whether they could. After half an hour we found the candidate lying twenty meters away from the bait after having his fill while the other lion was feeding. He was approached carefully keeping noise as low as possible by the help of the vehicle to a dartable distance. Bait had been placed about a hundred meters from the lava edge. Two Vehicles were strategically placed to keep him off the lava after darting if he could attempt to go to the lava.

Immobilization He was darted with 325mgs Ketamine and 4mgs Medetomidine on the right shoulder. He walked away about ten meters from dart site only to be narcotized in seven minutes in an open savanna. He assumed left lateral recumbence. A blind fold was thrown on his face and depth of anesthesia proved to be deep enough to allow manipulation during collaring. The collar was fitted allowing ease of neck manipulation both in feeding and ambulation. Vital parameters were monitored throughout the exercise with pulse averaging 62/minute and breathing at 20/minute. There was no hyper salivation or eye or ear stimulus. The two vehicles were placed strategically blocking the darted lion from the vision of the other male which was still feeding. A ranger kept an eye on the free lion throughout the exercise. The collared needle of dart was carefully removed from dart site followed by one tube of Cloxacillin antibacterial cream infiltration into the pouch and Tetracycline wound spray topically applied.

Conclusion This was done after forty-five minutes since darting with use of a mixture of 60mgs Doxapram and 15mgs Atipamezole in one single intramuscular injection into right neck muscles. He jumped out of sleep after twenty minutes after revival and headed straight to the bait. The other lion had already left the bait and kept vigil about fifty meters away from the bait.

6.

Rescue of a baby elephant

Date: 8/1/2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Female Age: Calf Location: Lengolo; Kitirua Community Conservancy History It was reported by the manager of Kitirua community conservancy to Amboseli Community Warden who then informed Vet Unit to have been abandoned by the mother after plunging into a well with water reaching half shoulder. It was spotted by the ranger of OSCA 2 Big Life Camp on patrol within the conservancy at around 1000hrs. They retrieved it from the well and advised to bring it to Amboseli air strip; GPS Coordinates 37M 0305254 UTM 9707369 where the vet would ascertain its health status and make an informed decision.

Examination The calf arrived at around 1230hrs aboard Kitirua Community Conservancy Double cap.The calf was found strolling shivering under an acacia tree at 1240hrs. Temperature indicated hypothermia at 35.8 degree Celsius at 1247hrs. It was taken on an open area for sun exposure. Meanwhile it was established it had no external injuries except skin abrasion at the withers which was sprayed with Tetracycline wound spray. Two pints of Sodium Chloride infusion fluid was administered per oral after establishing it had suckling reflex. He had slight hyperpnoea with shallow breaths which was aided by abdominal muscles. Pulse was 86/minutes.

A call was made to DWST Nairobi Nursery to make arrangement to airlift the calf for extra care at the nursery.

Meanwhile monitoring continued with temperature being 37.0 at 1328hrs and 38.4 at 1400hrs forcing it to be taken back to the shade. It kept on wobbling from sleep attempts while standing and in one occasion he laid down on left recumbence only to get up shortly after.

Rescue The chartered Boskovic caravan arrived at around 1500hrs. Before loading it was fed two litres of milk supplement formula and water from the nursery by the nursery attendants. It was lovely as he felt reprieved and started smelling and bonding with the attendants. It was prepared for airlift by laying it on right soft transit material and lifted up the caravan. It was secured by the help of straps and final temperature was 38.1 at 1533hrs. A drip of Normal Saline was secured on its left ear which was to be administered while on transit. The aircraft was up shortly after destination Nairobi DWST nursery.

Prognosis The vet unit gave this calf a poor prognosis. Sadly this baby elephant died from its trauma at the Nursery.

7.

Postmortem of a Cheetah

Date of death: 11/1/2017 Date of postmortem: 11/1/2017 Species: Acinonyx jubatus Location: Kulalu Camp; Galana Wildlife Conservancy History The Amboseli Vet was sought on 10/1/2017 from Kaluku DSWT operation center concerning a lame weak cheetah at Kulalu Camp which needed treatment. The Case was attended on the following day due to exigency of duties.

DSWT desnaring team in Voi was the team on ground monitoring the candidate. The Kulalu Camp crew led by Manager Mr. John Byrne accompanied the vet team to the location where the ill cheetah was.

General examination The adult male was under the thicket on an anti-hill by the time the vet team arrived. After taking the history from the ground team a dart composing of 100mgs Ketamine and 1mg Medetomidine was made so that darting would ensue immediately after examination of the candidate without undue stress. The location was accessed by the help of a vehicle. The animal was relaxed but keen on approaching vehicle. Unfortunately, the candidate depicted poor anesthetic condition making the vet to review the dart composition. It was very thin showing malnutrition and bony prominences were very apparent. We retreated and approached second time with reviewed dart of 75mgs Ketamine and 0.75mgs Medetomidine. It was still on the same location under the shade and on sternal recumbence with the rest of body except the head concealed in the thicket.

Immobilization This was achieved by use of Dan inject system after the candidate tilted head towards right exposing neck on the left side where the dart was placed. It turned away to conceal itself only to be immobilized in five minutes. Depth of anesthesia was tested by pricking the tail after which it was retrieved from the concealment. It was placed on the right lateral recumbence and blind fold placed on its head leaving the nares exposed for a patent air way. It was placed on a stretcher and placed under a tree shade nearby.

