SWT/KWS Sky Vets Report June – Septembernth 2023

SWT/KWS SKY VET UNIT QUARTERLY REPORT JUNE 2023 – SEPTEMBER 2023

SKY VET QUARTERLY OVERVIEW

267 Cases

2 Giraffe Cases

25 Elephant Cases

Over the period June 2023 to September 2023 the SWT/KWS Sky Vet program attended to 27 wildlife cases. These comprised 2 Masai giraffes with spear injuries that were successfully treated, and 25 elephant cases with the majority being clinical cases that were also treated successfully.

Of the elephant cases there were 13 poaching injuries including 3 snare, 5 spear, 4 arrow and 1 bullet wound which were all treated successfully. Additionally, the Sky Vet Unit attended to 5 elephants due to human – wildlife conflict inclyding relocation of two elephant bulls that were causing conflict, one with the local community and the other at the Umani Springs Stockade. Two other elephants were treated for spear wounds that were attributed to human – wildlife conflict. A young elephant calf was also rescued after it fell into the Korbesa Well. The mother had tried to retrieve it unsuccessfully and eventually abandoned her infant. Efforts were made to reunite mother and calf but sadly these were futile and the calf was flown to the Nairobi Nursery. The rest of the cases were attributed to natural causes.

Overall, the Sky Vet Unit achieved an 85% success rate.

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

27 Cases Attended to by the SWT/KWS Sky Vet Unit June - September 2023 8

7

6

5

4

Giraffe Elephant

3

2

1

0 Snared

Spear

Arrow Poaching

Bullet Wound HWC

Natural Causes

Outcomes of Cases Attended to by the SWT/KWS Sky Vet Unit June - September 2023

Prognosis Poor 7%

Died 4% Taken to Orphanage 4%

Successful Cases 85%

Case 1 – 03rd June 2023 Elephant

Natural Causes

Giriama Ranch

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

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant bull was found alone near a waterhole, and not very far from a herd of cattle. Blood could be seen dripping from the left thigh, near the groin. The bull was darted from a helicopter and immobilized with 20 mgs Etorphine hydrochloride. It took 9 minutes for the drugs to take effect.

The animal had multiple fight wounds. There was one large deep wound at the left side of the groin area that was spewing blood and appeared gangrenous; multiple wounds were observed on the animal’s head; several wounds were on the left ear and near the base of the left broken tusk. Damaged devitalized muscle tissue was surgically excised then the wounds were debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water, infused with Iodine, and packed with green clay before a topical antibiotic spray was applied. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were then given.

Prognosis The elephant bull has a guarded prognosis.

Case 2 – 07th June 2023 Elephant

Human – Wildlife Conflict

Kamunyu – Mtito Andei Area

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

Immobilisation and translocation The elephant bull was roaming alone when it was first seen. It went out of sight and after an intensive search, a SWT pilot found it with an elephant family in the same area. The bull was darted from a helicopter and immobilized with 18 mg Etorphine. It was fully anaesthetized after 20 minutes.

The animal was then loaded into a SWT truck for translocation. An anti-inflammatory (100 mgs Dexamethasone) was given intravenously. Additionally, 40 mg Azaperone was given intramuscularly in transit along with 3 top-up doses of 2 mg Etorphine.

The elephant was released at Rhino Valley, Tsavo West National Park. Anaesthesia reversal was achieved with 24 mg Diprenorphine hydrochloride and 150 mg Naltrexone given through a prominent ear vein. The bull rose 2 minutes post-reversal and walked into the wild.

Case 3 – 16th June 2023 Giraffe

Spear

Inkisanchani

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

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bull had a large necrotic wound on the left lateral side of its thoracic region. Avulsed tissue could be seen around the wound. The animal was darted from a helicopter with 15 mgs Etorphine. It took 7 minutes for the drugs to take effect. Closer examination revealed that the septic wound had been inflicted by a spear.

