SWT/KWS TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT AUGUST 2021
Introduction
17 Cases in August
5 Poaching Cases
8 Elephant Cases
August Report by Dr. Jeremiah Poghon As seasonal waters ebb and flow across the Tsavo ecosystem, the movements of elephants and other wildlife follow. When water sources are more abundant, their movement ranges expand. However, August was characterised with scarcity of water which saw wildlife come into conflict with humans and each other. During August, the Unit carried out autopsies on a zebra carcass and elephant carcasses in Tsavo East. Other elephant cases included the rescue of an elephant and her calf stuck in a pit, treatment of a calf and 2 bulls for snares and another for arrow wounds as well as collaring of one elephant bull. The Vet team also attended to 4 poisoned lionesses on several occasions and another for spear wound. A beisa oryx and a male eland in Nguuni Wildlife sanctuary were also attended to by the team. Acknowledgement The unit acknowledges the support of its sponsors ViER PFOTEN through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for their financial support to the unit. We also thank Kenya Wildlife Service through the Assistant director Tsavo conservation area and the head, veterinary services department.
SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations August 2021
Case Details Date
Species
Area Found
3-Aug-21
Zebra
Tsavo East NP
Postmortem
The carcass was found lying on its right side partly scavenged
Died
4-Aug-21
Zebra
Tsavo East NP
Natural Causes
Multiple bruises due to struggling. She had an increased heart rate and breathing rate
Died
4-Aug-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Postmortem
Due to scavenging and autolysis, the exact cause of death couldn’t be ascertained
Died
10-Aug-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Poaching Postmortem
Difficult to ascertain the cause of death, but it was suspected to be poaching
Poaching Death
11-Aug-21
Elephant
Tsavo
HWC
Mother and calf fell into an underground water tank after it gave into their weight
Task Successful
14-Aug-21
Elephant
Taita Ranches
Snared
An elephant calf caught by a wire snare around its trunk
Successfully Treated
18-Aug-21
Lion
Chyulu Hills
HWC
3 lionesses found unconscious and suspected to have been poisoned
Prognosis Poor
18-Aug-21
Elephant
Amboseli NP
Snared
Right hindlimb had been tangled with wires, but hadn’t caused severe damage
Successfully Treated
20-Aug-21
Lion
Chyulu Hills
HWC
The lionesses were still weak and with a reduced motor function
Prognosis Poor
20-Aug-21
Elephant
Amboseli Environs
Spear
A wound to the rump likely caused by a spear but no spear heads found
Successfully Treated
21-Aug-21
Lion
Chyulu Hills
HWC
2 of the poisoned lionesses died and the post-mortem confirmed poisoning
HWC Death
21-Aug-21
Lion
Chyulu Hills
HWC
1 poisoned lion survived and was treated again
Prognosis Poor
22-Aug-21
Lion
Chyulu Hills
HWC
Lioness was weak with a wobbly gait. Suspected to be part of the poisoned pride
Prognosis Poor
23-Aug-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Collared
A GPS collar was fitted around the neck
Task Successful
24-Aug-21
Elephant
Tsavo East NP
Arrow
Naipoki, ex-orphan treated for penetrating arrow wounds on her right flank and rump
Successfully Treated
25-Aug-21
Eland
Nguuni WS, Mombasa
Natural Causes
A male eland with a broken right horn that was dangling
Successfully Treated
25-Aug-21
Oryx
Nguuni WS, Mombasa
Natural Causes
The oryx had poor body condition and a rough coat
Successfully Treated
Reason for Intervention
Outcome
Case 1 – 3rd August 2021 Zebra
Post-mortem
Sala Gate, Tsavo East National Park
The TMVU received a report from KWS Rangers manning Tsavo East’s Sala gate of a zebra carcass sighted near the gate. In order to ascertain the cause of death, the Veterinary Team drove to the area for a postmortem examination. Post-mortem examination The carcass was found lying on its right side with part of the skin on the ventral abdomen scavenged. There was a frothy discharge from the nostrils and the right eye had also been plucked out by scavengers. Examination of the thoracic cavity revealed bloody froth in the lungs, slight hypertrophy of the heart muscles with petechial hemorrhages being noted on the ventricular muscles. The abdominal cavity had a congested liver and empty intestines with a mucus covered intestinal mucosa. Cause of Death These findings pointed to pulmonary oedema as the cause of death.