Physical examination ensued. It was breathing at six per minute with temperature of 38.0 degree Celsius. It was thin with a body score of one on a scale of 1-5 with five being heavy muscled and one being very poor muscle cover. It was emaciated with sunken belly. It had an open skin injury on the lame right limb at metatarsus and another one on tarsus laterally. Both wounds were more than a week old and were raw seemingly because of the self-licking. The limb was closely examined, palpated and listened to for any crepitation all of which was absent ruling out fracture. It was eminent that the soft tissue injury was very severe considering the swinging leg lameness as a result. The suspected diagnosis pointed out to dysfunctional right hip joint.

Taking into account the effect of the injury incapacitating it to state of having very poor body score, it was decided to put it down to reduce suffering from pain and hunger and from risk of being attacked by other predators because of inability to offer self-protection. This was achieved by use of 2000mgs Sodium Pentobarbitone intracardially. Postmortem ensured immediately.

Postmortem Diagnosis Postmortem was carried out with two objectives. One to retrieve the trophies-whole skin, head and craws and the second to make a definitive diagnosis. The carcass was skinned completely and decapitated. Carcass was dry and pale due to dehydration. Superficially on the right genu joint there was congestion of sub cutis. Upon further examination, it was established that the proximal patella ligament was torn and patella displaced distally. This secondarily caused slight dislocation of the right hip joint as depicted by congestion of round ligament attachments. The soft tissue injury caused severe lameness making the animal unable to fend for itself thus the poor health status witnessed. The retrieved trophies were handed over to Tsavo East armory official for safe custody and onward transmission.

Conclusion The injuries pointed out to unsuccessful hunting mission possibly caused by the prey on the candidate

AMBOSELI MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT FEBRUARY 2017 Introduction The Amboseli ecosystem as suffered from harsh weather conditions as the dry season continues. As a result water pans have dried up and there is marked decrease of foliage. Animals disperse all over the ecosystem only visiting Park swamps on occasion. As animals disperse they come into conflict with humans who are competing for water and forage resources. The worst of the human-wildlife conflict cases this month were the lion poisonings.

Following are veterinary activities attended to during the month;

1.

Treatment of a Lion

Date: 04/02/2017 Species: Lion Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Amboseli National Park History This lion was reported by the Amboseli Tourism Warden as being lame; walking with difficulties thus needing examination as to establish cause and if necessary, treatment. The Vet Team set out for intervention and found it along the edge of bushes near Serena Lodge.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The first dart constituted 325mgs Ketamine and 4mgs Medetomidine in 3cc dart but it kept shifting from one bush to another before being partly immobilized. After 25 minutes we approached and established that it was unhandlable. Another dart of 100mgs Ketamine and 1mg Medetomidine was not enough to allow manipulation after another fifteen minutes. It even appeared to be stronger than before. The third dart was prepared constituting of 250mgs Ketamine and 2.5mgs Ketamine. It was completely immobilized in the next nine minutes in right recumbence. He was blindfolded and turned on left lateral recumbence to expose the inner side of left hind limb.

The left hind limb metatarsus area was swollen and had bite wounds on the inner side of the metatarsal area.

There was a one centimeter diameter raw wound possibly due to licking. Other bite marks were superficial on various body parts even at nares orifices. It had worn teeth depicting old age but had good muscle cover and seemed to have had a good meal possibly a day before. The injuries were typical of territorial fights.

The wound was cleaned with Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine followed by infiltration of one tube of Cloxacillin antibiotic cream. The other visible bite marks were sprayed with Tetracycline wound spray generously.

Systemically it was covered with 6000mgs Amoxicillin and 20mgs Dexamethasone into different muscle sites. The three dart wounds were infiltrated with a tube of Cloxacillin cream each to counter abscess development.

Reversal and Prognosis It was revived from narcosis after 45 minutes from the third darting with 60mgs Doxapram and 15mgs Atipamezole mixture into rump muscle. It was up on sternal recumbence in three minutes and started walking three minutes later. It was left in a shady area to recover completely on its own.

Prognosis is favourable.

2.

Treatment of an Elephant

Date: 5th February 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Oldonyo Wuas; Chyulu Hills History This elephant was reported by the Big Life Foundation as having an infected wound at the base of the tail. The team immediately set out to offer medical intervention.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The elephant was difficult to approach with a vehicle as he kept moving away into impassable bush. He was eventually approached on foot and darted with 15mgs Etorphine and 1500I.U. Hyalase in a 3cc dart. He took off and was tracked on foot and found after 25 minutes on left lateral recumbence. The right ear was used as blind fold. The trunk was kept patent by the help of a piece of stick across the rostral open end. It was dowsed with water all through the exercise to control the temperature. At the base of the tail dorsally was an opening of about 15 centimeters full of copious creamy pus. It was possible that it had been caused by spear in either a poaching attempt or crop raiding. The wound was thoroughly drained of pus and cleaned with Hydrogen Peroxide and Tincture of Iodine. It was probed for any foreign body but none were found. The wound was infiltrated with three Cloxacillin cream tubes followed by green clay which was packed into the wound generously.

Topically the wound was sprayed with Tetracycline wound spray to repel the flies. In addition, 50mgs Dexamethasone was injected intravenously and 30000mgs Amoxicillin was injected into the muscles.

Reversal and Prognosis Reversal was achieved by use of 60mgs Naltrexone and 24mgs Diprenorphine Hydrochlorides into the ear vein. It was completely up in two minutes and prognosis is good.

3.

Response to an injured elephant

Date: 5th February 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Kuku Ranch History It was reported by the Warden of Amboseli N.P that rangers from Kimana Sanctuary and Big Life were trailing a bleeding elephant. It was established that the elephant was Tim; the notorious crop raider with a collar and that the blood was coming from an injury at the middle of its trunk. Vet services were sought so that a timely intervention could be offered.

