SWT/KWS MARA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT
JULY 2025
9 Cases in July 2025
July Report by Dr.
Michael Njoroge
4 HWC Cases 4 Elephant Cases
The Mara Vet Unit attended to 9 cases in July 2025 involving 4 elephants, 3 lions, 1 cheetah and a buffalo for various ailments. Two of the elephant cases were spearings most likely due to human-wildlife conflict (HWC), 1 was for an arrow wound and the other was an elephant rescued by SWT that had a broken femur and limited mobility. The buffalo and one lion were also speared related to HWC and the other cases attended to were deemed natural. All cases were successfully treated apart from the buffalo which was given a guarded prognosis.
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.
Case Details
9-Jul-25
12-Jul-25
Wildlife Copnservancy
Conservancy
NR Natural Causes
Mara NR HWC
25-Jul-25
Natural Causes
calf had some degree of immobility which raised concerns
The lion was suspected to have been involved in a HWC incident likely occurring during livestock predation
injuries caused by a spear injury secondary to human-wildlife conflict
single deep penetrating injury at the right shoulder, and both hindlimbs
cheetah showed a clear reluctance to bear weight on the right hind limb
wound on the tail-spinal ridge, likely sustained during a territorial fight
buffalo was recumbent with a visibly protruding spear lodged in the spine Prognosis Poor
claw lacerations were noted along the mid-thoracic to lumbar spine
July 2025
Elephant
Natural Causes
Nairobi National Park
An abandoned elephant calf was rescued from Maasai Mara after multiple reports of the calf sighted alone and confirming that no maternal care or family were present. Continued sightings near human dwellings further raised concerns for its safety and well-being as it was in distress, which necessitated rescue and taking to the Nursery, Nairobi. Since then, the calf has been observed to have some degree of immobility which raised concerns and an x-ray diagnosis was deemed essential to check on the bone compactness
Examination
An x-ray photograph taken revealed a compound fracture on the right hind limb which had resulted to immobility of the elephant calf.
Prognosis and mangement
The prognosis was grave and a decision was made to euthanize the elephant calf to prevent further suffering and the tusks was retrieved to Kenya wildlife service for safe custody.
Lion
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Lerai Wildlife Conservancy
The Lerai Conservancy personnel reported an injured lion observed within a dense thicket. The lion was identified as a member of the Fig Tree Pride, accompanied by his brother at the time of the observation. The lion was suspected to have been involved in a human-wildlife conflict incident likely occurring during territorial movement or livestock predation from the nearby community area.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The lion was immobilized with 400mg Ketamine mixed with 0.1mg Medetomidine administered via darting from a vehicle at a safe distance. The onset of sedation occurred within 10 minutes. On physical examination, there was a deep penetrating wound on the right lumbar region with a body condition score of 3/5. The wound was assessed, and no involvement of internal organs or signs of peritonitis was noted. The injury was localized in the muscle and subcutaneous tissue The wound was thoroughly cleaned using antiseptic solution, irrigated with diluted Iodine and Hydrogen Peroxide. Long-acting broad-spectrum antibiotic: Amoxicillin 2000mgs, anti-inflammatory: Flunixin Meglumine 60mgs were administered as well as application of topical Oxytetracycline spray
Prognosis
The lion recovered uneventfully in a shaded area and was monitored until full ambulation resumed. The prognosis is fair to good, owing to the absence of internal organ damage, good condition and stable vitals. .
Case 3 – 13th July 2025
Elephant
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Olkinyei Wildlife Conservancy
The rangers reported the injured male elephant to the Mara Vet Unit at Olkinyei Wildlife Conservancy. The elephant was sighted using drone technology from the Mara Elephant Project. Upon aerial surveillance by the drone, a suspected spear wound injury was identified near the left shoulder, close to the thoracic region.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
Due to the thick bush terrain limiting ground access, immobilization was executed via darting from a helicopter. The elephant was immobilized with 17mg Etorphine. The elephant was safely immobilized within 6 minutes post-darting and positioned in the right lateral recumbency for treatment. Clinical examination revealed a single deep penetrating spear wound on the left scapular region, approximately 15cm deep with purulent discharge, localized swelling, and evident infection with associated necrotic tissue consistent with septic injury. A metal detector was used to check for any metal present in the wound, but none was found. The necrotic tissues in the infected wounds were debrided, and the pus was drained. The wounds were thoroughly cleaned with water; Hydrogen peroxide then flushed with Iodine, packed with green clay and sprayed with Oxytetracycline. The elephant was also given 5,000mg Flunixin and 30,000mg Amoxicillin.
