SWT/KWS TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT APRIL 2021
Introduction
14 Cases in April
6 Poaching Cases
9 Elephant Cases
April Report by Dr. Jeremiah Poghon The high sunlit clouds drifted across a clear blue sky with showers of rain being experienced across different parts of the Tsavo ecosystem. A green coloration from the leafy trees masked the red soil as different animal species were seen enjoying the adequate supply of food and water. An increase in animal family numbers was also noted as the evening sky turned to molten brass. During the month, the TMVU treated a buffalo for a wire snare in Rukinga, rescued a baby elephant with a rope snare in Ndera Community Conservancy along Tana River, treated a male Impala for a wire snare and released a seized pangolin back to the wild. The veterinary team also performed an autopsy examination on a leopard and elephant carcass sighted in Zero Delta area, Iltilal and Taita Ranch amongst other cases. 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 (KWS) through the Assistant director Tsavo conservation area and the Head, Veterinary Services Department.
SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations April 2021
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
5-Apr-21
Buffalo
Taita Ranches
Snared
Had a wire snare around the neck and the right hind leg
successfully Treated
6-Apr-21
Elephant
Tana River District
Snared
The calf was in distress due to being anchored to a stake with a rope snare
Successfully Treated
9-Apr-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Postmortem
The carcass was found lying on its right side and in mid-stage of autolysis
Died
12-Apr-21
Elephant
Kuku Group Ranch
Spear
Died from a suspected spear wound on the left forelimb. Post-mortem was conducted
Poaching Death
14-Apr-21
Antelope
Tsavo East NP
Snared
Impala sighted near the Park’s Voi gate with a wire snare around the neck
Successfully Treated
14-Apr-21
Leopard
Tsavo West NP
Postmortem
The canines and incisors were worn out a significant sign of old age
Died
14-Apr-21
Other
Tsavo
Rescue
A female ground pangolin was seized from a poacher by the KWS and released
Task Successful
16-Apr-21
Elephant
Shimba Hills Reserve
Snared
Had a wire snare around the left forelimb that was burrowing deep into the flesh
Prognosis Poor
17-Apr-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Rescue
The calf was lying down with bite wounds to the tail and the sole of both hind limbs
Taken to Orphanage
17-Apr-21
Elephant
Taita Ranches
Postmortem
The destruction of the flora surrounding the carcass indicated that he was in distress
Died
20-Apr-21
Zebra
Kilifi, North Coast
Natural Causes
She was diagnosed with a tear of the deep flexor tendon of the left hind leg
Successfully Treated
24-Apr-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Arrow
Suffering from contaminated penetrating wounds to the right shoulder
Successfully Treated
24-Apr-21
Elephant
Chyulu Hills
Natural Causes
He was diagnosed with a splayed forelimb
Successfully Treated
24-Apr-21
Elephant
Kaluku, Tsavo
Natural Causes
The elephant calf was noted to be active and in a good body condition
Successfully Treated
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
. Case
1 – 5th April 2021
Buffalo
Snared
Taita Ranches, Tsavo
The team received a report from the Wildlife Works team at Kasigau Corridor REDD+ Project concerning a buffalo with a wire snare.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment After sighting the male buffalo, a dart was prepared combining 8mg of Etorphine with 60mg of Xylazine. Once darted, it took 10 minutes to achieve full immobilization. He was quickly secured, and a blindfold put in place to protect the cornea from damage. Water was poured on him to counter thermoregulation before proceeding with examination of his wounds. The buffalo bull had a wire snare around the neck and another snare that was burrowing deep into the tarsal of the right hind leg. The wire snares were cut with wire cutters and the wound on the right hindleg cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine before applying antibiotic spray. He was administered with 40mg of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate (Colvasone) and 3,000mg of Amoxicillin (Betamox LA) intramuscularly to manage pain and bacterial infections. Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed with Diprenorphine and Naltrexone. The prognosis for recovery is good.
.
Case 2 – 6th April 2021 Elephant
Snared
Tana River District
Bushmeat poaching continues to top the list of the major threats to wildlife populations not only in Kenya but also globally. This is driven by the demand for wildlife products such as hides, horns and meat. The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary team was involved in rescuing an elephant calf from a snare. Due to the terrain and remote location of the snared baby elephant, a helicopter flew the vet team to the scene. The elephant calf was in distress due to being anchored to a stake with a rope snare. .
Immobilisation, Examination and Treatment Since the calf’s family was some distance away it gave room to the vet to carry out the urgently needed treatment, the elephant calf was darted with 4mg Etorphine. Once under full immobilization, the rope snare around the right forelimb was cut off. He was administered with 20mg of Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate and 1,500mg of Amoxicillin and Vitamin B12 parenterally. Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed with 12mg of Diprenorphine intravenously and 40mg of Naltrexone intramuscularly. The elephant calf got up after 3 minutes, looked back with a sign of relief knowing he was free again before rushing into the thick bush to reunite with the family. .