General examination The bull was in the company of three other bulls within Kuku Ranch in a location known to be a hot spot for poaching. They drove towards Kimana Sanctuary and intercepted for close examination. It was established that Tim had a longitudinal fresh injury less than ten centimeters seemingly inflicted by spear at the mid trunk inclined to the left side laterally. By the time of examination the injury was not bleeding and that the trunk was noted to be fully functional. The animal was energetic as it fled away from the rangers on foot and depicted no lameness.

It was driven up to the eastern side of Kimana Sanctuary and left to enter the sanctuary in its own time.

Conclusion It was directed that the animal be monitored for any adverse signs otherwise full review would be carried out in one week if sighted. Follow-up on 11/2/2017 was futile as candidate was not located. Review will be done when the candidate resurfaces.

Case Review The candidate resurfaced at Amboseli Park Headquarters on 14/2/2017 when the vet team found him in company of several other males browsing. The injury to the trunk had dried and shown tremendous healing. The trunk was in full use as witnessed during drinking and browsing. Full recovery is expected in due course.

4.

Euthanasia of a wildebeest

Date of Death: 6th February 2017 Species: Wildebeest Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Tawi lodge; Amboseli History This wildebeest was reported by Big Life Headquarters to have been trapped by the lodge electric perimeter fence the previous night. The Tawi security team had gotten it out of the fence after switching it off but the animal remained recumbent. We set out to intervene.

General examination It was noted that the female was heavily pregnant. It was found on sternal recumbence with alert demeanor but with right deflected neck. It was approached by urging it to get up using a long piece of stick to probe its gluteal area but it was uncooperative. It was quickly blindfolded and held by the horns manually then put on left lateral recumbence. The vet attempted to straighten the neck but manipulation and palpation of the neck depicted sublaxated mid neck cervical vertebrae. Due to the nature of injury and to alleviate unnecessary suffering the animal was put down using 20000mgs Sodium Pentobarbitone into jugular vein.

Conclusion The struggle ensuing during repeated electric pulses resulted to irreversible neck sublaxation.

5.

Capture of a Lemasusu lion

Date: 8th and 9th February 2017 Species: Lion Location: Lemasusu; Chyulu Hills History Lemasusu residents have been complaining of cattle predation by what appeared to be an elusive lion. The lion is said to raid cattle bomas constantly just at the fall of night as early as 6:30pm when cattle are getting back home. These facts were proved by the Big Life Foundation Rangers within the area and echoed by Lion Guardian Rangers. Upon being informed KWS Rombo Station PAC Team recced the area last month and took a trap there to help capture the predator, but the lion kept on shifting strike locations making trapping difficult. The thick bushed hilly lava terrain complicates any meaningful intervention. The Amboseli Vet Unit was informed of the situation and recced the area for possible capture and translocation. First trial was done on 23rd and 24th January; 2017 after the lion killed a calf and fractured one cow’s front right limb. The trap location was within that boma which was raided. The killed calf was used as bait which was tightly secured around a tree using nylon rope and call out was made. For two nights the lion did not respond to the call and the exercise was suspended on instructions that the Lion Guardian personnel would track the lion down and identify the culpable lion considering that the area has about 16 resident lion individuals. During the day on 9th the Lion Guardian Rangers tracked the lion down and established the new location where the suspected lion had set residence and another call out was made. in that particular area on the night of 9th the exercise was successful.

Immobilization and translocation The lion was darted with 325mgs Ketamine and 5mgs Medetomidine after being called out of hiding to a tightly secured bait. It was in company of three other lions but the candidate had been identified positively as the notorious boma raider. He was startled after darting and retreated back into the bush. A search ensued 12 minutes after darting and the lion was located within two minutes on sternal recumbence fully immobilized. He was approached and blind folded and placed on left lateral recumbence. The other vehicles were called and the lion was quickly stretched to the waiting pick up. The relocation teams had to avoid exposure of the candidate to local residents who could turn hostile to the lion. The candidate was transported to Amboseli National Park which took for two and half hours. The lion was moved without a relocation cage and the team had to monitor the anesthesia during the whole journey.

Reversal At the release site, it was noted that the animal was only under light anesthesia and so was off-loaded quietly.

The anesthetic was reversed using 15mgs Atipamezole mixed with 60mgs Doxapram into the muscles. It was up in seven minutes and started roaring softly possibly seeking the presence of others. Monitoring will ensue to establish its adaptation to the new habitat.

6.

Human wildlife conflict alleviation

Date: 9th February 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Males Age: Adults Location: Satao Elerai; Amboseli History The Vet Unit was requested to participate in an HWC exercise involving KWS and Big Life aimed at pushing elephants across an erected fence to remove the elephants from the crop farms within the Elerai area of the Amboseli ecosystem. The exercise had to move thirteen elephants which repeatedly invaded crop farms resulting in human-wildlife conflict within the area.

HWC Alleviation Exercise Big Life light aircraft kept vigil during the exercise as five vehicles were deployed to drive the elephants through an open fence line. Several attempts were made but the family kept evading the open area. The second attempt saw one male cross the fence leaving 12 individuals.

Another attempt was successful in driving 11 across the fence line leaving one huge bull which resisted all pushing efforts. It was eventually cornered with the help of three vehicles and forced to cross the fence by hooting and firing blanks. The exercise ended after six hours with all 13 elephants driven across the low placed fence.

Monitoring will continue and it is hoped that they will keep away from the crop farm areas.

