SWT/KWS TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT OCTOBER 2021
Introduction
24 Cases in October
12 Poaching Cases
13 Elephant Cases
October Report by Dr Jeremiah Poghorn The dry season continues to ravage the Tsavo Ecosystem. Most of the surface water has dried up and there is scarce forage available for the animals. As we come near the end of the dry season, the case load has risen drastically due to human-wildlife conflict, drought and bush meat related incidences. During October, the Unit de-snared 3 giraffes, 3 zebra’s, 2 elephants and 1 leopard across the Ecosystem. Sadly, a hippo had to be euthanised after it was speared and 7 lions were poisoned and killed in Amboseli. Post-mortems were conducted in Tsavo East NP on 2 elephants, and though the exact cause of death wasn’t clear, it was deemed a poaching incident. Post-mortems on 2 other elephants were classed as natural causes. In addition, the Unit also rescued 6 young elephants and treated 1 for natural causes, amongst other cases involving other species. With the rains expected soon, it is hoped the cases will reduce with the increase of forage and water available for the animals. Acknowledgement The Unit acknowledges its sponsors ViER PFOTEN through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for their huge financial support. We also thank Kenya Wildlife Service through the AD of the Tsavo area and the Head, Vet Services Dept.
SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations October 2021
Case Details Date
Species
2-Oct-21
Lion
3-Oct-21
Giraffe
3-Oct-21
Elephant
3-Oct-21
Zebra
4-Oct-21
Elephant
5-Oct-21
Buffalo
10-Oct-21
Elephant
12-Oct-21
Elephant
13-Oct-21
Leopard
13-Oct-21
Elephant
14-Oct-21
Giraffe
17-Oct-21
Elephant
17-Oct-21
Elephant
17-Oct-21
Giraffe
18-Oct-21
Elephant
18-Oct-21
Elephant
21-Oct-21
Zebra
22-Oct-21
Elephant
22-Oct-21
Elephant
24-Oct-21
Elephant
26-Oct-21
Hippo
26-Oct-21
Zebra
26-Oct-21
Elephant
27-Oct-21 Bushbuck
Area Found Olgulului, Amboseli Mgeno, Taita Ranch Satao, Tsavo East Amboseli NP Kanderi, Tsavo East Taita Hills, Taita Lumo, Taita Ranches Satao, Tsavo East Gazi, Tsavo East Taita Sisal Sanctuary Mgeno, Taita Ranch Roka, Tsavo East Roka, Tsavo East Mgeno, Taita Ranch Rukinga, Taita Rukinga, Taita Taita Hills, Taita Satao, Tsavo East Taita Hills, Tsavo East Ndara, Tsavo East Kipini, Lamu Taita, Taita Ranch Maungu, Tsavo East Lake Jipe, Tsavo West
Reason for Intervention HWC Snared Rescue Snared Postmortem Natural Causes Snared Postmortem Snared Natural Causes Snared Poaching Postmortem Poaching Postmortem Snared Rescue Rescue Snared Rescue Snared Rescue Spear
7 lions were poisoned and killed in retaliation for livestock predation A snare had tightened around the base of the neck He was found alone, weak and with no herd anywhere nearby Limping badly on the right foreleg with a wire on the lower limb No signs of external injury observed. here was torsion of the intestine the jejuna area Severely dehydrated, with multiple bite wounds to the hind legs A wire around the neck was removed and antibiotics administered The carcass was lying on the right flank and still fresh He was snared around the waist and a tree by use of a tough wire snare The lower left front limb ankle joint was swollen due to a joint sprain/ligament tear The snare was embedded in the tissues or skin of the neck The front face had been chopped off with a sharp object and the tusks removed The carcasses were covered with twigs and the tusks removed As the snare had cut into the tissues or skin of the neck The tiny calf was found abandoned near a watering dam A young elephant calf was spotted to have collapsed along a dusty road A wire snare around the neck and also entangled on the right limb The calf was reported to have stuck in muddy water hole unable to free himself A wire around the neck was removed and antibiotics administered Stuck in a water trough and unable to climb out despite struggling for hours The Hippo in a drying water pan with several metal rods stuck in its body
Snared
Had a wire snare around the neck
Rescue
The calf was reported to have collapsed
Natural Causes
The bushbuck had signs of bloody diarrhoea and lack of appetite
Outcome HWC Death Successfully Treated Taken to Orphanage Successfully Treated Died Successfully Treated Taken to Orphanage Died Successfully Treated Prognosis Poor Prognosis Poor Poaching Death Poaching Death Successfully Treated Taken to Orphanage Taken to Orphanage Successfully Treated Died Successfully Treated Reunited with Mother Poaching Death Successfully Treated Taken to Orphanage Died