Damaged devitalized muscle tissue was surgically excised then the wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, cleaned with water, infused with Iodine, packed with green clay, and sprayed with Oxytetracycline topically. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were given intramuscularly before anaesthesia was reversed with 200 mgs Naltrexone given through a prominent ear vein. The giraffe bull stood 3 minutes post-reversal and walked into the wild.

Prognosis The giraffe has a good prognosis.

Case 4 – 17th June 2023 Elephant

Arrow

Musiara

While on patrol, Mara Elephant Project rangers spotted an adult elephant bull with pus oozing wounds on the left flank and around the spinal area.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bull was found in a herd of about 20 elephants that were in a marshy area with thick bush. A helicopter skilfully herded the injured bull to relatively open ground for darting. The bull was darted on the hind quarters with 17 mgs Etorphine. It took 10 minutes for the drugs to take effect, the bull was then physically brought down by pushing it onto its side. After a few attempts, the elephant went down on sternal recumbency.

Efforts were made to reposition the bull in lateral recumbency which is less risky for an immobilized elephant.

However, this was unsuccessful given the animal’s massive size and weight. The ground was also too marshy and wet for a vehicle to assist in positioning the bull in lateral recumbency. Therefore, the vet chose to perform quick treatment and reversal as both injuries were visible.

2 communicating penetrating arrow wounds were observed, both deep and full of pus. The wounds were cleaned with water, debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, and disinfected with Iodine. Tetracycline spray and green clay were applied as topical treatment. Antibiotic pessaries were inserted into the deep wounds to ward off reinfection. Systemically 30,000mg Amoxicillin and 50 mgs Dexamethasone were administered intramuscularly.

Reversal and Prognosis Anaesthesia was reversed with 170 mgs Naltrexone; two thirds was administered via the ear vein while a third was injected intramuscularly. Recovery was smooth, but the bull took plenty of time to stand since the animal’s tusks had dug deep into the soft ground. The elephant was however able to stand on all fours after about 10 minutes without assistance.

The elephant bull has a good prognosis.

Case 5 – 17th June 2023 Elephant

Arrow

Naibosho Conservancy

An adult elephant bull that seemed to avoid moving from where it stood was seen by Naboisho Conservancy rangers.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The animal was found in an area with thick bush and rocky terrain. It was noted that the bull had been treated at an earlier date for a poisoned arrow wound on the left forelimb. When it was initially treated, the bull had a very swollen limb, and it was severely limping. The swelling had tremendously reduced since then.

However, follow up treatment was necessary to ward off further infection and manage inflammation. With assistance from a helicopter, the animal was driven to open ground and darted with 17 mg Etorphine. It went down on lateral recumbency after about 10 minutes.

To facilitate easy access to the injury, the bull was turned over to its other side with assistance from rangers and a vehicle. The left ear was used to cover the left eye shielding it from direct sunlight and dust, water was also poured onto the animal’s body to cool it down.

The wounds were cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide and disinfected with Iodide before Tetracycline spray was applied as a topical antibiotic. 60 ml Oxytetracycline LA was also infiltrated into the wound to fight infection.

Systemically 35,000 mgs Tetracycline and 40 mgs Dexamethasone were administered.

Anaesthesia was reversed with 170 mgs Naltrexone. The bull stood 5 minutes post-reversal and walked towards the nearby bush.

Prognosis The elephant bull has a good prognosis.

Case 6 – 22nd June 2023 Elephant

Spear

Bamba, Kilifi County

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

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The injured elephant bull was found with 3 other bulls. The injured animal had a swollen right forelimb. It was darted from a helicopter with 20 mgs Etorphine.

Examination revealed a wound, about 10 cm deep, on the carpal joint with straw like discharge, and tissue reaction. The penetrating wound was most likely inflicted by a spear. Damaged muscle tissues were surgically excised then the wounds were debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, cleaned with water, infused with Iodine, packed with green clay, and sprayed with Oxytetracycline topically. 30,000mg Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and 5,000mg Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were administered intramuscularly.

