SWT/KWS Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Report for July 2022

5 Cases in July 1 Poaching Case 2 Elephant Cases

July Report by Dr. Kariuki Edward

Hot and dry conditions persisted over the Amboseli ecosystem in July. Vegetation dried off and most of the grasses, apart from elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum), were completely degraded or removed. Weak, very old and young animals were more affected, and many died of exhaustion and thirst. Birds of prey and other scavengers consumed the carcasses of animals that died from the drought. A huge number of animals remained in the park, but they moved widely in and outside the park. This movement led to increased incidents of farm invasion and conflict with the communities bordering conservation areas. Some wild animals were injured and some eventually died due to this conflict.

The Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Unit attended to 5 cases in July. 3 of these cases involved necropsy on 2 elephants and a zebra. The other 2 cases involved zebras; one was treated for a fractured of the fetlock, while the other was successfully de snared.

Acknowledgement

We thank Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for material support and funding. Staff and rangers at Big Life Foundation, Kuku Group Ranch and Amboseli Elephant Research are acknowledged for their support and company during the veterinary interventions. Additionally, anyone who may have not been mentioned but supported the monitoring of distressed wildlife in areas of interest is highly acknowledged and appreciated.

Case Details

Date Species Area

14 July 22

July 22 Zebra

July 22 Elephant

July 22 Zebra

July 22 Elephant

Park

Park

Group

Treated successfully

successfully

Task successful

team. Task successful

Amboseli

dead and reported by the Amboseli

Research team. Task successful

Vet Unit Treatment

Zebra Snared Kimana Sanctuary

The Big Life Foundation (BLF) team in Kimana Sanctuary reported a zebra with a snare around its neck

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The zebra was darted with 50 mg Azaperone and 4 mg Etorphine. It responded well to the drugs, and complete immobilization was achieved in less than 10 minutes. The loose wire snare around the zebra’s neck was removed. No injuries or wounds were observed on the neck or the general body of the animal 20 ml Amoxicillin was administered intramuscularly to cover for systemic bacterial infection. Anaesthesia was reversed with Diprenophine administered intravenously.

Prognosis

The zebra got a good prognosis since no injuries or wounds had been inflicted by the snare.

Zebra Natural Causes Kimana Sanctuary

The BLF office in Kimana Sanctuary reported a lame zebra with a fracture around the fetlock joint

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The mare was immobilized with 50 mg Azaperone and 6 mg Etorphine. The drugs took effect in 10 minutes with the mare achieving stable sedation. The mare had an injury at the fetlock joint. 20 ml Amoxicillin was given intramuscularly to cover for systemic bacterial infection as well as Colvasone to help in pain management. Anaesthesia was reversed with an intravenous Diprenophine injection.

Prognosis

The zebra mare has a good prognosis.

Unfortunately, no images are available for this case.

Elephant Post mortem Kuku Group Ranch

The Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Unit were informed of a dead elephant calf by the Kuku Group Ranch office. No history prior to death could be established.

Post-mortem examination

The calf had pale and dried mucous membranes. Loose faecal remains, which were diarrhea related, were observed onsite. The tusks had been removed and kept safe by Kuku management before the veterinary unit’s visit as reported by Mr. Paul Onyango (Kuku security).

Cause of Death

It is likely that the calf died from natural and drought related complications

Elephant Post mortem Imarba

A dead elephant was reported in the Imarba area, adjacent to Amboseli National Park, by the Amboseli Elephant Research team.

Post mortem examination

The elephant was emaciated as estimated from her body volume and the prominent bony protuberances. It presented with advanced decomposition, and the carcass was partly scavenged

Cause of death

Inconclusive due to missing and decomposed parts