Case 1 – 2nd October 2021 Lion
Human Wildlife Conflict
Olgulului, Amboseli
Communities retaliate when livestock are preyed upon by wild carnivores by poisoning them using different toxic substances. The Vet Unit was notified of 7 lion carcasses spotted in Olgulului group ranch, Amboseli. It was observed that all the carcasses were covered with twigs; an indication of an attempt to cover the scene. Post-mortem Examination 1 adult male and 1 adult female aged about 2.5 years were found on open ground. The carcasses were approximately 1 day old. There was bloody discharge from the oral cavity in both carcasses and penetrating wounds to the flanks suspected to be spear wounds. Internal examination revealed; haemorrhage in the thoracic cavity, congested lungs, congestion and petechial haemorrhages in the kidneys, injected mesenteric blood vessels and haemorrhages in the intestinal mucosa. The stomach had bovine skin suspected to be from the poisoned carcass. Samples of the liver, kidneys and stomach contents were collected for toxicology. The vet carried out post-mortems of the other lion carcasses that were about 2km from the first two. Three male lions and 2 females, aged 1.5 yrs, were found in a trench and in an advanced state of autolysis. Internal examination revealed congested intestinal mucosa and stomach contents noted to be sheep skin. Liver, kidney and stomach contents were collected from all the carcasses for toxicology. Cause of death Having concluded the examination, the carcasses were disposed by burning. Cause of death attributed to poisoning.
Case 2 – 3rd October 2021 Giraffe
Snared
Mgeno Ranch, Tsavo
The male giraffe was spotted with a snare around the neck that had tightened around the base of the neck. Once the vet team was alerted, the proper equipment was prepared and the team rushed to the area and shortly met by a SWT helicopter. Immobilisation, examination and treatment A dart was prepared filled with 14mg of Etorphine HCl (M99) in a 3-cc Dan-Inject barrel. The giraffe was approached by the helicopter and darted. The drugs took effect after 10 minutes and was roped down by Rangers. The anaesthesia was immediately reversed with the antidote consisting of 42mgs Diprenorphine HCl. Once reversed, the bull was kept restrained using manual pressure applied to the neck. With successful restraint achieved, the removal of the snare was carried out. As the snare was embedded in the tissues or skin of the neck, treatment comprised of severing the snare and treatment of the neck injuries with topical antimicrobials and injectable antibiotics. Prognosis The giraffe was assisted to get up and was able to move away. A good prognosis is expected.
Case 3 – 3rd October 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Satao, Tsavo East NP
The calf was spotted after he collapsed near Satao water hole within Tsavo East National Park. Rescue He was found alone, weak and with no herd anywhere nearby. After assessment it was obvious he needed to be rescue on animal welfare grounds. The elephant calf was rescued, loaded onto a truck, and taken to SWT Voi stockade where he was stabilised and given milk. He collapsed several times and succumbed to the condition days later. Condition was poor nutrition.
Case 4 – 3rd October 2021 Zebra
Snared
Amboseli National Park
The zebra was spotted by tourists inside Amboseli National Park limping badly on the right foreleg. They noticed a wire on the lower limb that was dragging on the ground, making movement difficult. She was easily traced by rangers who reported to the Vet Unit. The Vet unit was airlifted by SWT aircraft to the area.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment She was approached by a vehicle and darted with 7mgs Etorphine Hcl and 60mgs Xylazine. She was darted on the rump and went down on the right flank after running for about 5 minutes. The wire snare was removed and the cuts to the right front leg treated with antibiotic spray and Iodine. Longacting antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs were administered parenterally. Reversal and prognosis Anaesthetic reversal was achieved with the administration of 18mgs Diprenorphine Hcl and 2.5mgs of Atipemazole Hcl IV through the jugular vein. Prognosis is good.