7.

Zebra Orphan Rescue

Date: 11th February 2017 Species: Zebra Sex: Male Age: Adults Location: AA lodge; Amboseli History A call was made by Amboseli Tourism Warden regarding an injured male zebra foal less than two weeks old needing treatment at AA Lodge compound. The manager AA Lodge directed the vet Unit to where the foal was.

The foal had escaped an attack by the community domestic dogs which chased it into the lodge compound where the lodge workers fended off the dogs and rescued the foal. They tethered it to a shrub by use of sisal rope .

Examination and treatment The foal was energetic with a bright demeanor. It had several bites on both the gluteal muscles and another on the left humeral area. It was manually restrained in a shady area so all bites could be cleaned with Hydrogen Peroxide and Tincture of Iodine. The wounds were infiltrated with four Cloxacillin antibiotic cream tubes followed

by Tetracycline wound spray which was applied generously. Systemically it was injected with 2100mgs Amoxicillin and 7mgs Dexamethasone combined into neck muscle.

Release and Prognosis It was released in front of a huge group of zebras grazing outside the lodge compound. One of the lactating dams immediately took an interest in the foal. Prognosis good.

8.

Desnaring of a giraffe

Date: 14th February 2017 Species: Maasai Giraffe Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Satao Elerai; Amboseli History The report of a snared giraffe came from SW Amboseli N.P. who had been informed by Big Life Foundation officials. The Vet Unit immediately set out to the location to intervene.

The huge male candidate had isolated itself from a large group of females who were nearby but kept a distance because of the full acacia tree being dragged by the snared giraffe which was scaring them. The winch snare wire was around the neck base rostral to the forelimbs and had caused edema. The injuries suggested the giraffe had been snared for more than four days due to the resultant skin lacerations which had begun to scab. The animal depicted signs of exhaustion but could not be approached as he was aggressive.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The giraffe was approached on foot and darted with 7mgs Etorphine and 30mgs Azaperone in a 3cc dart placed in the lower neck muscles. It walked away and collapsed head first with the head twisted at an awkward angle to the body. The Vet Unit quickly corrected the head position and blindfolded the giraffe. It was held manually by the neck and the anesthetic reversed immediately with Naltrexone 80mgs into jugular vein. The wire was severed with a wire cutter and the dart recovered from the neck. It was at this juncture that we noted its muscle beginning to be flaccid and unfortunately the animal died.

Conclusion The twisting of the neck at the occipitoaxial joint compromised the safety of narcosis augmented by the distress caused by dragging the acacia tree for a long period of time. A de-snaring operation will ensue in the area with planned ambushes in order to nail down the perpetrators.

9.

Eland death

Date reported: 14/02/2017 Date of death: 13/02/2017 Species: Eland Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Impiloni; Amboseli 9685305 History A report was made by the Big Life Foundation regarding a dead male eland within the outskirt bushes of the crop farms. The candidate was a well-known associate of two other males who are habitual crop farm raiders within the area. The report came in while attending to the snared giraffe and we showed up to establish the cause of death.

General examination The carcass was on left lateral recumbence. Of concern was the rate at which decomposition had set in and the carcass exhibited severe bloating. There was little degree of predation especially of the perianal area. There was no obvious physical skin discontinuity on the right side so the carcass was turned onto the right lateral recumbence to expose the left side revealing dry bloody discharge. This informed our decision to estimate the area on the carcass which was in contact with the ground. It was confirmed that there was a penetration of a sharp object to the left lumbar longismus muscle area from which the discharge was emanating caused by an arrow.

Conclusion Tentatively the death of eland was caused by a poisoned arrow. This was informed by the rate of decomposition and blackening of less hairy parts of the skin on the carcass. The arrowing was believed to be as a result of nearby crop farm raiding secondary to ongoing drought. The carcass was disposed by burning.

10. Giraffe Postmortem Date of Postmortem: 20/02/2017 Species: Maasai Giraffe Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Ildilal Area bordering Tsavo West National Park History A local KWS Ranger/Driver who hails from the area and works at Tsavo East National Park Headquarters called the Amboseli Vet Unit concerning a recumbent giraffe near a Maasai manyatta at Ildilal Area. The animal was reported as struggling to get up.

General examination By the time the Vet Team reached the scene the animal had already died. The carcass was on right lateral recumbence. History pre-death was that it had a severe lameness for the last two days and usually had another male companion.

Postmortem Finding The carcass was dragged away from residential areas to a nearby bush which was a relief to the community who were complaining that the carcass would attract carnivores to the manyattas. Examination revealed the femorotibial joint area was severely swollen and depicted skin abrasions latero-rostrally. Dissection into the area depicted a crushed tibia head with three main bony fragments accompanied by massive clotting. The crushing force and friction of swinging leg lameness of the bone fragments resulted in bony particles of varying sizes sandwiched in the clotted blood.

Conclusion The compound fracture witnessed was believed to have been caused by heavy blunt object trauma onto the synovial joint area resulting into total dysfunction of the joint. This could have been caused most likely by a speeding vehicle. The protracted period of severe pain (for more than two days as confirmed by community as having observed the lameness) coupled with bleeding contributed to recumbence, shock and eventual death of the subject.

11. Examination of Elephant Carcasses Date Reported: 20th February 2017 Date Examined: 21st February 2017 Species: Elephant X 4 Sex: Unknown Age: Sub adult and Adults Location: Tsavo West National Park History The report of four elephant carcasses was made by SW Tsavo West N.P following the elephant census within the conservation area. The vet was required to examine the carcasses and give a tentative cause of death.