Prognosis Anaesthesia was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine hydrochloride and 200mg Naltrexone given intravenously through a prominent ear vein. The bull stood 3 minutes post-reversal and joined its companions. The elephant bull has a favourable prognosis.

Case 7 – 24th June 2023 Elephant

Bullet wound

Kamboyo Area, Tsavo West National Park

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

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bull was darted from a helicopter with 20mgs Etorphine and was fully immobilized 10 minutes later.

There was a deep wound on the elephant’s left gluteus muscle that had straw like discharge. The wound was most likely caused by a bullet.

Damaged devitalized muscle tissues were surgically excised, then the wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water, infused with Iodine, packed with green clay, and sprayed with a topical antibiotic.

Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were given intramuscularly before anaesthesia was reversed with 250 mg Naltrexone given through a prominent ear vein. The bull stood 2 minutes post-reversal and walked into dense vegetation.

Prognosis The elephant bull has a good prognosis.

Case 8 – 24th June 2023 Elephant

Arrow

Kamboyo Area, Tsavo West National Park

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

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant bull was approx. 30-35 years old. It was found alone, and there was a visible wound on its right limb near the knee joint. Another wound was also seen on the elephant’s right thigh. The bull was darted from a helicopter and immobilized with 20mgs of Etorphine. It took 11 minutes for the anaesthetic drug to take full effect.

The damaged devitalized muscle tissues were surgically excised, then the wounds were debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water, infused with Iodine, packed with green clay, and sprayed with a topical antibiotic. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were given intramuscularly then anaesthesia was reversed with 30mg Diprenorphine hydrochloride and 150mg Naltrexone. The elephant bull rose 2 minutes later and walked into a thicket.

Prognosis The elephant bull has a good prognosis.

Case 9 – 27th June 2023 Elephant

Natural Causes

Tsavo River, Tsavo West National Park

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

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The Veterinary Unit found the elephant bull near Tsavo River resting under a big tree. It was darted from a helicopter with 18mgs Etorphine and was fully immobilized 11 minutes later.

There was a wound on the ventral aspect of the elephant’s trunk and another wound on the right flank, most likely caused during a fight with another bull. The damaged tissue was excised then all wounds were debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water, infused with Iodine, packed with green clay, and sprayed with a topical antibiotic. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were given intramuscularly. The bull appeared to have also suffered mild colic.

Reversal and Prognosis Anaesthesia was reversed with 250 mg Naltrexone given through a prominent ear vein. The bull stood 2 minutes post-reversal and walked into dense vegetation.

The elephant bull has a good prognosis.

Case 10 – 29th June 2023 Elephant

Natural Causes

Mugie Ranch

After attending to an elephant bull in Kipepeo Wildlife Conservancy, the Meru Vet team was informed about a lame sub-adult female elephant in Mugie Ranch. The Veterinary team was flown to the elephant’s location.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was found in dense vegetation. It was approached on foot and darted with 10mg Etorphine on the rump. However, the dart failed to discharge properly, and it fell off as the elephant walked through the bushes. A second dart with a similar dose was fired, it successfully landed on the elephant's rump and after about 5 minutes, the effects of the tranquilizer begun to manifest causing the elephant to fall on its right side. The elephant was then turned to its left side to facilitate examination of the injured right forelimb.

The animal was found to have a dislocated elbow on the right forelimb. The veterinarian also noticed that the elephant was experiencing gastrointestinal issues indicated by loose stool. To address this, 40mg Dexamethasone sodium and 6,000 mg Amoxicillin were administered intramuscularly.

Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed, and the elephant regained consciousness and resumed browsing on the nearby trees. The elephant has a good prognosis.

Case 11 – 01st July 2023 Elephant

Human – Wildlife Conflict

Kasala Area

The KWS PAC team reported a rogue elephant bull, approx. 25-30 years old, roaming in the community area.