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Case 5 – 4th October 2021 Elephant
Post-mortem
Kanderi Swamp, Tsavo East
A report was made by KWS Rangers of an elephant carcass near Kanderi swamp within Tsavo East National Park. The Tsavo Vet Unit visited the area to ascertain the cause of death. Post-mortem Examination The carcass was lying on the left flank and was in mid-state of decomposition. There was slight scavenger activity on the carcass with the tusks still intact. The skin was removed from the carcass to expose the whitish subcutis and examine any penetrating wounds, but none were found. The carcass was rolled over to expose the left flank and no signs of external injury were observed. In the gastrointestinal tract there was torsion of the intestine. The tusks were retrieved and taken for safe custody. Cause of Death The cause of death was natural by intestinal torsion.
Case 6 – 5th October 2021 Buffalo
Natural Causes
Taita Ranch, Tsavo
A female buffalo was noted to be severely dehydrated evidenced by sunken eyeballs but in a fair body condition. She also had multiple bite wounds to the hind legs suspected to be caused by a lion attack.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The buffalo was immobilized with 6mg Etorphine and 60mg Xylazine. Full immobilization was achieved after 5 minutes and a blindfold put in place. The wounds were flushed with Hydrogen peroxide and tincture of Iodine, infused with antibiotic ointment, and covered with Oxytetracycline spray. He was administered with 20cc of Vitamin B12, 20mg of Dexamethasone and 20cc Oxytetracycline. To manage parasites, 3mls Ivermectin were administered subcutaneously. Reversal and prognosis The anaesthetic was reversed with 24mg Diprenorphine. She woke up after 3 minutes, stayed in the shade for a while before heading to the water that had been placed for her. Prognosis for recovery is favourable
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Case 7 – 10th October 2021 Elephant
Snared/Rescue
Lumo Conservancy, Tsavo
The elephant calf was reported by Taita Hills Sanctuary Rangers after being spotted with a wire wrapped around her neck.
Treatment and rescue The team rushed to the area and found the calf with an elephant herd. The calf was immobilized with 3mgs of Etorphine Hcl and separated from the herd. A wire around the neck was removed and antibiotics administered. She was reunited with the herd and they moved away slowly. The calf was reported to have separated from the herd the next day. She was then rescued and taken to the SWT stockade in Voi.
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Case 8 – 12th October 2021 Elephant
Post-mortem
Satao, Tsavo East National Park
A report was made by KWS Rangers of an elephant carcass near Satao camp within Tsavo East National Park. The Tsavo Vet Unit visited the area to ascertain the cause of death. Post-mortem Examination The carcass was lying on the right flank and was still fresh. There was some scavenger activity on the carcass around the neck and face with the tusks still intact. There was extensive scavenger activity on the rest of the carcass. The carcass was turned over so that both sides could be assessed and there were no penetrating external injuries found on either side. Cause of Death The cause of death was determined as natural from drought conditions currently prevailing in the region.
Case 9 – 13th October 2021 Leopard
Snared
Gazi, Tsavo East National Park
A report was made by KWS and SWT Rangers of a snared leopard near the Park boundary in Gazi within Tsavo East. The Vet Team was airlifted to the area by the SWT fixed wing aircraft and assisted by the helicopter. Immobilisation, examination and treatment On arrival the team was led to a bushy area where the leopard was snared. Drugs were first prepared then the leopard was approached by a vehicle. The leopard was immobilised with 150mgs Ketamine and 1mg Meditomidine. He went down in 10 minutes. Examination revealed he was snared around the waist and tethered to a tree by a tough wire snare. Despite the tight wire around the waist the animal was still strong. The snare was removed and the leopard treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. Prognosis The anaesthesia was reversed with a combination of Atipemazole and Yohimbine. Prognosis is good.
Case 10 – 13th October 2021 Elephant
Natural Causes
Taita Sisal Sanctuary, Taita Ranches
A report was received from Taita Sisal Sanctuary Rangers of an injured elephant bull that was limping badly. They reported the case to the Tsavo Vet who mobilized the team and headed to the area, where they were joined by an SWT helicopter. Immobilisation, examination and treatment The elephant was darted from the helicopter with 18mg Etorphine Hcl and was immobilized after 8 minutes, falling on the right flank. The lower left front ankle joint was observed to be swollen but without an open wound. It was diagnosed as a joint sprain or ligament tear. The elephant was administered with long-acting anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. As there was no external injuries, the anaesthetic was reversed. Prognosis The prognosis is guarded, and the bull assisted onto his feet.