General examination It was observed that all four carcasses were at different locations within the conservation area. In comparison first carcass candidate was the youngest being aged as sub adult while the oldest was the fourth carcass being aged as an aged adult and presumably a big tusker. It was difficult to sex the first and second carcass whereas the third was tentatively a female. The youngest carcass was about three weeks old (first carcass) with the oldest approximated to be about one and half month to two months old (third carcass). All had undergone massive decomposition, putrefaction and dismembering. Of all, the fourth carcass was almost completely gone probably due to the large population of predators within the region.

It was noted that first carcass was on right lateral recumbence, second carcass on left lateral recumbence while the third was on sternal recumbence. It was not possible to determine the forth carcass recumbence.

It was established that only the first carcass had been documented by the park security team. It was found on the 2/2/2017 with trophies which were collected for safe custody. The third and fourth carcasses’ trophies were within the vicinity of the body and were collected for safe custody. The second carcass’ trophies were missing.

It was observed that only the second carcass death scene indicated obvious evidence of human involvement. The carcass had been covered with scarce dry bushes which had been cut from nearby bushes to conceal the carcass from being seen from the air. Within the same location there was a piece of debarked wood less than a meter long which appeared to have been intended to be used as an axe handle or something of that nature. Its skull was intact and had no signs of hacking. According to the Park security team the tentative cause of death of three carcasses was given as natural death except second carcass which was indicated as poaching .

Conclusion The trend within the conservation area has indicated that most of these animals are targets of arrows. The trick has been noted to be deployed by the poachers who use poisoned arrows and eventually trail down the arrowed candidates to their death locations from where they retrieve the trophies. The above has led to assumption that all carcasses were targets of ill deadly practice with only the second carcass being successfully trailed down to its death scene. This is affirmed to by the fact that there were obvious indications of human activities at the scene and that there was no brutal hacking of the skull in order to retrieve the trophies meaning by the time the carcass was successfully trailed and located by poachers it was already rotten hence trophies were pulled from their sockets. The above sightings were made possible by the fixed wing which was engaged in an elephant census. It is worth noting that with frequent aerial recces and or patrols prompt sightings can ensure that poachers don’t get a chance to lay their hands on jumbo trophies.

12. Treatment of an elephant Date: 21st February 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Tsavo West National Park History The Vet Unit discovered this injured elephant on route to examine the dead elephant carcasses. It had a necrotic tissue hanging just rostral to the prepuce. This injury seemed to be old and was presumed to have been due to a penetrant like a stump or arrow. The animal was ambulating strongly without any sign of lameness despite the injury. An intervention to treat it ensued immediately.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The elephant was immobilized with 10mgs Etorphine in combination with 3000I.U. Hyalase from a vehicle. The dart landed in the right gluteal muscles prompting a quick retreat into nearby bush despite the vehicle block. A protracted search ensued on foot. It was found lying on sternal recumbence grunting heavily.

The team tried to push it onto left lateral recumbence but the strong thickets prevented this. The team then attempted to spread out the right hind limb but this was also in vain. The recumbence did not allow for safe anesthesia and meaningful examination and treatment was not possible without risking the elephant’s life.

Reversal and Prognosis The elephant was revived after five minutes of unsuccessful manipulation in order to counter poor anesthetic state. This was achieved by use of 100mgs Naltrexone into ear vein. The animal recovered quickly and was up in two minutes and walked away. Another treatment attempt can be tried after 48 hours to allow complete metabolism of the revival drugs and with aerial support in order to minimize risks of challenging terrain. Prognosis is guarded which can be revised after successful treatment intervention.

13. Poisoned Lions Date: 23rd February 2017 Species: Lion Sex: Male and Female Age: Adults Location: Osewan; Lengesim History The report of the dead lions was conveyed to the vet by the Amboseli Investigation team. Immediately the Vet Unit set out to determine the cause of deaths.

General examination It was observed that the two carcasses were about 200 meters apart. It was established that there was a carcass of a head of cattle about 100 meters from the lion carcass. The cattle carcass was just a remnant of rib cage, neck and head skeleton with a small piece of skin attached to the caudal aspect of rib cage. The initial location of the cattle carcass was about 15meters away, depicted by dry intestinal and stomach contents with a few shreds of offals and a big population of dead flies, and had presumably ben dragged by other scavengers.

The carcasses were believed to be between 3- 7 days old. The lions’ carcasses were heavily putrefied and infested with maggots and a swarm of flies. Little fluid was flowing from them and the hair had greatly sloughed off and been blown away by the wind. The lion carcass was on right lateral recumbence while the lioness was on left lateral anteriorly and had spewed hind limbs. The cattle remnant was shriveled with very little wet tendons and or ligaments. Lions’ carcasses had very minimal scavenger activities especially at rectum.

There were two human foot prints leading to where the original cattle remnant was, then heading to and stopping at the current location of the carcass and then changing direction in longer strides meaning they ran away after they heard Big Life rangers searching the area.

Conclusion The activities carried out indicated human malicious involvement and it is assumed to be a poisoning incident. It is likely the cattle used as bait was lost in the bush and was attacked by the lions. Villagers upon discovering the cattle carcass decided to use it as bait. It was difficult to establish the poison used to lace the carcass due to status of the charred autolyzed remains. A massive operation to track down the culprits was instituted immediately by use of tracker dogs, KWS personnel together with Big Life Foundation Rangers, Community scouts, Lion Guardians and well-wishers. A thorough search around the scene was recommended so as to establish the carnivores and or scavengers/raptors affected by the incidence. All carcasses were disposed of by complete wood burning to ash. The Community was encouraged to make any report warranting intervention to the authorities. The last time such a report was made was last December and two identified lions were captured and translocated from the same area.