The elephant was destroying property and posed a danger to people. Authority was granted to move the problematic bull to another area. The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit was informed and swiftly captured and translocated the elephant immediately.

Immobilization and translocation The elephant bull was darted from a helicopter and immobilized with 18mgs Etorphine. It took 11 minutes for the drugs to take effect. Once the animal was fully sedated, a crane was used to load elephant onto a SWT truck for translocation to Ithumba area, Tsavo East National Park.

At the release site, anaesthesia was reversed with 250mg Naltrexone administered intravenously through a prominent ear vein. The young elephant bull stood shortly thereafter and walked into the thick bush.

Case 12 – 02nd July 2023 Elephant

Spear

Naibosho Conservancy

The CEO - SWT informed the Meru Vet. Unit about a female elephant in Naboisho Conservancy with a serious injury on the left flank and arranged for the vet. team to be flown to the Mara to attend to the emergency.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The injured elephant was found in an elephant herd with 2 dependent calves. It was successfully darted from a vehicle with 15mgs Etorphine. The drug took effect approx. 6 minutes later and herd gently ushered away to a safe distance to facilitate treatment. The elephant had sustained a spear wound on the left flank and, omental fat and muscle tissue were protruding from the wound. The wound was cleaned with water, contaminated tissues were excised, and a ligature was applied to control bleeding. The displaced tissues were carefully repositioned, and the peritoneum sutured with absorbable sutures. Oxytetracycline pessaries were inserted into the wound which was then covered with green clay and an antibiotic spray to deter flies. 120 mgs Dexamethasone, 3,000 mgs Amoxicillin, and metabolic stimulators were administered intramuscularly before anaesthesia was reversed with 300mgs Naltrexone. The elephant regained consciousness 3 minutes later and was joyously reunited with the rest of the herd.

Prognosis The elephant cow has a favourable prognosis.

Case 13 – 02nd July 2023 Elephant

Arrow

Olare Motogori Conservancy

After treating the injured female elephant in Naibosho Conservancy, the Vet team received a distressing report about a sub-adult male elephant in Olare Motogori with an arrowhead lodged in the left cheek.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment It was evident that the elephant was having difficulty browsing due to the pain and discomfort. The injured elephant was cautiously approached and darted from a vehicle with 15mgs Etorphine. It assumed right lateral recumbency when the drugs took effect 5 minutes later. The animal was blindfolded, and its body doused with water to aid in thermoregulation. The arrowhead was then carefully removed. The penetrating wound was flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, irrigated with Iodine, and covered with an antibiotic ointment.

Additionally, the wound was sprayed with an antibiotic aerosol to keep flies away. For management of bacterial infections and pain, 15,000 mgs Amoxicillin and 60 mgs Dexamethasone sodium were administered intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was thereafter reversed with 250 mgs Naltrexone administered via a prominent ear vein. The elephant regained consciousness 2 minutes later, it was visibly relieved and continued browsing.

Prognosis The young elephant bull has a good prognosis.

Case 14 – 13th July 2023 Elephant

Human – Wildlife Conflict

Giriama Ranch

The Agiriama community and the Tsavo KWS team reported seeing a lame adult elephant bull in Kulalu near a water point. The Mt. Kenya Veterinary Unit was asked to attend to the case since the Tsavo Veterinary Unit was off duty. SWT flew the Vet from Nanyuki to Tsavo with a fixed wing aircraft and provided a helicopter to facilitate safe darting of the injured bull elephant from the air.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was darted with 18 mg Etorphine hydrochloride and assumed left lateral recumbency after 7 minutes. The elephant’s general body condition was fair. There was an open wound on the right forelimb at the level of the carpal joint, and another wound on the neck. The injury on the right forelimb was suspected to have been caused by a sharp object mounted on the animal’s path. The wounds were thoroughly cleaned with water, debrided with hydrogen peroxide, and disinfected with Iodine. 500 ml Amoxicillin antibiotics, 40 ml Flunixin meglumine and 300 ml Clindamycin were administered intramuscularly. 60 ml Flunixin meglumine was also administered intravenously. Antibiotic pessaries and green clay were inserted into the wounds then a topical antibiotic cream was applied. Anaesthesia was successfully reversed with 360 ml Naltrexone.

