SWT/KWS Sky Vets Report June – September 2021

SWT/KWS SKY VET UNIT QUARTERLY REPORT JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2021

SKY VET QUARTERLY OVERVIEW

20 Cases

11 Poaching Cases

16 Elephant Cases

During June to September 2021 the SWT/KWS Sky Vet program was called to handle 20 wildlife cases, 14 of which were supported by the SWT helicopter and fixed wing aircrafts to help with darting operations, rescues, searches, and rapid transport of vets to emergency cases. The other 6 cases involved outsourced helicopters or chartered planes.

16 of these cases involved elephants including,9 poaching cases; 2 snared, 5 spear and 2 arrow injuries. Other elephant cases involved 2 human-wildlife conflict cases, 3 for natural causes and 2 collarings. Of the 16 cases, all were successfully treated, successfully collared and 1 orphan that was taken to the orphanage after it was separated from its herd due to conflict between two warring tribes which caused the family herd to panic and flee.

The other cases included a snared buffalo and a leopard. Unfortunately, the buffalo died during a treatment attempt as its aggression caused strangulation and the leopard was euthanised as its right paw had been completely severed.

In 1 case 3 lions were treated for poisoning in retaliation to livestock predation. The Sky Vet Program also assisted with the search of a baby rhino after its mother was found dead but unfortunately it was not located.

Out of the 20 cases treated there was an 75% success rate and 5% of cases survived but were given a guarded prognosis. Sadly, 10% died due to poaching and 5% were taken to an orphanage. 1 Case was not located.

The Sky Vet program has deployed KWS vets to the following locations during this reporting period

20 Cases Attended to By the Sky Vet Unit June to September 2021 12

10

Rhino Black 8 Lion Leopard 6

Buffalo Elephant

4

2

0 Poaching

Human Wildlife Conflict

Natural Causes

Rescue

Collared

Outcomes of Cases Attended to by the Sky Vet Unit June to September 2021

Prognosis Poor 5%

Poaching Death 10% Successful Cases 75%

Taken to Orphanage 5% Not Located 5%

Case 1 – 2nd June 2021 Elephant

Natural Causes

Mudanda, Tsavo East National Park

The TMVU received a report of a lame elephant bull sighted by KWS Rangers on patrol around the Mudanda area in Tsavo East. The elephant was said to be experiencing difficulties in walking and appeared to be dragging the left hindlimb. Based on the urgency of treatment needed for the elephant, the Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Team drove to the area to perform a physical examination and carry out the needed treatment.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was in thick bush and the terrain was challenging for vehicles. For darting and ease of treatment, a helicopter was used to drive the affected elephant to open ground. He was darted with 18mg Etorphine and went down after 8 minutes. The elephant bull suffered from an old dislocation that resulted in the fusion of the femoral shaft and the tibial and fibula condyles.

He was administered with 40mg Dexamethasone and 15,000mg of Amoxicillin to manage pain/inflammation and bacterial infections respectively before being revived with 24mg Diprenorphine and 40mg Naltrexone intravenously.

Prognosis The prognosis for recovery is favourable.

Case 2 – 8th June 2021 Elephant

Spear

Selengei Conservancy

A Big Life Foundation (BLF) Community Rangers at Eselenkei Group Ranch reported an injured elephant to AMVU. The team further assisted in locating the elephant for darting and treatment. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust provided a helicopter to facilitate immobilization of the bull.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was darted from a helicopter with 20 mg Etorphine hydrochloride.

Examination revealed the elephant had a spear wound on the left forelimb slightly above the toes. This would have been the cause of his poor mobility. The wound was opened and the pus drained by piercing with pointed forceps. Hydrogen peroxide debrided the dead tissue while Iodine solution irrigated into the wound controlled bacterial infection. 100ml Amoxicillin (Betamox®) and 25ml Dexamethasone covered for bacterial infection and the inflammatory reaction respectively.

Prognosis Prognosis for a full recovery is good.