14. Response to wounded elephant report Date: 24th February 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Oldonyo Wuas; Chyulu Hills History The report of a wounded elephant was made by Amboseli Park Investigation Team. It was said to be at Oldonyo Wuas waterhole and thus a quick response was necessary before it vanished into the nearby thickets. It was established that the bull had previously been treated for the same injury at least twice with the last being a year ago.

General examination The bull was in company of another at the waterhole where they were drinking. It was observed that the anterior preputual opening had a wound which appeared to be extending posteriorly onto the ventral inguinal fold. The wound was dry with black and reddish areas of scab formation. In comparison with the accompanying bull there was no noticeable swelling of the perineal area. Few flies were seen on the forming scabs and the bull was in good body condition and ambulation was normal.

Conclusion Earlier the wound was thought to be cancerous-like and the same assumption remains. The area security team was instructed to continue monitoring the bull because the wound condition didn’t warrant narcosis intervention.

The rangers were however drilled to report if they observe any copious bleeding and or pus, any unprecedented swelling making ambulation compromised and/or inability due to emaciation or severe body loss. This was possible as the bull is a common resident of the area.

Any arising chance to treat it in near future will necessitate sampling to give way for definitive diagnosis.

15. Elephant Death Date reported: 26th February 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Ngong Narok; Amboseli History The report came from PAC Team of Amboseli National Park regarding a dead female elephant at the parkcommunity border. The Unit went to establish the tentative cause of death.

General examination The carcass was on right lateral recumbence. The soil near the foot extremities had disturbance marks indicating the animal struggled before death. The carcass was approximated as less than twelve hours old but the tentative age of the elephant was above thirty years as indicated by its’ worn out molars. It had its’ trophies intact.

The body condition was poor as depicted by bony prominences especially the facial crest and the spine. The keratin layer of skin at some points had sloughed off showing activities of the rest of family member trying to urge the candidate to move or get up. Other areas where the keratin skin layer was still hardly attached was because of direct sun meaning the elephant died early morning several hours earlier before being sighted in the evening.

Examination after flipping on the other side revealed no obvious external injury or skin break. There were no unusual discharges from any orifice.

Trophies were retrieved and handed to Park Security Team for safe custody and onward transmission.

Conclusion Tentatively cause of death is assumed to be natural which could have been augmented by poor dentition and prevailing shrubbery scarcity.

16. Elephant Treatment Date: 28th February 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Ziwani ; Tsavo West National Park History This elephant was reported by Kaluku Operation Room after it was spotted in the morning by DSWT air patrol within the park. The vet from Southern Conservancy Area Mobile Veterinary Unit was picked via DSWT fixed wing and dropped at the Ziwani Voyager airstrip where he joined the DSWT de-snaring team from Maktau Gate. The Teams spent hours trying to relocate the elephant and eventually the fixed wing was called again to help but all was in vain. The Amboseli vet Mobile Unit vehicle was coming to pick the vet after intervention but joined the search. Fortunately, the family of 13 was eventually located under thick bushes and intervention ensued. The fixed wing was alerted and it left for Kaluku because fuel was low while the Maktau Team had already left to fuel at Voi. Immobilization, examination and treatment The elephant was sedated while on a chase using 10mgs Etorphine and 3000 I.U Hyalase in 1.5cc dart after separating it from the rest of family members. It was maintained on in a relatively open location by use of a vehicle for eight minutes post darting until it was fully narcotized on right lateral recumbence. The left ear was used as blind fold. The trunk was kept patent by the help of a piece of stick across the rostral open end The hernia-like swelling on the left belly region had a raw wound about 15cm in diameter with creamy gray pus around the edges. It was soft on palpation and appeared to be just within the dermis. Any aspiration attempt yielded no exudate and there was no bleeding from the aspiration fenestrae. It appeared to have been there for a long period as edges were granulating and epithelializing indicating wound healing. It was suspected to have been as a result of constant friction on the surface of the abdominal hernia as the animal rubbed itself against objects in the bush. It didn’t appear to be tumorous because there was no bleeding as expected with tumors even after the scab was rubbed off.

The wound edges were freshened and cleaned thoroughly with Hydrogen Peroxide and Tincture of Iodine. Swabs were used to sponge the wound dry after which 20mgs Ivermectin was topically applied to discourage maggot infestation. Then the wound was gently covered with wet green clay followed with generous Tetracycline wound spray. It was covered with 50mgs Dexamethasone intravenously, and 30000mgs Afloxacin and 100ml Multivitamin intramuscularly. This treatment took eleven minutes.

Reversal and Prognosis The anesthetic was reversed using 80mg of Naltrexone via the ear vein. It was completely up in three minutes.

A review will be carried out after a month if sighted but so far the prognosis is favourable.

AMBOSELI MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT MARCH 2017 Introduction The Amboseli ecosystem for the better part of the month has been a challenge for wild and domesticated animals caused by prevailing drought. This has resulted in animal dispersal throughout the entire ecosystem many of which are in community conservancies. This has contributed to most of the cases being attended outside of protected areas. The month end is marked with signs of hope as rains begin to set in. Hopefully this will continue to facilitate ample vegetation regeneration to promote health restoration of both wild and domestic animals.