Prognosis The elephant bull has a good prognosis.

Case 15 – 14th July 2023 Elephant

Snared

Ngutuni Lodge

A SWT-KWS De-snaring Unit spotted a lame adult female elephant near Ngutuni Lodge. The elephant cow had a wound on the left hindlimb and could barely move.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The injured elephant was darted from a vehicle and immobilized with 20 mg Etorphine. The animal had a deep wound inflicted by a cable wire snare on the left hindlimb. The snare was cut off then the wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, disinfected with Iodine, and sprayed with Oxytetracycline. 100 mg Amoxicillin was administered before anaesthesia was reversed with Naltrexone. The elephant cow stood a few minutes later and walked away.

Prognosis The elephant cow has a good prognosis.

Case 16 – 20th July 2023 Elephant

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Umani Springs, Kibwezi Forest Reserve

A rogue elephant bull, approx. 35 – 40 years old, was reported to have caused significant destruction at the Umani stockades. There was a risk that the wild elephant bull could cause more damage, therefore authority was granted to translocate the animal away from people.

Immobilisation and translocation The elephant bull was darted from a helicopter and immobilized with 20mgs Etorphine. It took 7 minutes for the drugs to take full effect. Once the animal was fully sedated, a crane loaded the elephant onto a SWT truck for translocation to Tsavo East National Park.

During transit, 4 top up doses comprising 2mg Etorphine each were administered. The elephant was released at Lugards airstrip south of Galana River within Tsavo East National Park. Reversal was achieved with 250 mg Naltrexone given intravenously through a prominent ear vein. The elephant bull stood 2 minutes postreversal and walked away slowly. The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary team monitored the bull’s movements as he went towards the nearby Galana River.

Case 17 – 22nd July 2023 Elephant

Arrow

Rukinga Ranch

A Wildlife Works pilot spotted an adult elephant bull with an injury on the left front limb.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The approx. 40-45 years old elephant bull was found with 2 other bulls. The injured bull was darted from a helicopter and immobilized with 20 mgs Etorphine. It took 12 minutes for the drugs to take maximum effect.

Closer examination revealed a septic wound on the upper lateral side of the animal’s left forelimb. Damaged muscle tissues were surgically excised then the wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, cleaned with water, and disinfected with Iodine. Green clay was packed into the wound then it was sprayed with a topical antibiotic. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were given intramuscularly before anaesthesia was reversed with 250 mg Naltrexone administered through a prominent ear vein. The bull rose 3 minutes post reversal and walked away.

Prognosis The elephant bull has a good prognosis.

Case 18 – 01st August 2023 Elephant

Spear

Kimana Sanctuary

This injured adult elephant cow was spotted by a KWS-Big Life Foundation patrol team.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The 35–40-year-old elephant cow was found in a bushy area with her calf and family. She was wounded on the left side of the sacral area. The injured elephant was darted from a helicopter and immobilized with 17 mgs Etorphine hydrochloride. She was fully sedated after 10 minutes. Closer examination revealed a spear wound, on the left side of the sacrum, that missed her spine by inches.

Necrotic muscle tissue was surgically removed then the wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, cleaned with water, disinfected with Iodine, and packed with Trimethoprim bolus and green clay. Topical antibiotic spray was thereafter applied on the wound. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were administered intramuscularly before anaesthesia was reversed with 150 mg Naltrexone given through a prominent ear vein. The elephant cow stood 3 minutes post-reversal and joined her calf and family.

Prognosis The elephant has a good prognosis.

