SWT/KWS Sky Vets Report October 2021 – January 2022

SWT/KWS SKY VET UNIT QUARTERLY REPORT OCTOBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022

SKY VET QUARTERLY OVERVIEW

17 Cases

12 Poaching Cases

10 Elephant Cases

During October 2021 to January 2022 the SWT/KWS Sky Vet program was called to handle 17 wildlife cases.

10 of these cases involved elephants including, 6 poaching cases; 4 snared and 2 spear injuries, all of which were treated successfully, including the 3 infant elephants that were snared in the Mara Triangle. Other poaching cases included a speared hippo, and a leopard, zebra and 3 giraffes with snare injuries. One of the giraffes was given a guarded prognosis and sadly the hippo had several metal rods impaled in its body. Its injuries were too severe, and it was euthanised on animal welfare grounds. All of the others were treated successfully.

The other elephant cases included 2 for natural causes and 2 rescues of infant elephants which were airlifted to the Kaluku Neonate nursery at the Sheldrick HQ in Tsavo.

Finally, the Air Wing Unit was sought to assist in the relocation of a male lone lion that had been terrorizing community members by preying on their livestock within Kilifi County. The helicopter flew to Kilifi and helped flush the lion out of the bush for darting. The lion was then flown to Tsavo East National Park and released.

Out of the 17 cases treated there was an 70% success rate and 12% of cases survived but were given a guarded prognosis. Sadly, 6% died due to poaching and 12% were taken to an orphanage.

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

17 Cases Attended to by SWT/KWS Sky Vet Unit October 2021 - January 2022 14

12

10

Other

8

Giraffe Plains Game 6

Predators Elephant

4

2

0 Poaching

Natural Causes

Rescue

HWC

Outcomes of Cases Attended to by SWT/KWS Sky Vet Unit October 2021 - January 2022

Prognosis Poor 12% Successful Cases 70%

Poaching Death 6%

Taken to Orphanage 12%

Case 1 – 3rd October 2021 Giraffe

Snared

Mgeno Ranch, Taita Ranches

The male giraffe was spotted with a snare around the neck that had tightened around the base of the neck.

Once the vet team was alerted, the proper equipment was prepared and the team rushed to the area and shortly met by a SWT helicopter.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment A dart was prepared filled with 14mg of Etorphine HCl (M99) in a 3-cc Dan-Inject barrel. The giraffe was approached by the helicopter and darted. The drugs took effect after 10 minutes and was roped down by Rangers. The anaesthesia was immediately reversed with the antidote consisting of 42mgs Diprenorphine HCl. Once reversed, the bull was kept restrained using manual pressure applied to the neck. With successful restraint achieved, the removal of the snare was carried out.

As the snare was embedded in the tissues or skin of the neck, treatment comprised of severing the snare and treatment of the neck injuries with topical antimicrobials and injectable antibiotics.

Prognosis The giraffe was assisted to get up and was able to move away. A good prognosis is expected.

Case 2 – 3rd October 2021 Zebra

Snared

Amboseli National Park

The zebra was spotted by tourists inside Amboseli National Park limping badly on the right foreleg. They noticed a wire on the lower limb that was dragging on the ground, making movement difficult. She was easily traced by rangers who reported to the Vet Unit. The Vet unit was airlifted by SWT aircraft to the area.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment She was approached by a vehicle and darted with 7mgs Etorphine Hcl and 60mgs Xylazine. She was darted on the rump and went down on the right flank after running for about 5 minutes.

The wire snare was removed and the cuts to the right front leg treated with antibiotic spray and Iodine. Longacting antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs were administered parenterally.

Reversal and prognosis Anaesthetic reversal was achieved with the administration of 18mgs Diprenorphine Hcl and 2.5mgs of Atipemazole Hcl IV through the jugular vein.

Prognosis is good.

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Case 3 – 7th October 2021 Elephant

Snared

Mara Triangle

Three elephant calves were spotted near the Serengeti border by Conservancy Rangers. They belonged to different families but evidently had moved to the Conservation Area from Serengeti. They were snared at the border as they crossed. These snares were laid by poachers to catch the migrating wildebeests for bush meat.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The Vet Unit found the calf browsing but stressed due to a tight snare in between her upper and lower lip.