The Unit received an intern on 27/03/2017, Dr. M.W. Kamau, from the Kenya Director of Veterinary Services through KWS Vet Headquarters. The period of internship at the Unit will be about ten months for field work which will be followed by two months at Vet Headquarters for laboratory work. The one year internship is a mandatory requirement for any new vet graduate before permanent registration by professional body (KVB-Kenya Veterinary Board) which regulates veterinary practice in Kenya. The intern is grateful to have had such a chance in the Unit.

The following are veterinary activities attended to during the month;

1.

LAME ELEPHANT

Date: 4th March 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Adult Location: Eseregei Community Conservancy History Big Life Foundation Rangers reported to have seen an abnormal elephant track where it appeared the elephant was dragging one of its limbs. The elephant was tracked for three days and when it was spotted it was in company of other three huge males.

Navigation to where the elephant was last spotted was difficult as there had been a heavy downpour during the night but the vet team finally arrived and found the herd under huge acacias within heavy thickets. The vet, accompanied by an armed ranger and a Big Life Foundation Ranger, approached the elephant on foot to closely assess the injured elephant. The remainder of the teams kept a safe distance whilst the vet, mindful of the wind direction, got to within 15m of the elephant and spent about half an hour determining the extent of the elephant’s injury. It was clear that the right hind limb had a slight swelling at the metatarsus with slight outward/lateral, deviation. In a standing position the elephant shifted weight from one limb to the other almost equally. There was no obvious wound or any discharge. The team urged the herd to ambulate so the vet could see the gait as the elephant walked. The elephant ambulated abnormally but without any obvious sign of pain like grunting or refusing to step on the said limb.

Conclusion The injury was not severe enough to warrant immobilization especially considering the terrain which was thicketed and wet. Immobilization posed more risk to the animal than the injury. It seemed that either the injury already healed or if recent, it wasn’t severe. Rangers were instructed to keep monitoring the candidate and if possible a full review wound be conducted after ten days or alternatively they report if adverse signs are observed before Prognosis Favorable Case Review A review was done on the 27/3/2017 at Olgulului Community Conservancy where he was found browsing by Big Life Foundation rangers. It was clear that the defect at the metacarpal area could have been congenital as there was no scar or signs of any wound. The animal was dragging the limb when walking but moved freely when it was urged to move quickly. The animal was not darted as there was no need of immobilization

2.

EUTHANASIA OF A LION

Date of death: 06/03/2017 Species: Lion Location: Serengei; Amboseli History This lion was reported by the Lion Guardian after a night of territorial battles between resident lions. The lion left trails of profuse bleeding indicating the injured male’s location. It was identified as a collared male from Oltiasika of Chyulu Hills area and the reason for his migration has not been established. The resident pride consisted of two lionesses with at least four cubs of different ages and a territorial male. It had barely moved for the last eighteen hours. The left hind limb could hardly be used in ambulation and the head was barely held up for more than two minutes. It was panting heavily and wobbled on mobility falling several times. It could not run at all. To effect thorough examination and determine the way forward it had to be immobilized.

Immobilization and Case Management The lion was sedated using 250mgs Ketamine and 4mgs Medetomidine. It was fully sedated in fifteen minutes assuming sternal recumbence. It was blindfolded and placed on right lateral recumbence. There were lacerations to the skin all over the body, especially on the hind limbs, that were discharging plasma and others flank blood.

It was approximated to be between one and two weeks old and had a single skin tear but was about ten centimeters deep. While all others seemed to have been due to territorial fights this particular one indicated a penetrating weapon. After thorough consideration of the nature of injuries, the possibilities of it gathering food on its own and ability to offer self-defense, it was concluded that it had a very poor prognosis. This necessitated euthanasia to alleviate more suffering.

Postmortem Findings The carcass was skinned and every injury keenly examined. There were patches of hemorrhages subcutaneously on all wounded areas with the left hind limb appearing to have the most injuries. It was evident that the right neck region injury had been inflicted by a spear which caused extensive muscle shreds before dislodging. This confirmed the antemortem ‘dropping head status’ which was due to resultant extensive supportive muscle injury.

Another at the left knee area had penetrated into the joint space interfering with joint integrity hence the severe lameness observed on the left hind limb antemortem. The lumbosacral area injury had left spine bone exposed while all other wounds had not penetrated deep into muscles. These injuries were so sour that the animal was very reluctant to make any movement pre-darting. Internally all organs were okay as observed after opening the carcass. The whole of skin and head were handed over to Amboseli National Park armory for safety and onward transmission.

Conclusion Human inflicted injuries (spear) forced this lion to migrate from the Oltiasika area where it had been dominant for the last three years. Spearing was occasioned by cattle raiding inside bomas and while grazing in the bush.

Unfortunately, it was fought in the new territory by another dominant male leaving it in a further compromised state.

3.

POSTMORTEM OF IMPOUNDED CATTLE

Date: 7th March 2017 Species: Bovine Age: Sub adult and Adult Location: Ndara Plains; Tsavo East National Park History A call from SW Tsavo East National Park was received on 6/3/2017 regarding deaths of impounded heads of cattle within the park. These animals had been impounded following illegal invasion and grazing within the protected area. The day of invasion was not known but they had been impounded ten days earlier within the park in the Ndara plains area and held in a constructed holding boma. Their place of origin was not clear. They were all males of between two and four years old, numbering 200, and constituted of crosses of Borana and indigenous cattle.

The Vet Unit was requested to perform postmortems to determine the cause of death. Postmortem was performed on 7/3/2017 at Ndara Plains Tsavo East National Park.