Case 2 – 4th August 2021 Zebra
Natural Causes
Sala Gate, Tsavo East National Park
The TMVU was made aware of a female zebra that had been spotted on the road towards Sala gate. She was reported to be in distress and pain. Immobilisation, examination and management The female zebra was found on left lateral recumbency with multiple bruises on the sternal region and limbs due to struggling. She was weak and dehydrated as revealed by the dry mucus membranes. The surrounding environment showed signs of high activity caused by the zebra rolling on the ground. She had an increased heart rate and breathing rate. Attempts were made to help her stand but she could curl her lips with each attempt signifying she was experiencing abdominal pain. The findings pointed to colic. Since she was weak, dehydrated and unable to stand, for animal welfare reasons she was euthanized. Cause of Death An autopsy examination was done with the following findings; presence of worms in the abdominal cavity, slightly thickened and congested intestinal mucosa and heavy worm infestation in the intestines. From the findings, the zebra suffered from abdominal colic as a result of the worm burden. Samples of the worms were collected and identified to be Ascarids.
Case 3 – 4th August 2021 Elephant
Post-mortem
Ndololo Camp, Tsavo East National Park
African elephants are the largest animals walking the Earth. They are easily recognized by their trunk that is used for communication and handling objects and their large ears that allow them to radiate excess heat. The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit received a report from KWS rangers of an elephant carcass sighted at Ndololo Camp, Tsavo East National Park and visited the area for an autopsy examination of the carcass. Post-mortem examination The carcass was found lying on its left side. There were no cutaneous injuries noted on the skin though part of the skin covering the ventral abdomen had been consumed by scavengers. Some of the internal organs had been pulled out by scavengers noted from the lion and hyena tracks identified around the carcass. Cause of Death Due to the scavenging and autolysis, the exact cause of the elephant’s death couldn’t be ascertained.
Case 4 – 10th August 2021 Elephant
Poaching Post-mortem
Ngazi area, Tsavo East National Park
The Tsavo Veterinary Unit received a report concerning an elephant carcass sighted in Ngazi area of Tsavo East National Park. The team had to overcome the challenging terrain in order to access the carcass. Post-mortem examination The Vet found the carcass lying on its left side with masses of larva in third instar stage moving over the ventral abdomen thus estimated the carcass to be about 4 days old. There was destruction of flora surrounding the carcass indicative of a struggle before death and activity from other elephants. The skin was examined and no cutaneous injuries were observed. A metal detector was also used to check for any metallic objects with negative results being recorded. Some portions of the abdominal contents and part of the mammary glands had been fed on with most of the parts being in an advanced stage of autolysis. Cause of Death Accelerated decomposition noted in the carcass made it difficult to ascertain the cause of death, but it was suspected to be a case of poaching due to the history of conflicts in the area.
Case 5 – 11th August Elephant
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Kambanga Ranch, Tsavo
The Tsavo Veterinary Unit were informed an elephant cow and her calf were stuck in an underground water tank. The vet team made haste to the scene to assist in retrieving the elephants from the tank. Rescue operation The vet found the elephant cow and her calf had fell into an underground water tank after it gave into their weight. A JCB backhoe provided by the Taita Sisal Management was used to dig out soil and break one side of the water tank to a certain degree being careful not to injure the mother and calf. Bags of soil were thrown into the tank to assist in reducing the depth and once the ground level had been dug out to a level the elephant could climb out, straps were wrapped around her backside and tied to the backhoe to support her while everyone else distanced themselves to allow her make her way through. Once she got out of the pit, she disappeared into the nearby bush and efforts to get her calf out were initiated. The elephant cow was gentle enough and distanced herself to allow retrieval of her calf. Straps were tied around the calf and a JCB pulled the calf out. The calf trumpeted to show a sign of relief and rushed to reunite with the mother. Since there were no physical injuries sustained by both the mother and calf, they are expected to live on well.
Case 6 – 14th August 2021 Elephant
Snare
Lualenyi Conservancy, Taita Ranches
Wire snare poaching is widespread in Africa resulting in indiscriminate killing of animals for wildlife trophies and bush meat. These snares result in severe injuries like the case of this trapped baby elephant. The TMVU received a report from the Lualenyi Conservancy of an elephant calf caught by a wire snare around its trunk.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The vet found the calf under the protection of the mother. In order to remove the wire snare, the vet had to immobilize both of them. 16mg of Etorphine were used to tranquilize the mother and 4mg of Etorphine for the calf. Both went down after 8 and 10 minutes respectively. The wire snare was removed from the trunk, and Oxytetracycline spray applied to the resultant wound. The calf was also administered with 20mg of Colvasone and 1,500mg of Amoxicillin. Reversal and Prognosis The calf was carried and laid next to the mother before reversing the anesthesia with a combination of 24mg Diprenorphine and 40mg Naltrexone for the mother and 12mg of Diprenorphine for the calf. Both stood after 5 minutes and walked away with a sigh of relief. Since the calf’s injuries were not severe, the prognosis for recovery is good.
