SWT/KWS RIFT VALLEY MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT JUNE 2021
Introduction
33 Cases in June
17 Poaching Cases
64% Success
June Report by Dr. Titus Kaitho South and north of Lake Naivasha as well as other parts of Central Rift Conservation Area have received sporadic rains. The region is experiencing good pasture and browse is abundant. Generally, mornings are cold, later in the day it is hot, sunny and windy. The newly launched Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit visited the following areas; Kedong ranch, Marula Estates, Pepper corn farm, Loldia farm, Green Park Estate, Color Crops farm, Aquilla farm, KALRO- Olmagogo, Kenya Nut – Olmurogi, Hippo Point-Mundui Estate, Milwar Enterprises farm, Ndabibi Central, Aberdares National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Mt Elgon National Park among other areas. The Unit attended to a variety of cases including snared animals, human wildlife conflict cases and relocations as outlined below. Acknowledgement We sincerely thank Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) for support, resources & sponsorship for the newly launched Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit. We acknowledge Angela Sheldrick for her passion and zeal for wildlife conservation and animal welfare as well as KWS management.
SWT/KWS Rift Valley Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations June 2021
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
31-May-21
Zebra
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
Amale zebra wounded on the right front leg by a wire snare
Successfully Treated
31-May-21
Buffalo
Soysambu Conservancy
Snared
A wire snare on the neck dragging a tree branch
Successfully Treated
1-Jun-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
Long winch wire Snare
Successfully Treated
1-Jun-21
Leopard
Naivasha
Human Wildlife Conflict
Immobilized a male leopard which had been trapped into a lion trap
Task Successful
2-Jun-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
Treated a female zebra wounded by wire snares on the front leg & the chest.
Successfully Treated
2-Jun-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
A male zebra wounded by a wire snare on the left hind leg
Successfully Treated
2-Jun-21
Buffalo
Naivasha
Snared
A buffalo was slaughtered by poachers and another escaped with a snare on the horns
Poaching Death
3-Jun-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Natural Causes
The zebra was aged, debilitated and had poor body condition
Prognosis Poor
3-Jun-21
Rhino White
Lake Nakuru National park
Natural Causes
The rhino had been wounded during a territorial fight with another male
Prognosis Poor
4-Jun-21
Antelope
Naivasha
Relocation
Assisted KWS in capturing 7 Hartebeests (4 females & 3 males)
Task Successful
4-Jun-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
2 female zebras snared by wires around the neck
Successfully Treated
4-Jun-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
2 female zebras snared by wires around the neck
Prognosis Poor
5-Jun-21
Eland
Naivasha
Relocation
Chemically immobilised 2 elands (female & male)
Task Successful
6-Jun-21
Antelope
Naivasha
Relocation
Assisted KWS in capturing 13 reed bucks (10females & 3males)
Task Successful
6-Jun-21
Antelope
Naivasha
Relocation
Assisted KWS in capturing 16 impalas (14 females & 2males)
Task Successful
10-Jun-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
The zebra had wounds on the leg & open fracture of the hind leg due to wire snares
Poaching Death
10-Jun-21
Eland
Naivasha
Human Wildlife Conflict
A female eland had succumbed to death due to electrocution by a fence line
HWC Death
11-Jun-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Natural Causes
A male zebra had suffered bite injuries on the hind leg
Prognosis Poor
12-Jun-21
Other
Mount Elgon
Natural Causes
The horse had suffered a swollen & pusfilled wound on right front leg
Successfully Treated
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
12-Jun-21
Other
Mount Elgon
Technical Cases
Examined and dewormed a female horse(Flamingo)
Task Successful
18-Jun-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
Rescued a male zebra snared by a wire on thew neck
Successfully Treated
18-Jun-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