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Case 3 – 14th June 2021 Elephant

Spear

Masimba

An elephant bull with a penetrating wound was sighted by KWS Rangers near the Masimba community area north of Chyulu hills. This information was relayed to the Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit who responded by visiting the area to examine the elephant and carry out any needed treatment.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment A dart was prepared with 18mg of Etorphine and the bull darted from a helicopter. Full immobilization was achieved after 10 minutes then the Vet proceed to carry out a physical examination.

The elephant bull had a contaminated penetrating wound on the right elbow near the pinna suspected to be from a spear. The wound was cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine, then packed with Oxytetracycline pessaries. Alamycin spray and green clay were then applied to protect against infection and for its healing properties. The elephant was also administered with 3,0000mg of Amoxicillin, 8mg of Clindamycin and 80mg of Dexamethasone.

Prognosis The anaesthetic was reversed with 36mg Diprenorphine and 40mg Naltrexone. He stood up after 5 minutes and walked back into a thick bush cover nearby. The prognosis for recovery is good.

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Case 4 – 20th June 2021 Elephant

Spear

Tsavo East National Park

A report was received by the Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit of a wounded elephant bull in Misuuni Area within the Tsavo East National Park. The Vet team was airlifted to the area by SWT aircraft to examine the sick elephant and carry out the needed treatments Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bull was darted from a helicopter with 18mg of Etorphine and went down on lateral recumbency after 10 minutes.

Physical examination, revealed that the bull suffered from a contaminated penetrating wound to the lower right hind leg. The wound was cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine before being packed with Oxytetracycline pessaries then sprayed with Oxytetracycline and packed with green clay. Dr Poghon suspects something sharp and metallic like a spear.

Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine and 40mg Naltrexone. He stood after 3 minutes and entered back into thick bush. The prognosis for recovery is good. .

Case 5 – 10th July 2021 Elephant

Spear

Ithumba, Tsavo East National Park

The TMVU received a report of an injured elephant bull with a contaminated wound. The Vet team was airlifted from Voi to the Ithumba airstrip where a ground team was on stand-by and a helicopter was waiting.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The helicopter pushed the elephant from the dense bush to open ground for ease of access by the ground teams. He was darted from the helicopter with 18mg of Etorphine and went down after 15 minutes.

The wound had massive necrotic tissue. Incisions were made to enlarge the wound edges to allow for removal of the necrotic tissue. It was pulled out with copious amounts of pus. Another skin incision was made at the lowest end of the injury as drainage for pus. The wound was thoroughly cleaned with water and flushed with Hydrogen peroxide and tincture of Iodine. Oxytetracycline pessaries were inserted into the wound along then Opticlox ointment was applied before the wound was packed with green clay for its healing properties. 30,000mg of Amoxicillin and 200mg Dexamethasone were also administered.

Prognosis He woke up 3 minutes after the anaesthetic was reversed. The prognosis for recovery is good.

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Case 6 – 11th July 2021 Elephant

Arrow

Oldonyo Wuas, Chyulu Hills

A report was received by the TMVU regarding a wounded elephant bull sighted in Oldonyo by Big Life Foundation Rangers. To access the area, the Vet was airlifted from Voi to Oldonyo where a ground team was on standby.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was darted from a helicopter with 18mg Etorphine and went down after 8 minutes. He was quickly secured and water poured on him to keep him cool.

Physical examination revealed an old penetrating wound to the elbow of the right forelimb and left flank that had started to heal. The wounds were flushed with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine, then infused with Opticlox ointment and covered with Oxytetracycline spray. Green clay was also packed in the wounds for its healing properties Prognosis The elephant rose 4 minutes after the anaesthetic was reversed and walked away. Based on the state of the wounds and body condition of the elephant, the prognosis for recovery is good.

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Case 7 – 19th July 2021 Elephant

Arrow

Ithumba, Tsavo East

The TMVU received a report from the Keepers at the SWT Ithumba Reintegration Unit of an ex-orphan bull sighted at a water hole with a wound on his left elbow. To carry out the treatment, the Vet team was airlifted to the Ithumba airstrip where a ground team was waiting.