Case 19 – 18th August 2023 Elephant

Snared

Triangle Area

The SWT-KWS Canine Unit spotted a limping sub-adult male elephant in the Triangle Area.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment Due to the thick bush in the area, aerial support was required and provided by a SWT helicopter. The approx.

15–19-year-old elephant bull was seen favouring his left hind leg. The elephant was darted from the helicopter and immobilized with 15 mgs Etorphine. It took 8 minutes for the drugs to take effect. Close examination revealed an old septic wound proximal to the tarsus joint of the left limb caused by a fence wire tightly entangling the limb. The bull appeared to have been accidentally snared. The fence wire was cut off with wire cutters then damaged devitalized muscle tissues were surgically excised. The wound was then debrided with dilute Hydrogen peroxide, cleaned with water, infused with Iodine, and packed with Trimethoprim bolus before they were sprayed with topical antibiotic and packed with green clay. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Dexamethasone anti-inflammatories were administered intramuscularly.

Anaesthesia was reversed thereafter with 150 mg Naltrexone injected through a prominent ear vein. The young bull stood 3 minutes post-reversal and walked away.

Prognosis The young elephant bull has a good prognosis.

Case 20 – 18th August 2023 Giraffe

Spear

Kuku Ranch

An adult male Masai Giraffe with a spearhead lodged in its left hind leg was seen in Kuku Ranch by a KWS patrol team.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The injured giraffe was found within a herd in extremely rugged terrain. The animal was herded to a more suitable area for darting with assistance from a helicopter and people on foot. The giraffe was then darted from a helicopter and immobilized with 16 mgs Etorphine and 60 mg Azaperone. It took 14 minutes for the drugs to take full effect. As soon as the giraffe went down, anaesthesia was reversed with 200 mg Naltrexone.

It was then manually restrained for examination and treatment. The spearhead was slightly proximal to the giraffe’s left carpal joint, it had entered laterally and exited medially. After the spearhead was carefully removed, damaged muscle tissues were surgically excised then the wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, cleaned with water, and disinfected with Iodine. Long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were administered intramuscularly before the giraffe was set free.

Prognosis The giraffe has a good prognosis.

Case 21 – 19th August 2023 Elephant

Natural Causes

Rhino Valley – Tsavo West N.P.

This young female elephant was seen by a KWS patrol team limping on the right hind leg.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The approx. 8-year-old female elephant had leg carrying lameness and was favouring her right hind limb. She had extreme difficulties ambulating. Upon closer examination, the elephant was found to have suffered a complete fracture of the right hind leg. Given her grave prognosis, euthanasia was advised to alleviate further pain and suffering.

After the elephant was euthanized, a post-mortem was performed. It confirmed that the elephant had a complete fracture of the right distal femur. Based on the veterinarian assessment, the fracture could have occurred when the elephant tumbled from a rocky outcrop.

Prognosis The elephant had a poor prognosis and was euthanized to alleviate further pain and suffering.

Unfortunately, there are no pictures of this case.

Case 22 – 23rd August 2023 Elephant

Human – Wildlife Conflict

Korbesa Wells, Meru

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 23– 29th August 2023 Elephant

Spear

Ithumba Area – Tsavo East N.P.

An adult male elephant in the Ithumba area was reported to have a pus oozing wound on the right hind limb.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The approx. 30-year-old elephant bull was darted from a helicopter with 18 mg Etorphine. The dart landed on the left rump and after about 6 minutes, the elephant assumed lateral recumbency. Treatment and anaesthesia monitoring were done simultaneously. The elephant bull was observed to be in good body condition, it had a wound on the right thigh that had necrotic debris and scabs; the wound was suspected to have been caused by a sharp object probably during a human-elephant conflict/crop raiding incident. The wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, disinfected with Iodine, packed with green clay powder, and covered with Oxytetracycline spray. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories were also administered intramuscularly to manage any infection and inflammation. Anaesthesia was reversed with 250 mgs Naltrexone administered intravenous through the superficial ear vein.

