SWT/KWS Mara Veterinary Unit Report for August 2025
SWT/KWS MARA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT
AUGUST 2025
August Report by Dr. Michael Njoroge
The Mara Mobile Vet Unit attended to 7cases in August. Of these cases, 3 were related to poaching, involving 1 arrowed elephant and 2 snared zebras. The Unit also rescued 1 abandoned giraffe calf, treated 2 lions for fight injuries and 1 elephant which was suspected to have fallen off a cliff in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Acknowledgement
The Mara Mobile Veterinary Team greatly appreciates Elizabeth Scarlett for funding the Unit through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The team also thanks Kenya Wildlife Service for providing technical support and all the conservation partners who contributed to the success of veterinary interventions through timely reporting of veterinary cases and monitoring of treated animals. 7 Cases in August 2025
Case Details
1-Aug-25
3-Aug-25
10-Aug-25
11-Aug-25
Mara NR Rescue The calf appeared weak, unstable, and separated from any maternal figure Taken to Orphanage
Mara NR Natural Causes
Conservancy
Conservancy
15-Aug-25
elephant was suspected to have fallen off the cliff into the river Died
An adult male common zebra observed with a tight snare around its left hindlimb
sub-adult female zebra observed with a suspected wire snare on its right hindlimb
SWT/KWS Mara Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations
August 2025
Case 1 – 1st August 2025
Elephant Arrow
Naibosho Conservancy
The rangers reported the injured male elephant exhibiting signs of lameness and behavioural distress.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
Upon visual assessment, the elephant had a unilateral penetrating wound located on the lateral aspect of the right forelimb, specifically involving the carpal joint. The injury was consistent with trauma caused by an arrow, which had subsequently dislodged, likely due to tissue necrosis and movement.
The elephant was immobilized with 16mg of Etorphine in the hip muscles using the Dan-inject system from a safe distance. The elephant was safely immobilized within 6 minutes post-darting.
Examination revealed a wound measuring approximately 6-8 cm in diameter, with associated swelling and purulent discharge, localized cellulitis and marked sensitivity to palpation of the carpal joint. Evidence of penetrating trauma with a high risk of septic arthritis due to proximity to the joint capsule. No evidence of systemic debilitation (normal mucous membranes, respiratory rate, and no signs of dehydration).
The necrotic tissues in the infected wounds were debrided, and the pus was drained. The wounds were thoroughly cleaned with water and Hydrogen peroxide then flushed with Iodine. Topical Oxytetracycline spray and Cloxacillin cream 3,340 mgs were applied to the wounds topically Anti-inflammatory: 4,000 mgs Flunixin and Antibiotic: 25,000 mgs Amoxicillin were administered.
Prognosis
Absence of systemic illness and systemic treatment make the prognosis favourable.
Case 2– 3rd August 2025
Giraffe Rescue ODM, Masai Mara
A newborn giraffe calf was observed in the open plains near the ODM mast within the Maasai Mara National Reserve. The calf appeared weak, unstable, and separated from any maternal figure. Rangers and the Maasai Mara cheetah monitoring team reported that the dam briefly returned but refused to allow the calf to nurse. After a short time, the dam permanently abandoned the calf.
Immobilisation and rescue
The neonatal calf was estimated to be less than 48 hours old, it was severely lethargic, in poor body condition with sunken eyes, dull coat, prominent ribs and hips. Hydration status was poor, skin tenting more than 5 seconds, and dry mucous membranes. Shivering was observed likely due to hypoglycaemia and exposure to cold. Multiple abrasions and wounds around the cervical area, lateral aspects, localized tracheal swelling, and difficulty in swallowing, possibly compromising nursing ability were observed. No congenital anomalies or limb fractures were observed.
The calf was captured and restrained manually. Care was taken to minimize stress and airway obstruction. The calf was transferred to Keekorok Airstrip, then airlifted by Sheldrick Wildlife Trust aircraft to the Tsavobased SWT orphanage.
Prognosis
Poor to fair, contingent on response to intensive supportive therapy and absence of internal complications. However, the calf is now under veterinary care, receiving fluid therapy, antimicrobial treatment, wound management, and nutritional support.
Case 3 – 10th August 2025
Elephant Natural Causes
Masai Mara National Reserve
On 10th August 2025, the Mara Vet Unit received a distress report regarding a large male African elephant found recumbent in the middle of a river in the Ishara area of Maasai Mara. Initial field observations by the rangers suggested that the animal had been stationary for several hours and was struggling to move.
Immobilisation and rescue
The elephant was immobilized with 15mg Etorphine and the drugs took effect within 6 minutes. Due to the river environment and partial submersion, full lateral positioning was not possible. Safety precautions were maintained throughout the procedure, including human safety and animal support to prevent drowning.