Immobilisation, examination and relocation The elephant was driven by a helicopter to an area that was easy for the ground team to access. He was then darted with 16mg of Etorphine and achieved full immobilization after 8 minutes. The elephant was quickly secured, and the trunk straightened to ensure normal breathing. Water was poured on him to aid in thermoregulation due to the high temperatures before proceeding with medical examination.

There was a penetrating wound to the elbow that was superficial but suspected to be from a foreign object, most likely an arrow. The wound and adjacent abrasion wound were flushed with Hydrogen peroxide then cleaned with Iodine. Green clay was packed into the wounds for its healing properties and covered with an Oxytetracycline aerosol. Anti-inflammatories and antibiotics were administered parenterally.

Prognosis Based on the nature of the wounds and the elephant’s body condition, a good prognosis is indicated.

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Case 8 – 12th August 2021 Elephant

Natural Causes

Morpusi, Laikipia

Members of the Naibunga Community Conservancy reported that they had sighted a limping, slow-moving elephant. Dr. Njoroge and his team prepared their equipment to treat the animal. The undulating terrain was very rocky and thick and therefore impassable by vehicle. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust offered to assist by sending a helicopter under the Sky Vets Program to be able to dart the elephant safely.

Immobilisation, examination and relocation The helicopter arrived and isolated the injured candidate from a herd of 53 other elephants. The elephant was darted with 18mg Etorphine hydrochloride from the helicopter. The animal went down after 7 minutes on right lateral recumbency.

The general body condition of the elephant was good but the left forelimb was injured. There were no open wounds on the limb. Manipulation revealed that the elephant had suffered a shoulder luxation. Amoxicillin and Phenylbutazone were given as a prophylactic antibiotic and for inflammation and pain. Topical Oxytetracycline spray was also applied to minor wounds seen on the rump area.

Prognosis The prognosis was good as the animal appears to be in good body condition and should recover well.

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Case 10 – 18th August 2021 Lion

Human-wildlife Conflict

Chyulu Hills

Poisoning is a grave threat to the survival of wild lions as humans encroach on the available habitats. The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit received a report of 3 lionesses noted to be unconscious and suspected to have been poisoned in retaliation for killing the local communities’ cattle. The veterinary team drove to the area to try and resuscitate the pride.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The lionesses were found lying on the road in left lateral recumbency, weak and with breathing difficulties.

They were quickly secured, blindfolds put in place before being carried and laid in the shade.

They were administered with Colvasone intramuscularly and Atropine sulphate which saw their vitals stabilize. To manage dehydration, intravenous fluids (normal Saline, 10% Dextrose and Lactated Ringer’s solution) were used to replace water and the electrolytes lost. Once the lionesses were stable, they were left for close monitoring in case of any changes.

Prognosis Since the lionesses were weak with limited mobility, the prognosis for recovery is poor .

Case 11 – 18th August 2021 Elephant

Snare

Amboseli National Park

Poaching, habitat loss coupled with illegal wildlife trade has seen the African Elephant listed in the IUCN’s red list. While attending to poisoned lionesses in Iltilal, the TMVU were informed of an elephant bull with a wire snare on its right hind leg. The availability of a helicopter from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust saw the Vet airlifted to the elephant’s location for a prompt veterinary intervention.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment Being in open ground, the bull was easily darted from a helicopter with 16mg of Etorphine and went down after 10minutes. A generous amount of water was poured on him to aid in thermoregulation before proceeding with a physical examination.

His right hindlimb had been tangled with wires, luckily for him they hadn’t caused severe damage to the skin.

The wire was removed and Alamycin aerosol applied to the affected region. 40mg of Dexamethasone were administered to manage pain/ inflammation and 15,000mg of Amoxicillin as an antibiotic cover.

Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed with 24mg of Diprenorphine and 40mg of Naltrexone. The bull woke up after 5 minutes, relieved and walked away. The prognosis for his recovery is good. .