Case 3 – 9th April 2021 Elephant
Post-mortem
Tsavo East National Park
The Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit received a report of an elephant carcass sighted in Zero Delta Area in Tsavo West National Park. The Vet team visited the site to perform an autopsy and ascertain the cause of death.
Post-mortem Findings The carcass was found lying on its right side and in mid-stage of autolysis. Some of the body parts had been eaten by scavengers. Both the left and right sides of the carcass were examined for any injuries to the skin that might be inflicted from arrows or spears and there were none. Due to the advanced autolysis and no significant discharges from the oral or anal openings, Cause of Death The elephant is suspected to have died from natural causes.
Case 4 – 12th April 2021 Elephant
Spear
Kuku Group Ranch
On April 12th, the Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit received saddening news of the death of one of the Iconic elephants that roamed in the Tsavo ecosystem. Iltalal was not only a magnificent elephant bull, but also one of Africa’s big Tuskers. He had suffered a spear wound to the left forelimb which was treated. A follow up treatment was then carried out in March and Iltilal seemed to be recovering. After his death, the vet team visited the area to ascertain the cause.
Post-mortem Findings The Vet found the elephant bull carcass lying on its right side with the tusks intact and no external injuries to the skin. From the observation of the surrounding environment, the bull didn’t seem to have been restless since the fauna was intact with minimal destruction (indicative of limited movement). The carcass was fresh but extremely bloated. Opening the carcass, revealed hydropericardium, hydroperitoneum and intestinal torsion. The stomach and intestines were opened and the intestinal mucosa was noted to be covered with a lot of mucus. The little amount of food in different segments of the intestines was also covered with mucus, which is indicative of impaired peristalsis.
Cause of Death The thoracic cavity was opened, and the lungs had a lot of froth and some congestion. These findings pointed the cause of death to be pulmonary oedema possibly due to complications after the spear wound.
Case 5 – 14th April 2021 Impala
Snare
Tsavo East National Park
Impalas are noted for their gregarious nature. The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit were informed of a male impala sighted near the Tsavo East National Park’s Voi gate with a wire snare around the neck. The vet team visited the location to trace the impala and perform the treatment.
Immobilisation, Examination, and Treatment Once the injured impala was seen, he was darted with a combination of 2mgs Etorphine and 10mgs Xylazine. It took 5 minutes for the impala to achieve full immobilization. He was quickly secured, and a blindfold put in place to minimize damage to the cornea. The wire snare was cut off and luckily it had not caused any injuries to the neck muscle.
Prognosis 10 mgs of Dexamethasone and 750mg of Amoxicillin were administered intramuscularly before reversing the anaesthesia with Diprenorphine and Atipamezole. He got up after 3 minutes and ran away with a sign of relief.
Case 6 – 14th April 2021 Leopard
Post-mortem
Ngulia, Tsavo West National Park
A report was received by the Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit of a dead Leopard in Tsavo west National Park. The Vet team drove to the area to perform an autopsy examination and determine the cause of death.
Post-mortem Findings The Leopard carcass had very poor body condition indicating that she hadn’t been feeding. Examination of the oral cavity revealed that the canines and incisors were worn out due to significant sign of old age. There were decomposing portions of the hindlegs around the hocks suspected to be bite wounds.
Cause of Death These findings pointed the cause of death to be starvation due to old age.
Case 7 – 14th April 2021 Pangolin
Rescue
Taveta, Tsavo
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognized the threat to Africa’s pangolins by noting their status to be vulnerable due to the harsh effects of illicit hunting and poaching. These nocturnal creatures, experience pain and suffering in the hands of poachers while they hunt for their scales.
Rescue Operation The Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit received a female ground pangolin that was seized from a poacher by the KWS Taveta station. In an effort to minimize illegal wildlife trade, the vet examined the pangolin for any injuries or abnormalities, before her release back into the wild..
Prognosis Once satisfied that the Pangolin had no physical problems, she was released back into the wild to roam freely and enjoy life in the Tsavo ecosystem. Based on the environment at Kandere, an assumption was made that the pangolin will settle well in her new home
Case 8 – 16th April 2021 Elephant
Snared
Shimba Hills National Reserve
The use of wire snares in trapping animals continues to pose a threat to wild animals and wildlife populations as a whole. Elephants among other wildlife species fall as victims to the cruel acts by poachers because of their tusks and meat. This together with habitat loss has seen a substantial decline in elephant populations globally. The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit was notified of an elephant bull with a wire snare in Shimba Hills National Park. Based on the nature of the terrain and distance to be covered, the Vet and his assistant were airlifted to the area to perform the needed treatment.
. .