The cause of death of this zebra was due to strangulation by wire snare
Poaching Death
19-Jun-21
Primate
Naivasha
Natural Causes
Heavily pregnant monkey had sustained spinal cord injury due to a nasty fall. The hind legs had been completely paralyzed
Died
20-Jun-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Natural Causes
Male zebra had suffered a fracture of the right front leg which had partially healed
Successfully Treated
20-Jun-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Natural Causes
The zebras had traumatic cutaneous myiasis triggered by severe tick infestation
Successfully Treated
21-Jun-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
A female zebra whose right hind leg had been amputated by a wire snare
Prognosis Poor
22-Jun-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
Rescued a male zebra snared by a winch wire on the right hind leg
Prognosis Poor
22-Jun-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
Rescued a male zebra snared by a nylon rope on the right front leg
Prognosis Poor
22-Jun-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
Rescued 2 female zebras snared by wires on the neck
Successfully Treated
22-Jun-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
Rescued 2 female zebras snared by wires on the neck
Successfully Treated
25-Jun-21
Hyena
Naivasha
Human Wildlife Conflict
The hyena had caused conflict in the facility. It suffered severe head, eye and feet injuries trying to escape the trap
Task Successful
28-Jun-21
Zebra
Naivasha
Snared
A female zebra snared by a wire on the right hind leg
Successfully Treated
29-Jun-21
Buffalo
Naivasha
Human Wildlife Conflict
3-day old buffalo calf trapped in a deep moat The calf was following its mother but fell into a deep trench
Task Successful
Case 1 – 31st May 2021 Zebra
Snare
Soysambu Ranch
The Unit treated a male zebra wounded on the right front leg by a wire snare. The prognosis of the case is good
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Case 2 – 31st May 2021 Buffalo
Snare
The Unit immobilized a male buffalo at Soysambu ranch. He had a wire snare around the neck, attached to a tree branch. The buffalo was promptly reversed from general anesthesia.
Soysambu Ranch
Case 3 – 1st June 2021 Zebra
Snare
Naivasha
On 01.06.2021 at Naivasha town near Women Micro finance Bank, the Unit rescued a male zebra snared by a long winch wire around the neck. Prognosis of the case is favorable.
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Case 4 – 1st June 2021 Leopard
Human Wildlife Conflict
Naivasha
The Unit immobilized a male leopard at Marula Estates, which had been trapped in a lion trap, with a combination of 200mg Ketamine and 2mg Medetomidine. The Unit also administered 1,500mg of Amoxicillin Trihydrate (Betamox) and 10mL Catasol. The leopard was transferred to a small leopard trap then reversed from general anesthesia after one-hour with 10mg Atipamizole (Antissidan). The animal was translocated and released in Aberdares National Park at View Point-junction 17. The leopard had been associated with conflict at Marula Estates.
Case 5 – 2nd June 2021 Zebra
Snare
Pepper Corn Farm, Naivasha
On 02.06.2021 at Pepper corn farm, we treated a female zebra wounded by a wire snare on the front leg & the chest. This was a repeat treatment. Prognosis of the case is favorable to guarded.
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Case 6 – 2nd June 2021 Zebra
Snare
Aquilla Farm, Naivasha
On 02.06.2021 at Aquilla farm the Unit treated a male zebra wounded by a wire snare on the left hind leg. Prognosis of the case is favorable
Case 7 – 2nd June 2021 Buffalo
Snare
Color Crops Farm, Naivasha
On 02.06.2021 we responded to a wildlife poaching incident at Color Crops farm. 2 male buffaloes had been snared by winch wires. One buffalo had been slaughtered by poachers and the other escaped the snare. The snare was on the horns. The matter was handed over to the area investigations team.
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Case 8 – 3rd June 2021 Zebra
Natural Causes
Green Park Estate, Naivasha
On 03.06.2021 at Green Park Estate we immobilized & clinically examined a male zebra. The zebra was aged, debilitated and had poor body condition. We administered a de-wormer, antibiotics and vitamins. Prognosis of the case is guarded.