Case 11 – 20th August 2021 Elephant

Spear

Amboseli Environs

While attending to poisoned lions in Iltilal, Chyulu Hills, the TMVU received a report of an elephant bull sighted with a dirty wound on the hip of the left hindlimb. To avoid fatalities that arise due to continued bacterial infection, the Vet was airlifted to the area to tend to the bull.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant bull was driven to open ground with a helicopter. Once a good opportunity arose, the vet successfully landed a tranquilizer dart on his rump containing 18mg Etorphine. The bull achieved full immobilization after 10minutes. Water was poured on him to cool the body while his trunk was straightened to ensure proper breathing before commencing with a physical examination.

The wound on the rump was checked for any spear heads but none were found. It was thoroughly flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, tincture of Iodine and infused with an antibacterial ointment. The wound was covered with green clay for its healing properties and then Oxytetracycline aerosol applied.

Prognosis The anesthesia was reversed and he rose after 3 minutes and majestically walked into the surrounding bush.

Due to the good body condition of the bull and the extent of the wound, the prognosis for recovery is good

Case 12 – 21st August 2021 Black Rhino

Rescue

Solio Ranch

After a mother Black Rhino in Solio Ranch was shot the Sky Vet Program assisted with helicopter services in an attempt to find her infant calf.

Unfortunately, the baby was not found.

No Pictures available.

Case 13 – 23rd August 2021 Elephant

Natural Causes

Naibunga Conservancy

Naibunga Community members and Laikipia KWS reported a lame elephant. The elephant was a lactating mother with a calf (who was in good body condition). Dr. Njoroge and his team prepared their equipment to treat the animal. The terrain was very rocky and thick and impassable by vehicle. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust assisted by sending a helicopter to dart the elephant and ensure safety of the personnel as well.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The helicopter arrived and isolated the injured candidate from a herd of 53 elephants. The elephant was darted with 17mg Etorphine from the helicopter and he went down after 7 minutes. The general body condition was fair. The affected right hindlimb at the level of the stifle, had no open wounds.

The limb was manipulated to assess the extent of the injury and it was discovered that the elephant had suffered a luxation of the stifle joint, possibly caused by a fall over a ridge or another elephant during mating.

Prophylactic antibiotic treatment and Oxytetracycline and Phenylbutazone were administered to cover for infection, inflammation and pain. Oxytetracycline spray was also applied to minor wounds seen on the limb.

Prognosis The prognosis was good as the animal was in good body condition and is expected to recover well.

Case 14 – 31st August 2021 Elephant

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Samburu

This calf’s story began as gunfire shattered the night air of Kerio Valley. This region is an area of conflict between the Pokot and Marakwet tribes. A fight over livestock theft escalated and the gunfire sent a nearby herd of elephants stampeding in terror. The next morning, tribesmen heard elephant squeals and they found an abandoned calf, lying on her side in the grass.

KWS quickly located the baby and took her to a school compound for safety whilst a helicopter was on its way; ground transport was not possible due to the volatility of the region. The helicopter landed in the schoolyard and Julius, one of SWTs most experienced keepers, stabilised her with a drip and then loaded the calf onboard while the pilot refuelled. Little time was wasted as they needed daylight to make it all the way back to Nairobi. They were bound for Nairobi without a moment to spare and upon arrival, the calf was slid into the bed of a pickup truck, driven to her stable door, and stretchered in. When she arrived at the Nursery and was encouraged to stand up, it was found her hindlegs were lifeless and wobbled hopelessly. It was unclear if her injury happened before or during the conflict. Despite her semi-paralysis, Kerrio did very well.

The next morning, Keepers escorted her on a short stroll, which she seemed to enjoy and was surprisingly mobile despite her disability. It wasn’t long before Kerrio was ready for longer walks in the forest and her hindquarters became stronger. The other orphans rallied around this cute little girl and she had many minimums in the older female orphans and a supportive team of fellow orphans and Keepers.