Immobilisation, Examination and Treatment The affected bull was traced into the thick bush cover and once sighted; he was darted with 18mg of Etorphine. Full immobilization was achieved after 10 minutes. He had a wire snare around the carpal joint of the left forelimb that was burrowing deep into the flesh. The wire was cut and the wound cleaned with Iodine and Hydrogen peroxide. He was administered with Dexamethasone Sodium Phosphate and 7,500mg of Amoxicillin parenterally. Prognosis Due to the severity of the wound, prognosis for recovery is guarded and follow up treatment maybe needed.
.
Case 9 – 17th April 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Tsavo East National Park
The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit received a report of a lone elephant calf sighted circling a Telecommunications mast near the Miasenyi SGR station. The Veterinary team quickly drove to the area and found the elephant calf lying down with bite wounds to the tail and the sole of both hind limbs.
Examination and treatment The wounds were cleaned and covered with an Oxytetracycline spray (Alamycin Aerosol). He was administered with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and Vitamin B12. Water was poured on him to manage hyperthermia and 20mg of Azaperone administered to calm him down. Prognosis The elephant bull was later airlifted to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust orphaned Elephant nursery in Nairobi for further monitoring and treatment.
Case 10 – 17th April 2021 Elephant
Post-mortem
Taita Ranches
The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit received a report that an elephant carcass had been sighted in the Taita Ranches. The team visited the area to perform an autopsy examination and ascertain the cause for the bull’s demise. Post-mortem Findings The elephant carcass was found lying on its right side with no significant discharges from the oral or anal openings. The skin was also negative for any injuries. However, the destruction of the flora surrounding the carcass indicated that he was in distress during the time of death. Opening of the carcass revealed presence of large quantities of moderately dry feed in the stomach and different portions of the intestines. Cause of Death The post-mortem findings pointed to impaction as the cause of death.
Case 11 – 20th April 2021 Zebra
Natural Causes
Kilifi, North Coase
The Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit received a report of a female zebra in Vipingo Ridge with marked lameness of the left foreleg. They drove to the location to carry out a physical examination and perform treatment. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The female zebra was driven from a thick bush that would hinder access and prevent the vet from darting her. Once she was in an open space, she was darted with 7mg Etorphine and 60mg Xylazine. The dart landed well on the rump with full immobilization being achieved after 10 minutes. She was quickly secured, and a blindfold put in place to prevent damage to the eye and minimize visual excitation. Copious amount of water was poured on her to manage hyperthermia before examining the affected leg. She was diagnosed with a tear of the deep flexor tendon of the left hind leg which was managed with administration of anti-inflammatories (Colvasone), 3,000mg Amoxicillin and 2,000mg Butaphosphane (Butasal 100). Cause of Death Due to her good body condition and other factors being normal, the prognosis for recovery is good.
Case 12 – 24th April 2021 Elephant
Arrow
Tsavo East National Park
A report was received by the Tsavo Veterinary Unit from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust of a wounded elephant bull sighted in the Ndia-ndasa area of Tsavo East National Park. The Veterinary team was airlifted from Voi to the area. Immobilisation, examination and treatment Once the bull was sighted, he was driven from the deep swamp to an open dry ground with a helicopter. He was darted from the air with 18mg Etorphine and went down after 8 minutes. Water was poured on him to cool his body under the extreme temperatures before proceeding to examine his wounds. The elephant bull was suffering from contaminated penetrating wounds to the right shoulder. Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine were used to clean the wound before infusing it with an antibiotic ointment and packing with Tetracycline and green clay because of its healing properties. Anti-inflammatories and 30,000mg of amoxicillin were administered parenterally. Prognosis The elephant stood 5 minutes after the anaesthetic was reversed and walked back to the swamp with a sign of relief.
Case 13 – 24th April 2021 Elephant
Natural Causes
Chyulu Hills, Tsavo
After treating an elephant bull for an arrow wound in Ndia-ndasa swamp, the Vet Unit were airlifted by a helicopter to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Umani springs reintegration unit to examine and treat an orphan elephant bull for lameness. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The target elephant bull was in an open ground with fellow elephant orphans. He was darted with 10mg of Etorphine and went down after 8 minutes. The fellow elephant orphans were driven away with a vehicle and once they were at a safe distance, the vet proceeded to examine the affected bull. He was diagnosed with a splayed forelimb. Water was poured on him to minimize hyperthermia. The bull was administered with 15,000mg Amoxicillin, Vitamin B12 and anti-inflammatories parenterally. Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine and 40mg Naltrexone. He rose after 5 minutes and walked away. The prognosis for recovery is good.
Case 14 – 24th April 2021 Elephant
Natural Causes
Kaluku, Tsavo
After the rescue of an abandoned calf with bite wounds to the tail in Miasenyi area, the Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit were contacted to perform a follow up treatment for his wounds. The veterinary team flew to Kaluku from Umani Springs reintegration Unit to examine the calf and perform a treatment. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant calf was noted to be active and in a good body condition. He was manually restrained and the wounds to the tail cleaned with Iodine, excess tissues cut off and Alamycin spray applied. Prognosis With continued monitoring, the prognosis for his recovery is good.