Prognosis
Prognosis is good. The Olkinyei Rangers were encouraged to monitor the elephant and report any progress
Elephant
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Olkinyei Wildlife Conservancy
The Rangers reported the injured male elephant to the Mara Vet unit. The elephant was sighted using drone technology from the Mara Elephant Project. Upon aerial surveillance by the drone, a suspected spear wound injury was identified near the right shoulder, right forelimb and left hindlimb at the distal region.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
Due to limited ground access the elephant was darted from the helicopter with 16mg of Etorphine hydrochloride intramuscularly in the hip muscles using the Dan-inject system. The elephant was safely immobilized within 8 minutes post-darting and positioned in the left lateral recumbency for treatment. Clinical examination revealed a single deep penetrating injury at the right shoulder, and distal region of both left hindlimb and right hindlimb oozing pus and localized swelling. A metal detector was used to check for any metal present in the wound, but none was found. The necrotic tissues in the infected wounds were debrided, and the pus was drained. The wounds were thoroughly cleaned with water and Hydrogen peroxide and then flushed with Iodine. The elephant was also administered with 5000 mgs Flunixin Meglumine Intramuscular, 25,000mgs Amoxicillin. Topical Oxytetracycline spray was applied to the wounds topically.
Prognosis
Prognosis is good. The Olkinyei Rangers were encouraged to monitor the elephant and report any progress
Case 5 – 14th July 2025
Cheetah Natural Causes
Masai Mara National Reserve
The Mara Mobile Vet Unit followed up on a report of a suspected injury involving an adult cheetah. The cheetah was observed displaying signs of lameness and limited mobility in the right hind limb.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
Upon observation, the cheetah appeared alert but showed a clear reluctance to bear weight on the right hindlimb, with no visible external wounds, abrasions, or swellings noted. The signs are consistent with a muscle tear or nerve injury localized to the right hindlimb. The injury is suspected to be internal and possibly sustained through high-impact movement, predatory activity or intraspecific conflict. Due to the possible complications a decision was made to administer the treatment drugs remotely via darting system. Flunixin Meglumine 12mgs was given to reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and promote recovery.
Prognosis and recommendation
An X-ray of the affected limb is highly recommended to rule out any underlying fracture or joint involvement. Temporary confinement in the Mara Triangle enclosure to minimize the stress on the injured limb, allow for close monitoring for the recovery, and facilitate further treatments. Continued observation is advised over the next 3-5 days for signs of improvement or deterioration. If lameness persists or worsens, further intervention, including sedation and a physical examination, may be warranted
Lion
Natural Causes
During routine surveillance in the Sand River area of the Maasai Mara Ecosystem, a mature male lion, locally identified as Oronkai, was observed exhibiting signs of localized trauma.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
A remote examination was conducted, at a safe distance and evaluated while in a recumbent resting posture at a distance approximately 40m. The affected region was at the tail-spinal ridge, swollen (8-10 cm), mild oozing of seropurulent exudate Good body condition score (BCS 3/5), adequate hydration, alert mentation, no limping or systemic signs of distress, responsive to environmental stimuli, exhibiting territorial scentmarking dominance and functionality.
To mitigate progression of the infection and inflammation, a remote drug delivery intervention protocol was executed. 2,000mg Amoxicillin and 60mg Flunixin anti-inflammatory were administered via remote darting.
Prognosis
The prognosis is good. Given the early identification and with the lion's good physical conditions and resilience, the wound is expected to resolve without complications, but he will be continually monitored. .