The family were so protective, a helicopter was required to keep the other family members away for treatment. The mother refused to leave the calf despite the helicopter’s best efforts and the team finally decided to immobilise the mother and restrain the calf manually.

The body condition of the calf was good but the cable snare in between her upper and lower jaw was tight causing severe wounds on both sides of her lip and around her head and ears. The wire was cut loose, and the wounds debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, cleaned with water, disinfected with Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. The calf also received Amoxicillin and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories.

Prognosis After treatment, the mother was reversed and woke up to join her calf who was standing close by.

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Case 4 – 7th October 2021 Elephant

Snared

Mara Triangle

Three elephant calves were spotted near the Serengeti border by Conservancy Rangers. They belonged to different families but evidently had moved to the Conservation Area from Serengeti. They were snared at the border as they crossed. These snares were laid by poachers to catch the migrating wildebeests for bush meat.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment This calf was with his family of about ten elephants who had other calves of almost similar age. The calf had a tight snare round his neck and appeared to be in great pain though the body condition appeared good. The team darted the calf with 60mg Azaperone from a vehicle to slow him down and at the same time used the helicopter to push the family away. When the drugs had taken full effect, the calf was manually restrained.

This calf had a tight cable wire snare round his neck leading to ventral perforation of the trachea. About 20% of inhaled air was escaping from the perforated area during exhalation. The snare could have been in place for at least two weeks. The wire snare was cut loose and the wounds cleaned with water, disinfected with Iodine. The calf also received Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin meglumine anti-inflammatories.

Prognosis He was released with the helicopter successfully guiding the family to re-unite with him. Prognosis is good.

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Case 5 – 7th October 2021 Elephant

Snared

Mara Triangle

Three elephant calves were spotted near the Serengeti border by Conservancy Rangers. They belonged to different families but evidently had moved to the Conservation Area from Serengeti. They were snared at the border as they crossed. These snares were laid by poachers to catch the migrating wildebeests for bush meat.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment Given the mother was very aggressive, the team decided to immobilise her, while the helicopter prevented her moving into a thicket with her calf. When the anaesthetics took effect the calf remained with her. The helicopter then pushed the sister away to allow the team to attend to the calf.

After manually restraining the calf, examination revealed a tight cable wire snare around his neck entangling his left foreleg. The snare had created wounds on the neck and severe damage of left foreleg muscles. Left Triceps brachii muscles were badly damaged. The wounds on the foreleg had maggots which were manually removed. The wounds were debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, and rinsed with water, disinfected with Iodine and sprayed with Oxytetracycline. The calf was also given Amoxicillin antibiotics, Flunixin meglumine antiinflammatories and Ivermectin parasiticide to eradicate and prevent external and internal parasites.

Prognosis After treatment, the mother was reversed and she joined the calf with the sister joining them almost immediately. Prognosis is good.

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Case 6 – 13th October 2021 Leopard

Snared

Gazi, Tsavo East National Park

A report was made by KWS and SWT Rangers of a snared leopard near the Park boundary in Gazi within Tsavo East. The Vet Team was airlifted to the area by the SWT fixed wing aircraft and assisted by the helicopter.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment On arrival the team was led to a bushy area where the leopard was snared. Drugs were first prepared then the leopard was approached by a vehicle.

The leopard was immobilised with 150mgs Ketamine and 1mg Meditomidine. He went down in 10 minutes.

Examination revealed he was snared around the waist and tethered to a tree by a tough wire snare. Despite the tight wire around the waist the animal was still strong. The snare was removed and the leopard treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed with a combination of Atipemazole and Yohimbine. Prognosis is good.

Case 7 – 13th October 2021 Elephant

Natural Causes

Taita Sisal, Taita Ranches

A report was received from Taita Sisal Sanctuary Rangers of an injured elephant bull that was limping badly.