Postmortem Findings Postmortem was done on two bulls which were dragged away from the cattle boma after dying on the afternoon of 6/3/2017. The two had been left on sternal recumbence in the morning because they were too weak to follow the herd going out for grazing. Both had good muscle cover and there was no discharge from the openings. The carcasses had begun to decompose as depicted by swelling. Both were relatively fresh to enable a meaningful postmortem to be conducted.

An important observation made while opening the carcasses was that tissues and cavities were relatively dry.

There was hardly any peritoneal fluid in the stomach cavities and organ serosal surfaces were less moist. The intestines were stretched with gases and mucus specks on mucosal surface with hardly any ingesta. Incision into the rumen yielded very desiccated ruminal contents. Some of the ruminal contents were tightly attached on the ruminal villi and attempt to empty them resulted in sloughing off of the villi. The ruminal content was so dry that it could not even wet the gloves worn by the person performing the postmortem. All these findings were consistent in both carcasses Tentative cause of death After thorough analysis of postmortem findings, the tentative cause of deaths was presumed to be severe dehydration.

Conclusion In order to avert the ongoing deaths of impounded heads of cattle, massive water volumes are required.

More postmortems to be carried out on any dead fresh carcass to rule out or/and note other possible causes of deaths

Fig 1 &2 above; Desiccated ruminal contents, sloughing off villi and gas extended ingesta empty intestines

4.

POSTMORTEM OF A ZEBRA

Date of death: 20th March 2017 Date of Postmortem: 20th March 2017 Species: Zebra Sex: Female Age: Adult Location: Risa; Amboseli Ecosystem History This zebra found dead near a Primary School and reported by the Amboseli National Park Community Warden.

There was need to determine the tentative cause of death and rule out any danger of contractible disease as it was within the vicinity of children. The Vet Unit were called to carry out a postmortem.

General Observation The zebra was lying on left lateral recumbence depicting quick decomposition and produced ping sound upon tummy percussion. Mucus membranes were congested with little bloody discharge from the left nostril. The hind limbs were fully in rigor mortis while the fore limbs were not. No skin discontinuity was noted even after turning the carcass on right recumbence. There were signs of struggle before death as shown by soil pushing during paddling. The observations made aided in ruling out possibilities of anthrax before any manipulation. It was dragged away by use of straps and vehicle to a suitable site away from the school for postmortem.

Postmortem Findings Two locations for possible injuries were located; the head and the stomach. After extensive dissection of the carcass it was noted that the peritoneal cavity was full of intestinal contents outside the gut lumen indicating possible intestinal rupture. It was confirmed that the rupture had occurred on the descending colon about 30 centimeters from the anal opening. The ruptured area depicted heavy congestion on the edges. The peritoneal and thoracic cavities were contaminated by the intestinal contents and this extended into the thoracic muscles due to internal pressure. Lungs were pneumonic as a result.

Conclusion The animal died of shock secondary to peritonitis due to colic which was caused by rupture of descending colon.

Rupture could have occurred on a weaker colon wall due to infarction which was suggested by heavily congested edges of the rupture site.

5.

TREATMENT OF AN ELEPHANT

Date: 21st March 2017 Species: Elephant Sex: Male Age: Sub adult Location: Masiva; Imbirikani Amboseli Ecosystem History This elephant was reported by the Big Life Foundation radio room as being severely lame with a swollen left forelimb. It was within the Maasai manyattas thus posing a threat to humans. A prompt intervention was initiated.

Immobilization, examination and treatment The elephant was monitored by Big Life rangers in a scarce thicketed area. It could barely move due to the pain on the swollen limb. The vet immobilized the elephant from a vehicle with 10mgs Etorphine and 1500I.U. Hyalase The elephant was turned using straps pulled by a vehicle to the right lateral recumbence to enable wound visibility. The left forelimb was heavily swollen from the scapular downwards with pus discharging from a penetrating spear wound at the elbow laterally. The wound was about 15cm deep and probed for any foreign object with pincers but nothing was recovered.

The wound cleaned with copious amount of Hydrogen Peroxide and Tincture of Iodine to remove all the pus. It was infiltrated with three Cloxacillin cream tubes followed with a generous coating of green clay. In addition 50mgs Dexamethasone was injected intravenously to act as anti-inflammatory and 30000mgs Tetracycline was injected into the muscles to take care of secondary bacterial infection. 100ml Catosal was injected in a different muscle site as metabolic stimulant.

Reversal and Prognosis Before the animal was revived a vehicle with a strap hooked on the left tusk was put on standby to assist the week candidate to get up if need be. The anesthetic was then reversed by use of 100mgs Naltrexone into the ear vein. The candidate was up in two minutes by itself despite the anticipated assistance. The strap fell off itself from the tusk.

Prognosis Guarded but will be revised following review after seven to ten days

6.

EUTHANASIA OF A WILDEBEEST CALF

Date of death: 25th March 2017 Species: Wildebeest Sex: Female Age: Calf Location: Western Enclosure; Amboseli National Park History The report of an injured wildebeest calf came from Deputy Park Warden Amboseli National Park after it was spotted during an animal census carried out on the same day. It was reported to be lame on the right fore limb.

An intervention was carried out the same day.

General Observation It was lying down in an open savannah area but got up upon approach and depicted swinging leg lameness. It was accompanied by its dam and another female. The calf appeared to be about two weeks old. Keen observation using binoculars depicted a complete fracture of the metacarpus with bone edge protruding outside the skin. This could have possibly been due to plunging/tripping into a hole whilst running. The injury was deemed to severe for treatment and a decision was reached to put it down to alleviate more suffering and before osteomyelitis sets in.

Postmortem Findings There was a complete open metacarpus fracture of the right fore limb.