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Case 7 – 18th August 2021 Lion
Human-wildlife Conflict
Chyulu Hills
Poisoning is a grave threat to the survival of wild lions as humans encroach on the available habitats. The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit received a report of 3 lionesses noted to be unconscious and suspected to have been poisoned in retaliation for killing the local communities’ cattle. The veterinary team drove to the area to try and resuscitate the pride.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The lionesses were found lying on the road in left lateral recumbency, weak and with breathing difficulties. They were quickly secured, blindfolds put in place before being carried and laid in the shade. They were administered with Colvasone intramuscularly and Atropine sulphate which saw their vitals stabilize. To manage dehydration, intravenous fluids (normal Saline, 10% Dextrose and Lactated Ringer’s solution) were used to replace water and the electrolytes lost. Once the lionesses were stable, they were left for close monitoring in case of any changes. Prognosis Since the lionesses were weak with limited mobility, the prognosis for recovery is poor .
Case 8 – 18th August 2021 Elephant
Snare
Amboseli National Park
Poaching, habitat loss coupled with illegal wildlife trade has seen the African Elephant listed in the IUCN’s red list. While attending to poisoned lionesses in Iltilal, the TMVU were informed of an elephant bull with a wire snare on its right hind leg. The availability of a helicopter from the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust saw the Vet airlifted to the elephant’s location for a prompt veterinary intervention.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment Being in open ground, the bull was easily darted from a helicopter with 16mg of Etorphine and went down after 10minutes. A generous amount of water was poured on him to aid in thermoregulation before proceeding with a physical examination. His right hindlimb had been tangled with wires, luckily for him they hadn’t caused severe damage to the skin. The wire was removed and Alamycin aerosol applied to the affected region. 40mg of Dexamethasone were administered to manage pain/ inflammation and 15,000mg of Amoxicillin as an antibiotic cover. Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed with 24mg of Diprenorphine and 40mg of Naltrexone. The bull woke up after 5 minutes, relieved and walked away. The prognosis for his recovery is good. .
Case 9, 11, & 12 – 20th/21st August 2021 Lion
Human-wildlife Conflict
Chyulu Hills
The TMVU revisited Iltilal, Chyulu Hills area after receiving a report that the lionesses they had treated for poisoning the day before were still down and weak. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The Vet found the lionesses still weak and with reduced motor function. For ease of handling, they were immobilized with 50mg Ketamine. Physical examination revealed dehydration so intravenous fluids (10% Dextrose and Normal Saline) was administered. They were also given 5mg Atropine sulphate intramuscularly and 15mg subcutaneously to counter the effects of the poison. A positive response was noted as two of the lionesses were noted to regain some strength. They were left under a shade and close monitoring. The next day, 2 of the lionesses were found dead. The post-mortem findings were; haemorrhages and inflammation of the intestinal mucus membranes, bloody intestinal contents, congested liver and kidneys. The lungs were pale and filled with froth. Samples were collected for toxicology. The remaining lioness was immobilized with 2mg Medetomidine and 100mg Ketamine. Intravenous fluids were used to counter dehydration and 20mg Atropine sulphate administered to manage the effects of the poison. She was loaded into a cage and transported to Nairobi for further monitoring and treatment. Prognosis The prognosis for recovery is guarded. .
Case 10 – 20th August Elephant
Spear
Amboseli Environs
While attending to poisoned lions in Iltilal, Chyulu Hills, the TMVU received a report of an elephant bull sighted with a dirty wound on the hip of the left hindlimb. To avoid fatalities that arise due to continued bacterial infection, the Vet was airlifted to the area to tend to the bull. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant bull was driven to open ground with a helicopter. Once a good opportunity arose, the vet successfully landed a tranquilizer dart on his rump containing 18mg Etorphine. The bull achieved full immobilization after 10minutes. Water was poured on him to cool the body while his trunk was straightened to ensure proper breathing before commencing with a physical examination. The wound on the rump was checked for any spear heads but none were found. It was thoroughly flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, tincture of Iodine and infused with an antibacterial ointment. The wound was covered with green clay for its healing properties and then Oxytetracycline aerosol applied. Prognosis The anesthesia was reversed and he rose after 3 minutes and majestically walked into the surrounding bush. Due to the good body condition of the bull and the extent of the wound, the prognosis for recovery is good
Case 13 – 22nd August 2021 Lion
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Iltilal, Chyulu Hills
On the morning of 22nd August, the TMVU received a report from KWS Rangers based in Iltilal area of an adult lioness noted to be weak and with a wobbly gait. She is suspected to be part of the pride that had been treated for poisoning few days before. Based on her body condition, she was suspected to be also suffering. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The vet found her in some bushes and darted her in the thigh muscles with 2mg Medetomidine and 100mg Ketamine. Once fully immobilized, she was secured, Opticlox eye ointment applied to the eyes to prevent drying, and a blindfold put in place. The immobilized lioness was carried to a shade and physically examined. She had a temperature of 39.5C̊ that was managed by dousing her body with generous amounts of water. Intravenous fluids (10% Dextrose and Normal Saline) were administered to counter water and electrolyte loss. She was administered with 20mg Dexamethasone, Vitamin B12 and 30mg Atropine sulphate (10mg IM and 20mg SC) to counter the effects of the poison. Prognosis The lioness was revived with 10mg of Atipamezole and she rose up after 10 minutes with a wobbly gait and went into the bush nearby. Due to lack of food and weakness, the prognosis for recovery is poor.
