SWT Sky Vet Quarterly Report October to January 2019

SKY VET REPORT OCTOBER TO JANUARY 2019

OCTOBER TO JANUARY 2019

THE SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

SKY VET QUARTERLY OVERVIEW During October to January 2019 the SWT/KWS Sky Vet program was called to handle 12 wildlife cases most of which were supported by the SWT helicopter as well as one outsourced aircraft to help with elephant darting operations as well as search and monitoring operations.

11 of these cases attended to involved elephants whilst 1 case included the emergency evacuation of a KWS ranger to Nairobi having been attacked by a rhino during an operation.

Of the elephant cases there were 6 poisoned arrow cases, 1 snare case, 1 spear case, 2 cases relating to natural causes and 1 rescue. Out of the 12 cases treated there was an 83% success rate. Without rapid veterinary response, the majority of these cases would have died from their injuries.

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

OCTOBER TO JANUARY 2019

THE SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

OCTOBER TO JANUARY 2019

THE SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

CASE 1: 3rd October 2018

KARISIA CONSERVANCY

INJURED ELEPHANT

INTRODUCTION This was a repeat treatment a sub-adult male elephant in Karisia Wildlife Conservancy that had sustained a fracture of the left hind leg at the level of tarsal joint. The elephant had made quite good improvements after being treated twice in Mpala Wildlife Conservancy in two months, but it required re-examination and repeat treatment to enhance its recovery. We used a helicopter from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to dart the elephant and ensure it was immobilized in an open area for treatment.

CHEMICAL IMMOBILIZATION & TREATMENT The injured elephant was darted from a helicopter using 16mgs of etorphine Hcl in a 3ml Dan-inject dart. Full immobilisation was achieved after about 7 minutes. The affected left hind leg had improved a lot and the swelling had subsided, but the leg was still stiff and not flexing, it had no wound or any other external injury on the affected leg. The elephant was then treated with adequate dose of Vitamin B12 and Calcium (CalcijectÂŽ) followed by Dexamethasone injection and multivitamin administered intramuscularly to reduce pain and enhance the recovery process. This was the third and last treatment since the elephant had recovered quite well.

PROGNOSIS Soon after treatment, the elephant was revived from anaesthesia using 36mgs of diprenorphine Hcl combined with 50mgs of Naltrexone administered intravenously through the superficial ear-vein. The elephant rose up shortly and walked away feeling much relieved. Prognosis was quite good as it had responded quite well to the previous treatments and expected to recover fully after the third treatment. The elephant is being closely monitored by the security team at the Karisia Conservancy who have reported good progress.

OCTOBER TO JANUARY 2019

THE SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

CASE 2: 20th October 2018

TIVA, TSAVO EAST

INJURED ELEPHANT

INTRODUCTION A DSWT pilot while on patrol in a SWT fixed wing aircraft reported seeing a potential inured elephant. Ground teams then followed up and confirmed the case whilst the veterinary team from Amboseli was deployed as the Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit has otherwise engaged.

CHEMICAL IMMOBILIZATION & TREATMENT The elephant was located and darted from a Sheldrick helicopter. Etorphine Hcl (total dose of 22 mg) immobilized the male elephant. Full restraint was attained in 10 minutes after darting. Treatment was done while the bull rested on lateral recumbency. A panga was used to clear the bush around the elephant so that the team could work quickly and easily. A pusfilled wound was observed slightly below the backline at hindquarters of the male elephant. Hydrogen Peroxide was used to debride the wound of any old infected tissue. Iodine spray was used to disinfect the wound and green clay was used to cover the wound and prevent any further infection of the wound. Betamox LAÂŽ, Amoxicillin was administered to treat for secondary infection.

PROGNOSIS Intravenous injection with 2ml Diprenorphine revived the elephant bull. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

CASE 3: 29th October 2018

Laikipia Nature Conservancy

INJURED ELEPHANT

INTRODUCTION A young male elephant which was part of a large herd in the centre dam of Laikipia Nature Conservancy showed a swollen front right leg and severe lameness. Following the report on 29th October 2018 the SWT dispatched an aircraft with a veterinarian and one capture ranger from the Meru Vet Unit to examine and treat the elephant.

CHEMICAL IMMOBILIZATION & TREATMENT Darting was done from a helicopter due to the dense vegetation in the area. A dart containing Etorphine hydrochloride 10mg was delivered into the dorsal aspect of the left lumbar muscle. Induction time was 9 minutes. Examination showed a septic wound on the right elbow joint approximately 3 CM wide by 15CM deep. Probing with forceps showed that the wound did not penetrate into the joint capsule. Probable cause was a spear injury. The wound was debrided with diluted Hydrogen Peroxide to remove pus and Povidone Iodine was used to disinfect the wound. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs were also administered.

PROGNOSIS After treatment anesthesia was reversed by intravenous injection of Diprenophine Hydrochloride 36mg. Two minutes later the elephant was standing. There is plenty of vegetation and water in this area for this elephant, which is expected to make a complete recovery in the coming days.

THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

CASE 4: 12th November 2018

ITHUMBA, TSAVO EAST

INJURED ELEPHANT

INTRODUCTION The elephant bull was spotted by DSWT Aerial Unit within Ithumba area of northern Tsavo East National Park with a fresh arrow wound on its body. The arrowhead could be seen still attached to the elephant and the wound was bleeding. The vet was airlifted by a DSWT pilot to Ithumba from Voi and upon arrival at the Ithumba Airstrip the vet boarded the DSWT helicopter that was waiting. The ground team drove with vehicles and tractor to the area where the elephant was last seen.

The huge bull was easily spotted and approached.

INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT Darting equipment and drugs were prepared containing 18 mgs of M99 in a 3 cc Dan-inject dart barrel. The elephant was approached by helicopter and driven to a clear area before being darted. The bull went down after 9 minutes. The trunk and the ear were positioned correctly to aid in breathing and water splashed on the ears to cool him down. The elephant bull had a clear arrow wound on the right chest area with blood and body fluids oozing out. Long forceps were used to probe the wound and a metallic object was felt inside. The wound was enlarged, and an arrowhead was pulled out. The wound was cleaned with water mixed with Hydrogen Peroxide, doused with Tincture of Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray.

It was finally covered with green clay. Long acting antibiotics were administered intramuscularly and Dexamethasone Hcl was administered intravenously through the ear.

PROGNOSIS The anaesthesia was reversed by administration of Diprenorphine Hcl at three times the Etorphine dose through a prominent ear vein and the bull stood up and walked away slowly. Prognosis for full recovery is good as no vital organs were damaged.

THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

CASE 5: 18th November 2018

KIBWEZI FOREST

INJURED ELEPHANT

INTRODUCTION The report of an injured elephant bull with abdominal wound was received from SWT team stationed at Kenze Camp within the Kibwezi forest that is managed by the SWT. The bull was seen that morning taking water at a nearby water trough. The vet travelled by road to Komboyo Airstrip within Tsavo West National Park and then was picked up by the SWT Helicopter and went direct to Kenze Camp. On arrival we were directed by the de-snaring team to a forested area where the elephant had entered an hour earlier. A search was conducted by the chopper for two hours without success and when it was about time to call it a day the bull was spotted hiding beneath a tree. He was pushed by the chopper to a clearing.

INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT Darting equipment and immobilization drugs were prepared containing 18 mgs of M99 in a 3 cc Dan-inject dart barrel. The elephant was approached by chopper, darted and kept in an open area till he went down. Bushes covering the elephant were cleared and the trunk and the ear were positioned correctly to aid in breathing and water splashed on the ears to cool him down. There was an old arrow wound on the lower abdominal area that had healed with overgrowth of the tissues forming a tumour like growth. Surgical excision of the wound wasn’t possible due to risks of hemorrhaging and subsequent infection from elephant mud bathing habits and rubbing against trees. The wound was cleaned with water mixed with Hydrogen Peroxide then doused with Tincture of Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. It was finally covered with green clay.

The elephant was administered with long acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

PROGNOSIS The anaesthesia was reversed by administration of M5050 at three times the Etorphine dose. The bull stood up and walked away calmly. Prognosis for full recovery is good.

THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

CASE 6: 19th November 2018

KITANI, TSAVO WEST

INJURED ELEPHANT

INTRODUCTION The report of an injured elephant bull with left abdominal injury was reported by the SWT Aerial Unit that was patrolling the area. The bull was among 5 other elephant bulls. The vet rushed there in a vehicle and joined the SWT helicopter that was waiting. The elephant was easily spotted nearby.

INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT Darting equipment and immobilization drugs were prepared containing 18mgs of M99 in a 3cc Dan-inject dart barrel. The elephant was approached by a chopper, darted and kept in an open area till it went down then the rest of the group was pushed away. The trunk and the ear were positioned correctly to aid in breathing and water splashed on the ears to keep the elephant cool. There was an open swelling on the left abdominal wall. Close examination revealed a growth like tissues that had its roots deep in the abdomen. Attempts for incision proved difficult due to massive bleeding associated with tumour growths. Topical treatment was administered. The wound was cleaned with water mixed with Hydrogen Peroxide then doused with Tincture of Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. It was finally covered with green clay. The elephant was administered with long acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.

PROGNOSIS The anaesthesia was reversed by administration of Etorphine Hcl at three times the Etorphine dose. The bull stood up and walked away calmly. Prognosis is guarded.

THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

CASE 7: 21st November 2018

NDOLOLO, TSAVO EAST

RESCUED ELEPHANT

INTRODUCTION A tiny baby elephant was found stuck in a deep mud holes by the teams in Tsavo East

RESCUE The mud hole was manmade, but over a period of two years the elephants had dug the water hole deeper trying to find water. During one fateful day this tiny calf must have fallen in whilst his mother was trying to get them water. The Sheldrick team went to the rescue and the Trust helicopter was used to fly the baby elephant to the new Kaluku Neonate Nursery in Tsavo East for further care, as the baby was so tiny, he was better off being cared for there. He has since been named Thamana.

THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

CASE 8: 12th December 2018

RUKINGA RANCH, TAITA

INJURED ELEPHANT

INTRODUCTION Wildlife works reported the elephant to the AMVU.

INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT KWS and Wildlife Works Rangers assisted in locating the elephant for treatment. Two Gyrocopters were used to trace the elephant which was found on the second day of searching. The elephant was located and darted from a chopper with 20mg Etorphine Hcl. It went down in about 8 minutes and was placed on lateral recumbency for ease of treatment.

The male elephant was about 35 years old and had a massive swelling around the right thigh muscles between thigh, rump and hipbone. The swelling was hard and produced nothing on aspiration.

It was treated systemically with 100ml of Amoxicillin (Betamox LA®) administered through intramuscular route.

PROGNOSIS Intravenous injection with Diprenorphine revived the animal. The prognosis was good.

THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

CASE 9: 16th December 2018

TSAVO TRIANGLE, TSAVO EAST

INJURED ELEPHANT

INTRODUCTION The elephant was located and darted from a chopper. It was immobilized chemically using 23mg Etorphine Hcl and went down in about 14 minutes. It was pulled onto lateral recumbency using a tractor to expose the left lateral side.

INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT The elephant had a tumorous like wound swelling and was treated systemically with 100ml of Amoxicillin (Betamox LA®) administered through intramuscular route to cover for bacterial infections. The topical Oxy-tetracycline spray was applied to prevent fly strike.

PROGNOSIS Intravenous injection with Diprenorphine revived the animal. The prognosis was good as there was minimal infection on and around the wound area.

THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

CASE 10: 21st December 2018

CHYULU HILLS

KWS RANGER INJURY

INTRODUCTION The Trust’s helicopter was instrumental in a multi-organisation operation to rescue a KWS ranger who had been struck by a wild rhino while out on Patrol in the Chyulu Hills National Park. It transpired that the Kenya Wildlife Service team and Big Life rangers were on a security patrol and were following the tracks of a rhino through dense vegetation rooted in lava when the accident occurred. The Sheldrick’s helicopter pilot immediately responded to the report.

The helicopter spotted the recovery vehicles first, and then the rangers in the lava forest, who were carrying the casualty on an improvised stretcher. A suitable clearing was found a few hundred metres from their position for the helicopter to land.

Once the injured ranger arrived, he had to be moved onto the helicopter stretcher which had been placed on a blanket on the ground, so that his wounds could be inspected, and emergency first aid administered by DSWT pilot Andy Payne.

His left lower leg had an exposed fracture of the tibia and a large open wound, whilst his right lower leg had a nasty open wound and was badly swollen. Andy cleaned and dressed the wounds before splinting the legs and gave the injured man medication for the pain. He was then loaded on-board the helicopter, with a colleague for company in the back. The patient was quickly airlifted to Nairobi for further care and is doing well thanks to the timely effective and efficient support he received from all concerned.

THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

CASE 11: 24th December 2018

SAGALA, TSAVO EAST

INJURED ELEPHANT

INTRODUCTION DSWT Kaluku office reported the elephant to the AMVU.

INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT A light aircraft and a helicopter were used to locate the elephant for treatment. Once it was located, the elephant was immobilized chemically using 20mg Etorphine Hcl from the helicopter.

The elephant was examined for sedation stability and later turned using ropes to expose the wound on the left. Topically, Iodine was irrigated into the wound after debriding with Hydrogen peroxide. Extra wound debridement was done using forceps. The elephant was then treated systemically with 100ml of Amoxicillin (Betamox LA®) administered through the intramuscular route.

PROGNOSIS Intravenous injection with Diprenorphine revived the animal. The prognosis was good as there were no complications

THE DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

CASE 12: 31st December 2018

RUKINGA RANCH

INJURED ELEPHANT CALF

INTRODUCTION Wildlife works reported the elephant calf to the AMVU

INTERVENTION AND TREATMENT A Gyrocopter traced this elephant calf at a dam site. KWS and Wildlife Works Rangers assisted in locating the elephant for treatment. The elephant was darted from a vehicle while a chopper was used to survey for herds around her. None were found within the 100 metres radius searched. Standing sedation was attained in 15minutes after darting with 50mg of Azaperone. Attempts to walk the calf were unsuccessful since it was strong and struggled in a way that was not convenient to remove the snare wire from the forelimb.

The calf had to be immobilized chemically using 2mg Etorphine and was topped with 10mg Azaperone after 2 hours. The elephant had a severe leg injury due to the cable wire on the leg. The snare was removed using a wire cutter and the elephant treated. It was then given 30ml of Amoxicillin (Betamox LAÂŽ) administered through intramuscular route. The calf was recommended for rescue and was kept on anaesthesia. The anaesthetic was topped up using 1mg Etorphine, four and half hours after the first dose to facilitate air rescue.

PROGNOSIS The prognosis was poor, and the calf died due to anaesthetic complications while being transported to a rescue centre. The calf suddenly died 5 hours after the first dose of the immobilization drug.