Case 9 – 3rd June 2021 White Rhino
Natural Causes
Lake Nakuru
On 03.06.2021 at Lake Nakuru National Park, the Rift Valley MVU team & Dr Rono treated a male white rhinoceros (50W89). On examination the rhino had been wounded during a territorial fight with another male. The right front leg on the 3rd phalanx region, neck area and scrotum had been wounded with several deep puncture wounds & bruises. The vet cleaned the wounds with water and Iodine then administered Amoxicillin, Flunixin meglumine, Butasal and Ivermectin. Prognosis of the case is guarded. .
Case 10– 4th June 2021 Hartebeest
Relocation
Kedong Ranch, Naivasha
On 04.06.2021 at Kedong ranch the Unit supported KWS HQs Vet & Capture team in capturing 7 hartebeests (4 females & 3 males) by the net capture method. The hartebeests were translocated to Solai Wildlife Sanctuary-Tindress.
Case 11 & 12– 4th June 2021 Zebra
Snare
Aquilla Farm, Naivasha
On 04.06.2021 at Aquilla farm we rescued 2 female zebras snared by wires on the neck. One of the zebras had been seriously injured by the snare on the arm pit region & had a guarded prognosis. .
Case 13 – 5th June 2021 Eland
Relocation
Marula Estates, Naivasha
On 05.06.2021 at Marula Estates the Unit supported KWS HQs Vet to chemically immobilize 2 elands (female & male) and translocated the same to Solai Wildlife Sanctuary-Tindress.
Case 14– 6th June 2021 Antelope
Relocation
Loldia Farm, Naivasha
On 06.06.2021 at Loldia farm, the Unit supported KWS HQs Vet & Capture Team in capturing 13 reedbucks (10 females & 3 males) by the net capture method. The reed bucks were translocated and released at the Great Rift Valley Lodge.
Case 15 – 6th June 2021 Antelope
Relocation
Marula Estate, Naivasha
On 06.06.2021 at Marula Estates the Unit supported KWS HQs Vet & Capture Team in capturing 16 impalas (14 females & 2males) by darting & net capture method. The impalas were translocated and released at Kisumu Impala Sanctuary. This activity was carried out at night
Case 16– 10th June 2021 Zebra
Snare
Morenda Farm, Naivasha
On 10.06.2021 at Morendat farm the Unit immobilized and examined a female zebra. The zebra had suffered grievous wounds to the leg and an open fracture of the right hind leg due to wire snares. Prognosis of the case was poor and the zebra had to be euthanized.
Case 17 – 10th June 2021 Eland
Human - wildlife Conflict
Marula Estate, Naivasha
On 10.06.2021 at Marula Estates, the Unit responded to a wildlife poaching incident. Four hunting dogs were eliminated & others escaped with gunshot injuries. Unfortunately, a female eland succumbed to death due to electrocution by a fence line. The poachers escaped into the darkness of the night. The matter is under investigation.
Case 18– 11th June 2021 Zebra
Natural Causes
Naivasha
On 11.06.2021 at KWSTI - main campus, the Unit medically treated & surgically sutured wounds on a male zebra which had suffered bite injuries on the hind leg, eye, and soft tissue lacerations. Prognosis of the case is guarded
Case 19 & 20 – 12th June 2021 Horse
Natural Causes/Technical Case
Mount Elgon
On 12.06.2021 at Mt Elgon NP Chorlim Gate, the Unit treated a male horse (Gaseous). The horse had suffered a swollen & pus-filled wound to the right front leg. To achieve standing sedation, 4mg of Medetomidine was administered to the horse. The wound was cleaned with water and Hydrogen peroxide then rinsed with diluted Iodine. The vet also administered BS long-acting antibiotics, Flunixin meglumine, Multivitamins and a de-wormer. The sedation was reversed with 10mg Atipamizole (Antissidan) administered by intramuscular route. Prognosis of this case is favorable. The Unit also examined and de-wormed a female horse (Flamingo).
Case 21– 11th June 2021 Zebra
Snare
Manera Farm, Naivasha
On 18.06.2021 at Manera farm the Unit rescued a male zebra snared by a wire around the neck. Prognosis of the case is good.