Case 11 – 14th October 2021 Giraffe
Snared
Mgeno Ranch, Tsavo
A male giraffe was seen with a tight wire snare at the base of the neck. The Vet Team were informed and rendezvoused with the SWT helicopter where the giraffe had been sighted.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The Vet prepared a dart with 14mg Etorphine, then boarded the helicopter and darted the giraffe from the air. After 10 minutes the drugs took effect, and the Ground Team roped the animal to the ground. The anaesthetic was immediately reversed with 42mg Diprenorphine then the bull giraffe was restrained manually. The snare was embedded in the tissues of the neck. The snare was cut loose and the resultant wound treated with antimicrobials. The giraffe was also given injectable antibiotics. Prognosis The giraffe was released then assisted to stand. He moved away and was given a good prognosis.
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Case 12 – 17th October 2021 Elephant
Poaching Post-mortem
Roka, Tsavo East National Park
A report was made by the Senior Warden of Tsavo East National Park of 2 elephant carcasses spotted during an aerial recce of the Roka area of northern Tsavo East NP. The 2 carcasses were along the Tiva River. Post-mortem Examination The carcass was lying on the left flank inside the riverbed facing the southerly direction with the second carcass about 50 meters away. It was in an advanced stage of decomposition with extensive scavenger activity on the carcass. The face had been chopped off with a sharp object and the tusks removed. Most parts of the limbs had either been scavenged upon or had decomposed with only the skeleton and skin remaining. Most of the skin was intact with nearly all internal organs either rotten away or scavenged upon. Bones were checked and only scavenger bite marks observed. The skull was checked for cracks but none were found. There were no signs of ill health before death due to normal ingester material and assessment of any intact body parts. There were no struggle marks around the carcass. Cause of Death The removal of the tusks indicates human involvement, but the weapon used is not evident.
Case 13 – 17th October 2021 Elephant
Poaching Post-mortem
Roka, Tsavo East National Park
A report was made by the senior warden Tsavo East National Park of two Elephant carcasses spotted by aerial recce within Roka area of northern Tsavo East National Park with request for autopsy to be undertaken to ascertain the cause of death. The 2 carcasses were close by along Tiva River. The vet unit travelled to the area to perform the post-mortem examination. Post-mortem Examination The carcass was lying on the left flank inside the riverbed facing the westerly direction. It was in an advanced stage of decomposition with extensive scavenger activity on the carcass. The carcass had been covered with twigs and the face had been chopped off with a sharp object and the tusks removed. Most parts of the limbs had either been scavenged or decomposed with only the left front limb remaining. The results of the postmortem were similar to the previous carcass examined, with extensive decomposition, scavenging and no obvious injury, ill health or struggle signs around the carcass. Cause of Death The definitive cause of death could not be discerned on autopsy due to advanced autolysis and extensive scavenger activity. The deaths were sudden as there were no struggle marks around the carcasses. Chopping of the face indicates the tusks were removed when the carcass was fairly fresh.
Case 14 – 17th October 2021 Giraffe
Snared
Mgeno Ranch, Tsavo
Less than a week after removing a snare from a giraffe in Mgeno Ranch, we were back again with a report of another snared giraffe within the same area. The Unit were assisted by the SWT helicopter.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The vet darted the giraffe from the helicopter with 4mg Etorphine. Once the drugs took effect, in approximately 8 minutes, the Rangers on the ground roped the giraffe and helped it down. Once the giraffe was recumbent and the giraffe was secure, the anaesthetic was reversed with 42mg Diprenorphine. The Team then restrained the giraffe manually while the snare was removed. The snare was removed and all the neck injuries treated with antimicrobials. The giraffe was also given injectable antibiotics. Prognosis The team then released the manual restraint to the neck and assisted the giraffe to stand. He was given a good prognosis.
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Case 15 – 18th October 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Rukinga Ranch, Taita
The tiny calf was found abandoned near a watering dam within Wildlife works Rukinga Ranch and reported to the Vet unit. The calf was rescued and brought to the Kaluku SWT Neonate Nursery.
Case 16 – 18th October 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Rukinga Ranch, Taita
A young elephant calf was spotted to have collapsed along a dusty road within Rukinga Wildlife Works Sanctuary. The guests reported the case to Wildlife Works Rangers who in turn informed the Tsavo Vet about the case. The calf was stabilized, rescued and taken to the SWT Voi Stockade where further management was instituted. Cases of elephant calves collapsing are associated with the current drought within the ecosystem.