They reported the case to the Tsavo Vet who mobilized the team and headed to the area, where they were joined by an SWT helicopter.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was darted from the helicopter with 18mg Etorphine Hcl and was immobilized after 8 minutes, falling on the right flank.

The lower left front ankle joint was observed to be swollen but without an open wound. It was diagnosed as a joint sprain or ligament tear.

The elephant was administered with long-acting anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. As there was no external injuries, the anaesthetic was reversed.

Prognosis The prognosis is guarded, and the bull assisted onto his feet.

Case 8 – 14th October 2021 Giraffe

Snared

Mgeno Ranch, Taita Ranches

A male giraffe was seen with a tight wire snare at the base of the neck. The Vet Team were informed and rendezvoused with the SWT helicopter where the giraffe had been sighted.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The Vet prepared a dart with 14mg Etorphine, then boarded the helicopter and darted the giraffe from the air. After 10 minutes the drugs took effect, and the Ground Team roped the animal to the ground. The anaesthetic was immediately reversed with 42mg Diprenorphine then the bull giraffe was restrained manually.

The snare was embedded in the tissues of the neck. The snare was cut loose and the resultant wound treated with antimicrobials. The giraffe was also given injectable antibiotics.

Prognosis The giraffe was released then assisted to stand. He moved away and was given a good prognosis.

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Case 9 – 17th October 2021 Giraffe

Snared

Mgeno Ranch, Taita Ranches

Less than a week after removing a snare from a giraffe in Mgeno Ranch, we were back again with a report of another snared giraffe within the same area. The Unit were assisted by the SWT helicopter.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The vet darted the giraffe from the helicopter with 4mg Etorphine. Once the drugs took effect, in approximately 8 minutes, the Rangers on the ground roped the giraffe and helped it down. Once the giraffe was recumbent and the giraffe was secure, the anaesthetic was reversed with 42mg Diprenorphine. The Team then restrained the giraffe manually while the snare was removed.

The snare was removed and all the neck injuries treated with antimicrobials. The giraffe was also given injectable antibiotics.

Prognosis The team then released the manual restraint to the neck and assisted the giraffe to stand. He was given a good prognosis.

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Case 10 – 18th October 2021 Elephant

Natural Causes

Loisaba Ranch, Laikipia

The Loisaba ranch management reported a case of an injured elephant in the conservancy. The veterinary team attended to the case for assessment and treatment.

Examination On examination the elephant had a slight limping gait.

The elephant must have had a fall or was pushed over by another male hence causing a muscle injury. The vet saw it best to let the condition resolve on its own as it was not a serious condition therefore the elephant was not immobilised.

Prognosis The prognosis for his recovery is good. .

Case 11 – 22nd October 2021 Elephant

Snared

Taita Hills

The elephant calf was reported by Taita Sisal Wildlife Sanctuary Rangers after being spotted with a wire dangling from its neck. The Vet Unit was joined by the SWT helicopter to assist with darting and separation from the herd.

The calf was immobilized with 3mgs of Etorphine Hcl and separated from the herd. He went down after 6 minutes. The wire that was around the neck was removed and antibiotics were administered.

She was revived and reunited with the herd and they moved away slowly. Prognosis is good. .

Case 12 – 26th October 2021 Hippo

Spear

Kipini Wildlife Conservancy, Lamu

The Hippo was reported in a drying water pan in Kipini Community area with several metal rods stuck in its body. He appears to have been targeted for bush meat poaching. The Vet was airlifted by an SWT aircraft to the area then driven about 30 minutes to the site. They found the weak hippo in a muddy pool in the area.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The hippo was immobilized with 200mgs of Butorphanol Hlc, 150mgs of Meditomidine Hcl and 150 mgs of Azaperone in two 3 cc darts.

The hippo was pulled out of the water and examined. There were 5 puncture wounds, 3 of which penetrated the peritoneal cavity.

Prognosis The injuries gave the hippo nearly zero opportunity of survival. He was euthanized due to animal welfare concerns. .