Case 22 – 18th June 2021 Zebra
Snare
Manera Farm, Naivasha
On 18.06.2021 at Manera farm the Unit stumbled on a dead zebra. The cause of death of this zebra was due to strangulation by wire snares.
Case 23– 19th June 2021 Monkey
Natural Causes
Hippo Point, Naivasha
On 19.06.2021 at Hippo Point the Unit responded to the case of an injured Colobus monkey. The heavily pregnant monkey had sustained a spinal cord injury due to a nasty fall. The hind legs had been completely paralyzed, the monkey was suffering traumatic shock and was in pain. Prognosis of the case was poor and the monkey was euthanised. The skin, which is a government trophy, was submitted to KWS.
Case 24 – 20th June 2021 Zebra
Natural Causes
Naivasha
On 20.06.2021 at KALRO – Olmagogo the Unit immobilized a lame zebra for clinical examination. The male zebra had suffered a fracture of the right front leg which had partially healed. The Unit carried out hoof trimming and filing to reduce the degree of lameness. Prognosis of the case is favorable.
Case 25– 20th June 2021 Zebra
Natural Causes
Kigio Group Ranch
On 20.06.2021 at Kigio Group ranch the Unit immobilized 2 female zebras for clinical examination. The zebras had suffered traumatic cutaneous myiasis triggered by severe tick infestation. Other species including elands are affected. We advised introduction of cattle into the ranch to reduce tick burden in the pastures.
Case 26 – 21st June 2021 Zebra
Snared
Naivasha
On 21.06.2021 at Wileli Wildlife Conservancy – Aquilla area the Unit treated a female zebra whose right hind leg had been amputated by a wire snare. Prognosis of the case is guarded.
Case 27– 22nd June 2021 Zebra
Snare
Naivasha
On 22.06.2021 at Oasis Academy along Naivasha Mahimahiu Road, the Unit rescued a male zebra snared by a winch wire on the right hind leg. Prognosis of the case is guarded.
Case 28 – 22nd June 2021 Zebra
Snared
Naivasha
On 22.06.2021 at Kenya Nut-Olmurogi area, the Unit rescued a male zebra snared by a nylon rope on the right front leg. The leg had been amputated by the snare. Prognosis of the case is guarded.
Case 29 & 30– 22nd June 2021 Zebra
Snare
Naivasha
On 22.06.2021 at Loldia farm, we rescued 2 female zebras snared by wires on the neck. Prognosis of these cases is good.
Case 31 – 25th June 2021 Zebra
Human-wildlife Conflict
Naivasha
On 25.06.2021 at Sopa Lodge, the Unit immobilized a male hyena which had been trapped. The hyena had been causing conflict in the facility. The hyena had suffered severe head, eye and foot injuries. The injuries were self-inflicted as he attempted to escape out of the metal trap. The Vet treated the hyena by administering anti – inflammatory drugs and antibiotics then moved the hyena to Hells Gate NP. The hyena has a favorable to guarded prognosis.
Case 32– 28th June 2021 Zebra
Snare
Naivasha
On 28.06.2021 at Ndabibi Central, the Unit rescued a female zebra snared by a wire around the right hind leg. Prognosis of the case is good. The female zebra had strayed into Ndabibi community farmland. The zebra has been associated with crop destruction in the community farms.
Case 33 – 29th June 2021 Buffalo
Human-wildlife Conflict
Naivasha
On 29.06.2021 at Kedong Ranch, the Unit rescued a 3-day old buffalo calf that was trapped in a deep moat. The calf was following its mother but fell into a deep trench. The Unit immobilized the buffalo cow to allow safe rescue of the calf then successfully rejoined the calf and mother. Later in the evening the same calf was again trapped in the same trench. Blanks were fired to scare the mother away then the calf was rescued and rejoined with the mother. The Unit advised the back filling with soil some parts of the moat.