Case 14 – 23rd August 2021 Elephant
Collaring
Manyani, Tsavo East
Placing satellite collars on elephants helps in providing information on the places they roam. With the aid of GPS/GSM tracking devices, Rangers are able to guard the remaining elephants from poaching. The TMVU were involved in collaring an elephant bull together with a team from Save The Elephants in the Manyani area of the Tsavo ecosystem.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant bull was darted with 20mg Etorphine and went down after 14 minutes. Water was poured on him to aid in cooling the body while the trunk was straightened to ensure patent airways for proper breathing. A GPS collar with was fitted around the neck and prophylactic anti-inflammatories were administered. Prognosis The giant bull was revived with 36mg Diprenorphine and 40mg Naltrexone. He rose up after 5 minutes and walked back into the thick bush nearby. Since no injuries or adverse reactions were seen, the elephant is expected to live comfortably with the collar. .
Case 15 – 24th August 2021 Elephant
Arrow
Voi Stockades, Tsavo East
The TMVU received a report from keepers at the SWT Voi Reintegration Unit of an ex-orphan called Naipoki who had come back to the elephant stockade with penetrating wounds to her rump. Immobilisation, examination and treatment She was darted with 10mg Etorphine and went down after 8 minutes. She was quickly secured, doused with water to cool her body before commencing physical examination. The penetrating wounds on her right flank and rump were likely caused by arrows. They were checked for any arrowheads that might be embedded but none were found. The wounds were debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, flushed with a tincture of Iodine and infused with Opticlox ointment. Green clay was packed into the wounds and then covered with oxytetracycline aerosol spray. 40mg of Dexamethasone was administered to manage pain/inflammation while 9,000mg Amoxicillin were administered to manage bacterial infections. Prognosis The anesthesia was reversed with 20mg Naltrexone and 24mg Diprenorphine. She woke up with a little support from the keepers and joined the rest of the herd around her. Due to her good body condition and state of the wounds, the prognosis for recovery is good.
Case 16 – 25th August 2021 Eland
Natural Causes
Nguuni Wildlife Sanctuary, Mombasa
The TMVU received a report of male eland with a broken right horn that was dangling. To relieve the eland of the stressful suspended horn, the Vet Unit visited Nguuni Wildlife Sanctuary to remove it.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The male eland was noticed to be weak but in a fair body condition of 2.5/5. He was darted with 10mg of Etorphine and 60mg Xylazine and went down after 7 minutes. He was quickly secured and a blindfold put in place. The skin holding the broken horn was cut and Alamycin spray applied to the area. To manage gastrointestinal parasites, 3mls Ivermectin were administered subcutaneously coupled with Oxytetracycline antibiotic cover for bacterial infections and Dexamethasone sodium to manage pain/inflammation. Frontline spray was also applied to manage the heavy infestation with ectoparasites Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed with 15mg Diprenorphine and 6mg Atipamezole. He rose up after 3 minutes and joined a herd nearby. The prognosis for recovery is good.
Case 17 – 25th August 2021 Oryx
Natural Causes
Nguuni Wildlife Sanctuary, Mombasa
The TMVU were made aware of a male Beisa oryx that had lost its body condition by the management of Nguuni Wildlife Sanctuary. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The male oryx was lean and with a rough skin coat. Due to the body condition and in consideration of anaesthetic risks, he was manually restrained using a net. He was administered with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and 2mls of Ivermectin subcutaneously to manage GIT parasites. Frontline Spray was applied to the body to help fight ectoparasites before being released to join the rest of the herd. Prognosis The prognosis for recovery is favourable.