SWT/KWS TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT FEBRUARY 2021
Introduction
4 Cases in February
2 Poaching Cases
2 Elephant Cases
February Report by Dr. Jeremiah Poghon The Tsavo Vet unit resumed duty late in January after being away on annual leave. During February, the Unit was involved in a rhino ear notching exercise at Tsavo East National Park where a total of 6 rhinos were ear notched and fitted with transmitters. The rhino ear notching exercise took place on the 28th of January 2021 to the 3rd of February 2021 in Tsavo East National park. Details of this report can be found in the January 2021 report. During February, the Unit also undertook autopsy examinations of 2 elephant carcasses in the Chyulu Hills after reports of deaths of elephants in the area. One of these was deemed to be natural due to territorial fights and the other was concluded to be from a penetrating spear wound Another autopsy was one on a lion near Lake Jipe and cause of death was most likely from poisoning. The Unit also attended a giraffe with an arrow wound which was successfully treated on Rukinga Ranch. Acknowledgement The unit acknowledges the support of its sponsors ViER PFOTEN through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for their huge financial support to the unit. We also thank Kenya Wildlife Service through the Assistant director Tsavo conservation area and the Head, Veterinary Services Department.
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
06-Feb-21
Giraffe
Rukinga Ranch, Taita
Arrow
12-Feb-21
Elephant
Chyulu Hills
Postmortem
17-Feb-21
Lion
Lake Jipe
Human Wildlife Conflict
24-Feb-21
Elephant
Chyulu Hills
Spear
Reason for Intervention The giraffe had a penetrating wound on the hip of the left hind leg suspected to be from an arrow Territoriality is one way that animals compete for and partition resources. It likely died from a fight with another elephant There were bloody discharges from the oral, nasal and anal openings. Internal examination revealed that the lungs, liver and kidneys were congested. The intestines had localized portions of congestion. All are indicative of poisoning The bull was noted to suffer from a penetrating spear wound on the carpal region of the left forelimb
Outcome Successfully Treated
Died
HWC Death
Successfully Treated
SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations February 2021
Case 1 – 6th February 2021 Giraffe
Arrow
Rukinga Ranch, Taita Ranches
Poaching of giraffes, which are killed for their hide, meat, bones, and tails, has increased across Africa. And as the human populations grow and expand into former wildlands, the giraffes have also fallen victim to retaliatory killings for crop damage and hunting for bushmeat. On the 6th of February, the TMVU received a report from Wildlife Works Rangers of a female Rothchild’s giraffe with an arrow wound. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The vet was airlifted by a helicopter and darted the female giraffe with a combination of 14 mg Etorphine and 30mg of Xylazine. She went down after 10 minutes and was quickly secured. A blindfold was put in place and the anaesthesia reversed with a combination of 18mg Diprenorphine and 2.5mg of Atipamezole. The giraffe was then restrained manually for treatment. The giraffe had a penetrating wound on the hip of the left hind leg suspected to be from an arrow. The wound was cleaned and Alamycin spray applied. In order to manage pain and bacterial infections, long acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatories were administered parenterally. Prognosis The giraffe was released and walked away with a good prognosis for recovery being indicated.
Case 2 – 24th February 2021 Elephant
Post-mortem
Chyulu Hills
An elephant carcass was sighted near a water hole at Kenze base within Kibwezi forest. Observation and post-mortem The carcass was found to be lying on the right side near a water hole. External examination of the skin revealed abrasion wounds to the left forelimb and perineum. Internal findings revealed: • •
Hemoperitoneum Haemorrhage on the mid-lumbar region and scapula region of the left forelimb
• • • • •
Some portions of the peritoneum were adhering to the skin Generalized fat necrotic areas on the left lateral side of the body Localized haemorrhagic intestinal portions Blood-tinged intestinal contents Congested liver, spleen and lungs
Cause of Death Territoriality is a way that animals compete for and partition resources. The injuries sustained by the elephant bull resulted in haemorrhages leading to blood loss. Hence death resulted from cardiovascular shock.
Case 3 – 17th February 2021 Lion
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Lake Jipe
The most urgent threat to lions today is the widespread use of poison in retaliation for the predation on livestock. A report of a lioness carcass sighted at Lake Jipe in Tsavo West was received by the Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit who drove to the area to ascertain the cause of death. She was identified as Nehema and had been collared after relocation from Karen, Nairobi due to preying on dogs within that neighborhood. Observation and post-mortem The lioness carcass was found lying on its right side with the left flank having been opened by scavengers. There were bloody discharges from the oral, nasal and anal openings. Internal examination carried out by the Vet revealed that the lungs, liver and kidneys were congested. The intestines had localized portions of congestion. The stomach was full of portions of animal skin suspected to be from a goat. Kidney, liver and stomach content samples were collected for toxicology. Cause of Death The lioness was suspected to have died from poisoning. Food, kidney and liver samples were collected and will be submitted to government chemist for analysis.
Case 4 – 24th February 2021 Elephant
Spear
Chyulu Hills
The TMVU was informed by Maasai Wilderness conservation Trust (MWCT) rangers about a lame elephant bull. The Vet team visited the area to perform examination and treatment of the big Tusker. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The lame elephant bull was darted from a vehicle with 18mg of Etorphine and went down after 10 minutes. He was quickly secured and the trunk aligned to enhance normal respiration. Water was poured on him to aid in thermoregulation before commencing physical examination. The bull had a penetrating spear wound on the carpal region of the left forelimb. The wound was cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide and flushed with Iodine. Oxytetracycline pessaries were packed into the wound to manage any bacterial infections. Green clay was also applied to the wound because of its healing properties. Prognosis Long acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatories were administered parenterally before reversing the anaesthesia with a combination of 24mg of Diprenorphine and 40 mg of Naltrexone. The bull was assisted to stand up in 5 minutes and walked away calmly. A good prognosis for recovery is indicated.