Prognosis The elephant bull has a good prognosis since the wound was quite superficial and had already started healing.

Case 24 – 06th September 2023 Elephant

Natural Causes

Male Ranch, Laikipia

Male ranch rangers reported a severely lame female elephant calf that was favouring its left front limb.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The Mt. Kenya Mobile Veterinary team found the lame elephant calf in a bushy area with its mother. The pair were in a herd of about 10 elephants. Given the difficulty in successfully immobilizing animals in such situations, the team requested SWT to provide a helicopter to support the exercise and a helicopter was sought from Ol-Maro. To prevent separation of mother and calf, the elephant cow was immobilized with 16mg Etorphine hydrochloride. After 7 minutes, the calf’s mother went down on left lateral recumbency. The herd was pushed away then the calf was physically restrained and immobilized with 2mgs Etorphine.

The calf was examined and found to have a dislocation of the left shoulder joint with leg carrying lameness and disuse atrophy of the limb. Flunixin Meglumine anti-inflammatories, long-acting antibiotics, and vitamins (B12 complex) were administered.

Prognosis Mother and calf were revived, reunited and rejoined the herd. The elephant calf has a guarded prognosis.

Case 25 – 10th September 2023 Elephant

Snared

Kaluku Area

A SWT pilot spotted this injured adult male elephant bull.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The 40-45-year-old elephant bull was found alone close to the Athi-Galana River. He had a deep wound around his left forelimb below the carpus. The bull was darted from a helicopter with 20mgs Etorphine hydrochloride and was fully immobilized in 9 minutes.

Closer examination revealed a cable snare around his left forelimb just below the carpus joint. The snare was cut loose with wire cutters and removed. Damaged tissues were surgically exercised then the wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water, disinfected with Iodine, and packed with green clay.

Topical antibiotic spray was also applied on the wound then long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were administered intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was reversed with 250 mg Naltrexone. The bull stood 3 minutes post-reversal and walked into the bush.

Prognosis The elephant bull has a good prognosis.

Case 26 – 12th September 2023 Elephant

Spear

Olare Orok Conservancy

After attending to a sub-adult giraffe with an arrow wound in Oloisukut Conservancy, the Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit was informed about an injured adult elephant bull in Olare Orok Conservancy.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant bull was found in a bushy and rocky area. It was darted from a helicopter with 17 mg Etorphine and herded into an open area for easy treatment. The bull went down on right lateral recumbency after about 10 minutes and was repositioned to access the wound area. The right ear was used to cover the eye, shielding it from direct sunlight and dust.

The elephant had a spear wound at the level of the lumbar fossa. The wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, disinfected with Iodine, and 60ml Oxytetracycline LA infused into the wound to deter infection.

Tetracycline spray was then applied as a topical antibiotic. Systemically, 35,000mgs Tetracycline and 40 mgs Dexamethasone were administered.

Prognosis The elephant bull has a good prognosis.

Case 27 – 27th September 2023 Elephant

Arrow

Kamboyo Area

During a routine aerial patrol, a SWT pilot spotted an adult elephant bull with a wound on his right thigh. The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit was notified and responded after seeing to the translocation of a problematic elephant bull from Ngulia, Tsavo West National Park to Ithumba, Tsavo East National Park.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The 25-30-year-old elephant bull was found in a thicket with another bull. The injured bull was darted from a helicopter with 20mgs Etorphine. Upon closer examination, a pus oozing abscess wound was observed. The wound was most likely caused by an arrow. Damaged muscle tissues were surgically excised, the wound was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, flushed with water, dried with gauze, infused with Iodine and antibiotic boluses, and left open for drainage. An antibiotic spray was applied topically. 30,000mg long-acting Amoxicillin antibiotics and 5,000mg Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories were administered intramuscularly. Anaesthesia was reversed with 200 mg Naltrexone given intravenously through a prominent ear vein. The bull stood 2 minutes post reversal and walked away.

Prognosis The elephant bull has a good prognosis.