Case 15 – 9th September 2021 Leopard

Snare

Kipini Conservancy, Lamu

Kipini Ranch Conservancy Rangers reported a snared leopard near the conservancy boundary. The Vet team was airlifted to the area by SWT fixed wing aircraft.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment On arrival the team was led to a bushy area where the leopard was snared.

The leopard was immobilized by darting with 150 mgs of Ketamine Hcl and 1 mg Meditomidine Hcl. He went down after 10 minutes. Examination revealed he was snared on the right hind limb onto a tree by a tough wire snare. Sadly, the right front limb was severed at the ankle joint, and all claws were missing.

Carnivores depend on hunting prey in the wild and the missing right paw and the injured right rear limb meant that the Leopard could not survive in the wild.

Prognosis The leopard was euthanized on animal welfare considerations.

Case 16 – 25th September 2021 Buffalo

Snare

Athi River, Tsavo East

SWT de-snaring team reported the snared buffalo to AMVU. They further assisted AMVU in locating, darting and treatment of the buffalo.

Immobilisation and examination The buffalo was darted from a vehicle using 4 mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 40mg Azaperone.

The buffalo was strongly held on a tree by a snare wire. The wire was hard to break and the buffalo could not break loose.

Unfortunately, the buffalo aggressiveness led to strangulation after darting. An attempt to resuscitate the buffalo was not successful due to challenges of time and weight of the animal.

Case 17 & 18 – 28th – 30th September 2021 Elephant

Collaring

Tsavo and Shimba Hills

Mara Elephant Project funded and facilitated the collaring of three elephants in the Southern part of Tsavo and Shimba hills.

The collared elephants will assist in the monitoring of elephant movement, and determination of population in the Shimba Hills and southern part of Tsavo across seasons.

Collaring exercise The elephants were darted from a helicopter with 18-20mg Etorphine HCL. All elephants were successfully collared and revived.

Case 19 – 29th September 2021 Elephant

Snare

Luo Conservancy, Taita

Members of the Lumo Conservancy and Laikipia reported that they had sighted a lame elephant. The elephant was a male aged 40 to 45 years. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust offered to assist by sending a plane to pick the vet for a quick response under the Sky Vets Program to achieve a timely intervention.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was darted with 18mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered using a Dart-inject gun from a vehicle.

The animal went down after 6 minutes on right lateral recumbency.

The general body condition of the elephant was fair. The affected limb was the left forelimb at the level of the digits. There was a large open wound on the limb and tight snare that had cut in about 8 cm deep around the limb. The snare was removed with a wire cutter. The wound was then cleaned using plenty of water then cauterized with Hydrogen peroxide, lavaged with tincture of Iodine, packed with green clay and sprayed with antibiotic spray to prevent infection and facilitate healing. Additional treatments included Oxytetracycline and Phenylbutazone to cover for infection, inflammation and pain.

Prognosis The prognosis was good as the animal appears to be in good body condition and is expected to recover well.

Case 20 – 29th September 2021 Elephant

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Mwea National Park

The Mwea National Park management reported a case of an injured elephant in the park. The SWT made plans to have a chattered aircraft fly a veterinary team from Voi and a helicopter fly from Nairobi. On arrival, the elephant was in thick bush with tall trees so darting from the helicopter was essential.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was immobilized with 17mgs Etorphine from the helicopter.

The elephant had a wound approximately 4 cm (width) and 8 cm (deep) about 3-4 weeks old on the left hind limb. The wound was septic and had necrotic tissue. An incision was made distal to the wound where there was a pus pocket to allow access and drainage of pus. The wound is likely to have been caused by a spear during human-wildlife conflict. Manipulation of the limb revealed the injury had not resulted in a fracture.

The dead tissue was removed. and the wound thoroughly cleaned with water and Hydrogen Peroxide then lavaged using Iodine. Topical antibiotic cream and green clay was infused into the wound to facilitate healing and avoid infection. The elephant was injected with 200ml Oxytetracycline L.A and 100 ml Dexamethasone.

Prognosis The prognosis was good.