The animal was pulled to a safer side of the riverbank. Clinical examination revealed clear evidence of an open, complete, compound femoral fracture, protruding bone fragments visible through the torn skin, with significant soft tissue trauma on the left hindlimb. On the left forelimb was a palpable dislocation of the humeral joint, resulting in a complete functional loss of the limb. The elephant was visibly distressed and exhausted, showing signs of systemic compromise; its prolonged recumbency in water posed additional risks, including hypothermia and drowning. The elephant was suspected to have fallen off the cliff into the river.
Prognosis and management
Prognosis was grave so the elephant was euthanised to reveal its suffering.
Case
Zebra Snared
Olarro Wildlife Conservancy
Olaro wildlife Conservancy reported an adult male zebra with a tight snare around its left hindlimb. The zebra exhibited signs of lameness and reduced mobility. Rangers reported that the zebra had been seen lagging behind the herd and frequently lying down.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The zebra was darted from a vehicle with 7mg Etorphine and 60mg Azaperone. The induction time was 5 minutes; the zebra was positioned into lateral recumbency for safety and accessibility during treatment.
Examination revealed an injury to the left hindlimb at the level of the fetlock joint. There was a tight metallic snare embedded circumferentially in the skin, with evidence of localized soft tissue swelling, oozing pus, bruising and mild laceration, but no visible signs of joint dislocation, bone fracture or impaired circulation.
The snare was carefully removed, then the wound was thoroughly cleaned using water to remove the debris. It was debrided with Hydrogen peroxide, flushed with Iodine then sprayed with antibiotic spray and covered with Cloxacillin ointment. The zebra was also given 2,000 Amoxicillin and 100mg Flunixin.
Prognosis
The prognosis is fair to good.
Zebra Snared
Olarro Wildlife Conservancy
Olarro Wildlife Conservancy reported an adult female zebra with a wire snare around its right hindlimb. The zebra had been sighted limping, partially isolated from the rest of the herd,
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The zebra was darted from a vehicle with 5mg Etorphine and 40mg Azaperone. The induction time was 3 minutes; the zebra assumed sternal recumbency and was gently guided into lateral recumbency
Physical examination revealed a tight snare wire embedded around the mid-pastern and fetlock region of the right hindlimb, moderate to severe tissue trauma with a visible skin laceration and localized swelling, but no evidence of bone exposure, instability or systemic compromise, and the zebra was in good body condition.
The snare was removed, and the wound was cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine then covered with Cloxacillin ointment and sprayed with an antibiotic spray. The zebra was also given 1,000mg Amoxicillin and 60mg Flunixin.
Prognosis
The zebra recovered smoothly from anaesthesia and stood within 5 minutes The prognosis is good.
Lion
Natural Causes
Masai Mara National Reserve
The lion was reported to be ambulating but displaying signs of physical trauma consistent with a territorial altercation with a rival male lion, which is a common occurrence in the dynamics of lion pride hierarchies.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The lion was immobilized with 300mg Ketamine mixed with 8mg Medetomidine administered via darting from a vehicle at a safe distance. The onset of sedation occurred within 9 minutes
A physical examination revealed multiple traumatic lacerations and puncture wounds located predominantly on the right lateral flank and the spinal region. The wounds were fresh with no deep muscular involvement. There was mild to moderate inflammation, with localized swelling and serosanguinous discharge suggesting early onset of infection. No fractures were detected upon palpation, and the lion’s body condition was fair. The wounds were thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic then irrigated with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine Cloxacillin ointment and Oxytetracycline spray were also applied. Long-acting antibiotics (1,500mg Amoxicillin) and an ani-inflammatory (50mg Meloxicam) were administered.
Prognosis
Prognosis is good given the timely intervention and absence of deep or infected wounds
Case
Lion
Natural Causes
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Mara Vet Unit was alerted to a suspected injury in a male adult lion. The lion was reported to be limping, frequently lying down, and showing visible wounds presumably from a territorial altercation
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The lion was immobilized with 300mg Ketamine mixed with 8mg Medetomidine administered via darting from a vehicle at a safe distance
A thorough physical examination revealed two primary wound sites, a lacerative wound with moderate swelling and bruising at the proximal side of the right testicle, and a deep laceration on the left hindlimb involving the hamstring muscles. The wound margin was irregular but clean with mild purulent discharge, there was no evidence of tendon rupture or exposed bone and some minor injuries at the flank region. Both wounds were cleaned with an antiseptic solution, irrigated with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with Iodine then covered with Cloxacillin ointment, Bentonite clay and sprayed with Oxytetracycline. The lion was also given 2,000mg Amoxicillin and 50mg Meloxicam.
Prognosis
Good. The lion recovered uneventfully and walked away with normal ambulation and no signs of pain.
