SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Veterinary Report for August 2023

SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT AUGUST 2023

Introduction

3 Cases in August

1 Rhino Case

2 Elephant Cases

August Report by Dr. Aminga Duncan The month of August saw the dry season extend its grasp over the Meru Conservation Area, transforming the landscape into a realm of parched earth and wilted foliage. High daytime temperatures cast unrelenting heat upon the terrain, causing the vibrant greenery of previous months to fade into hues of ochre and rust.

The Meru Mobile Vet Unit attended to 3 notable cases. One of the Unit's remarkable missions involved the rescue of an abandoned elephant calf, this tiny calf ant was found in distress at the Korbesa wells in the Meru National Park Environs. In the Gakurine area of upper Imenti Forest, the team conducted an autopsy on a female elephant carcass suspected to be a victim of poisoning. The Vet team also attended to a young female white rhino snared by a discarded fence wire in Meru National Park, the rhino experienced minor bruising and has a good prognosis for recovery.

Acknowledgement The Meru Mobile Veterinary team extends heartfelt gratitude to Sylvie Chantecaille for her ongoing generous financial support through The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Thanks to this support, the veterinary unit has made a significant contribution to the health and welfare of wildlife within the Meru ecosystem. The team also appreciates Kenya Wildlife Service for providing essential managerial oversight and logistical assistance through the Senior Assistant Director, Eastern Conservation Area, and the Head of the KWSVeterinary Services Department. Finally, the team is extremely grateful to the individuals who have reported wildlife-related cases and demonstrated steadfast support during veterinary interventions. The success of the team’s endeavours owes much to all your support.

Case Details Date

Species

Area Found

Reason for Intervention

Outcome

23-Aug 23

Elephant

Meru N.P. Environs

HWC

Elephant calf abandoned after it fell into the Korbesa wells.

Taken to Orphanage

28-Aug 23

Elephant

Upper Imenti Forest

HWC

Adult female elephant carcass found from suspected poisoning

HWC Death

31-Aug 23

Rhino

Meru N.P.

HWC

White rhino calf snared around the head, neck, and legs by discarded fence wires

Successfully treated

SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations August 2023

Case 1 – 23rd August 2023 Elephant

Human Wildlife Conflict - Rescue

Meru National Park Environs

In the early hours of August 23rd, 2023, the Meru Veterinary team was informed about a juvenile elephant that had fallen into the Korbesa wells and had become trapped. Despite the calf’s mother attempts to retrieve the calf, her efforts were unsuccessful which led to the calf being abandoned. The Korbesa team successfully removed the calf from the well and moved it to a safe area.

Rescue The male elephant calf was milk dependent. Oral rehydration was administered, the calf’s body was also moistened with water to help in thermoregulation. Concerted effort was made to locate the elephant herd and reunite the calf with its mother. However, these endeavours bore no fruit. Given that the calf could not survive independently in the wild, the veterinarian recommended that the calf be transferred to an established rescue centre for comprehensive care.

The calf was securely restrained with ropes and ferried to Kinna Airstrip for evacuation to the SWT Kaluku Nursery. 10 mg Dexamethasone sodium was administered intramuscularly to address shock. An additional 10 mg Azaperone was also administered to facilitate sedation during transit. The calf is expected to smoothly acclimatize to its new environment.

Case 2 – 28th August 2023 Elephant

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Upper Imenti Forest

The Meru Mobile Vet Unit team was asked to carry out an autopsy on an adult female elephant carcass found in Upper Imenti Forest.

Post-mortem Findings The carcass was found in a recumbent position on its right flank, and in good body condition as indicated by a body condition score of 3.5 out of 5. A prominent observation was the presence of extensive bloating and swelling in the perineal region. Notably, the vegetation in the immediate vicinity remained undisturbed, suggesting that the elephant did not strain or struggle preceding its demise. Additionally, there was evidence of mild instances of diarrhoea and vomiting. The liver and kidneys exhibited congestion, alongside extensive ecchymotic haemorrhages observed throughout the intestines. The spleen presented with pallor and enlargement. Additionally, substantial haemorrhages were identified on the myocardium, concomitant with ventricular muscle inflammation. It is noteworthy that within the stomach, a conspicuous unidentified circular mass of yellow soil was detected. Additionally, there were polythene bags containing substances that displayed compositional congruence with the soil mass.

Cause of death Since there were no apparent signs of external injury, and absence of any antecedent indications of ailment, the cause of death is suspected to be potential poisoning predicated on the post-mortem findings. Samples were collected for additional analysis and assessment.

Unfortunately, there are no pictures for this case.

Case 3 – 31st August 2023 Rhino

Human – Wildlife Conflict

Meru National Park Environs

The Meru Vet team received a distressing report of a white rhino calf (about 2 years old) that had been seen with a long wire entangling its head, neck and hindlegs. The team responded promptly and planned for aerial support and assistance from the KWS Vet. Department.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The snared rhino was darted on the rump with a combination of 3 mgs Etorphine and 40 mgs Azaperone from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) helicopter. The drugs quickly took effect, and the animal went down on right lateral recumbency. 50 mgs Butorphanol was administered intravenously to stabilize her before proceeding with examination. Subsequently, the discarded fence wire that was entangling the rhino’s head, neck and hindlegs was cut loose with wire cutters and removed. The abrasion wounds it had caused were cleaned and covered with an antibiotic aerosol. Anaesthesia was then reversed with 150 mgs Naltrexone administered through a prominent ear vein. The rhino regained consciousness just 2 minutes post-reversal and was reunited with her mother.

Prognosis The rhino has a good prognosis for recovery.