Case 13 – 1st November 2021 Elephant

Spear

Misuni, Chyulu Hills

The elephant bull that now resides in community land was spotted by a SWT aircraft with an injury to the upper neck area. A number of elephants relocated to community areas due to the drought in the parks. The Vet was airlifted to Kaluku then to Misuni village to attend to the case. After a brief search the elephant bull was spotted in a bushy area under a tree.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The bull was immobilized with 18mgs Etorphine Hcl filled in a Dan inject dart syringe and fitted into a dart gun. The elephant was driven near a clearing and darted on the rump from a helicopter. He went down after 10 minutes. He was pushed into a lateral position and water poured on the ears to keep him cool.

The wound on upper shoulder was probed and found to be shallow. It was likely caused by a spear. The wound was cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide mixed with water and the necrotic tissues removed. The wound was then disinfected with Iodine and a final cover of antibiotic spray and green clay used to cover the wound.

Long acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatories was administered parenterally.

Prognosis A good prognosis was given, and the anaesthesia reversed with Diprenorphine at 3 times the Etorphine dose.

Case 14 – 21st November 2021 Elephant

Rescue

Ragati, Mount Kenya National Park

An orphaned baby elephant was rescued by the Mt. Kenya team from Mt Kenya National Park and airlifted to Shedrick elephant orphanage in Nairobi for further care.

Rescue The animal appeared alert, energetic, active and was in a good body condition.

The animal was kept warm and was administered with intravenous 5% Dextrose, Azaperone (Stressnil®) Dexamethasone and Catasol administered intramuscularly.

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Case 15 – 24th November 2021 Elephant

Rescue

Doldol Group Ranch, Laikipia

An orphaned baby elephant was rescued by the Mt. Kenya team from Dol dol community and taken to the Sheldrick elephant orphanage at Kaluku.

Rescue The animal appeared alert, energetic and active. It was in a good body condition.

The elephant was kept warm during transportation.

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Case 16 – 6th December 2021 Elephant

Natural Causes

Siana Conservancy

This elephant was seen by Rangers with an injury on his back with the skin partly sloughing off. This elephant had taken refuge in a bushy and rocky hill in a community area. Due to the difficult terrain, helicopter services were sought and after several minutes of searching, he was spotted at the edge of the hill.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was away from the rocky areas with the helicopter then darted with 18mgs Etorphine hydrochloride. It took seven minutes for the drugs to take full effect with this elephant assuming sternal recumbency after which he was pushed to lie on his right side. Examination revealed a big wound on his left rump. The skin was hanging at the cranial edge of the wound. The injury was not deep but very wide. Maggots were found at the edge of the wound which was becoming septic. The hanging skin was trimmed and all necrotic tissues removed with Hydrogen peroxide. All maggots were removed manually, then the wound was rinsed with water, disinfected with Iodine sprayed with Oxytetracycline and packed with green clay.

Amoxicillin antibiotics and flunixin anti-inflammatories were also administered. It is thought this elephant slid down a rock with a semi sharp rock causing this injury.

Prognosis Favourable. It will take some time before this elephant fully recovers but eventually it will.

Case 17 – 16th December 2021 Lion

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Kilifi Conservancy

The male lone lion has been terrorizing Community Members by preying on their livestock. KWS Rangers from Kilifi County tracked the lion to an area north of Mtwapa town and reported to the Tsavo Vet Unit. Due to the distance and remoteness of the area, a SWT helicopter was requested to airlift the Vet to the area.

The vet team was flown to the site and met with rangers on the ground who directed the team to a bush nearby where the last lion tracks were seen entering.

Immobilisation The helicopter flew low and suddenly the lion was flushed out of the bush. The helicopter drove the lion to a clearing so it could be darted with 4mg Meditomidine mixed with 300mgs Ketamine. Unfortunately, the first dart landed in the face and didn’t discharge so a second dart was prepared which was successful. The lion ran into a bush and vanished. The Vet together with the Rangers searched and found the partially immobilized lion in a bush. He was darted again and once confirmed to be fully immobilized, KWS assisted the Community Members in carrying the lion on a stretcher to a nearby waiting vehicle with a lion cage.

Prognosis The cage proved to be too small for the lion, so instead the lion was loaded onto the helicopter and flown to Tsavo East National Park where he was revived and released.