Case 17 – 21st October 2021 Zebra
Snared
Taita Hills Sanctuary
The zebra was spotted by SWT Rangers with a wire snare around the neck, entangling the right limb and cutting the armpit of the right front limb. The animal had difficulty in moving and appeared in a lot of pain.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted from a vehicle with 7mgs Etorphine Hcl and 60mgs Xylazine. She was darted on the rump and went down on the left flank after running for about 5 minutes. The wire snare was removed and the cuts to the right front leg were treated with antibiotic spray and Iodine. Long-acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs were administered parenterally. Prognosis Anaesthetic reversal was achieved by administration of 18mgs of Diprenorphine and 2.5mgs of Atipemazole Hcl IV through the jugular vein. Prognosis is good. .
Case 18 – 22nd October 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Satao, Tsavo East National Park
The calf was reported to have stuck in muddy water hole near Satao camp and unable to free himself. The vet unit rushed to the area and retrieved the calf from the water hole. He was weak and unable to stand. Treatments were administered and several attempts were made to pull him to a standing position, but all were unsuccessful. Due to a poor prognosis, he was euthanized on animal welfare concerns.
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Case 19 – 22nd October 2021 Elephant
Snared
Taita Hills Sanctuary
The elephant calf was reported by Taita Sisal Wildlife Sanctuary Rangers after being spotted with a wire dangling from its neck. The Vet Unit was joined by the SWT helicopter to assist with darting and separation from the herd. The calf was immobilized with 3mgs of Etorphine Hcl and separated from the herd. He went down after 6 minutes. The wire that was around the neck was removed and antibiotics were administered. She was revived and reunited with the herd and they moved away slowly. Prognosis is good. .
Case 20 – 24th October 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Ndara, Tsavo East National Park
The calf was reported to be stuck in a water trough situated in the Ndara windmill and unable to climb out despite struggling for hours. The Vet Team rushed to the area and found the mother waiting patiently beside the water trough. The mother was pushed away, the calf was rescued and then reunited with the mother.
Case 21 – 26th October 2021 Hippo
Spear
Kipini, Lamu
The Hippo was reported in a drying water pan in Kipini Community area with several metal rods stuck in its body. He appears to have been targeted for bush meat poaching. The Vet was airlifted by an SWT aircraft to the area then driven about 30 minutes to the site. They found the weak hippo in a muddy pool in the area.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The hippo was immobilized with 200mgs of Butorphanol Hlc, 150mgs of Meditomidine Hcl and 150 mgs of Azaperone in two 3 cc darts. The hippo was pulled out of the water and examined. There were 5 puncture wounds, 3 of which penetrated the peritoneal cavity. Prognosis The injuries gave the hippo nearly zero opportunity of survival. He was euthanized due to animal welfare concerns. .
Case 22 – 26th October 2021 Zebra
Snare
Taita Hills Sanctuary
The zebra was spotted by Taita Hills Sanctuary rangers with a wire snare around the neck and reported to the Vet Unit for attention. The team rushed to the area and found the zebra nearby.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment The zebra was darted with 8mgs of Etorphine Hcl and 60mgs of Xylazine. She was approached by a vehicle and darted in the rump and went down on the left flank after running for about 6 minutes. The wire snare was removed then long-acting antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs were administered parenterally. Prognosis Anaesthetic reversal was achieved by administration of 24mgs of Diprenorphine Hcl and 2.5mgs of Atipemazole Hcl IV through the jugular vein. Prognosis is good.
Case 23 – 26th October 2021 Elephant
Rescue
Maungu, Tsavo East National Park
A 2-year-old male elephant calf was reported to have collapsed near the Maungu area of Tsavo East. The Vet Unit rushed to the area and rescued the elephant calf, stabilized it and transported it to the Voi airstrip where it was airlifted to the SWT Kaluku stockade for care. No pictures for this case.
Case 24 – 27th October 2021 Bushbuck
Natural Causes
Lake Jipe, Tsavo West
After reports of several deaths of bush bucks in the area, the Vet Unit visited the newly established sanctuary to investigate the cause. On arriving in the area, they were shown a weak bush buck. The bushbuck had signs of bloody diarrhea and inappetence. He was treated with Oxytetracycline and Dexamethasone but died shortly after. An autopsy confirmed infection of the large intestines with hemorrhages. Samples were collected and taken to the laboratory for confirmation