Masai Mara National Reserve
Case 7 – 24th July 2025
Buffalo
Human-Wildlife Conflict Masai Mara National Reserve
The Vet Unit received a report of an African buffalo exhibiting signs of distress and immobility. The buffalo was found recumbent with a visibly protruding spear lodged near the spine, penetrating the abdominal area. The animal demonstrated limited mobility and was in evident pain, with signs of systemic stress. The injury suggests human-wildlife conflict, likely resulting from defensive or retaliatory spearing by local pastoralists.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The buffalo was immobilized using a Etorphine (8mg) and Azaperone (60mg) from a vehicle darting from a safe distance. Once recumbent, a thorough clinical examination was conducted. A deeply penetrating spear wound was in the dorso-lumbar region, with the metallic shaft protruding approximately 1m, surrounding tissue showed signs of haemorrhage, necrosis, and swelling. Additional injury was infected with maggots was present dorsal to cervical vertebrae between the horns. The buffalo was moderately dehydrated, muscle wasting suggesting that the injury was sustained more than 24-38 hours prior to intervention. The spear was carefully retrieved to avoid further tissue and neurological damage. The necrotic tissues in the infected wounds were debrided, maggots removed, and the pus was drained. The wounds were thoroughly cleaned with water and hydrogen peroxide and then flushed with a Iodine. Anti-inflammatory: 1000 mgs Flunixin Meglumine and Antibiotic: 75,000 mgs Amoxicillin and Ivermectin 100 mgs as well as Topical Cloxacillin ointment 3,340 mgs and Multivitamin 400 mgs.
Prognosis
The prognosis is poor Close monitoring of the buffalo was recommended for recovery progress
Case 8 – 25th July 2025
Elephant Arrow
Mara North Conservancy
The Rangers reported the injured male elephant to the Vet Unit. The elephant was sighted using drone technology from the Mara Elephant Project. Upon observation from a safe distance, the elephant was ambulating but showed signs of discomfort using its trunk to probe the injury site. The elephant exhibited moderate irritation but maintained a full range of limb movement and feeding behaviour.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The elephant was immobilized with 16mg Etorphine using the Dan-inject system delivered via remote darting from a vehicle under safe field conditions.
Examination revealed a penetrating arrow wound on the lumbar spinal ridge, swollen and localized inflammation. The elephant was in good body condition with bright mucous membranes, normal heart rate and respiration rate. The necrotic tissues in the infected wounds were debrided, and the pus was drained. The wounds were thoroughly cleaned with water and Hydrogen peroxide and then flushed with Iodine. Antiinflammatory: 5000 mgs Flunixin Meglumine and Antibiotic: 15,000 mgs Amoxicillin were administered.
Prognosis
Given the superficial nature of the arrow injury, the absence of deep tissue involvement and the elephant’s good body condition, the prognosis for full recovery is good.
Lion
Natural Causes
Masai Mara National Reserve
The sub-adult lion was observed displaying signs of trauma and lethargy following a territorial altercation. The lion was lying on his side, with visible injuries and reduced mobility favouring the left forelimb However, the animal displayed guarding behaviour indicating moderate pain response prior to sedation.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The lion was immobilized with Ketamine 300mg mixed with 8mg Medetomidine administered via darting from a vehicle at a safe distance.
Multiple claw lacerations were noted along the mid-thoracic to lumbar spine. Wounds were superficial to moderate in depth, with surrounding tissue showing early signs of localized inflammation but no overt abscessation or signs of systemic infections. Two distinct lacerations were identified over the medial aspect of the proximal limb, involving dermal and subdermal tissue at the mid-carpal joint. No bone or joint involvement was observed. The wound was thoroughly cleaned using antiseptic solution, then irrigated with Iodine and Hydrogen Peroxide Amoxicillin 3,000mgs and anti- inflammatory drug: Meloxicam 30mgs were administered. Cloxacillin ointment 3,340 mgs and topical Oxytetracycline spray were applied.
Prognosis
The prognosis is fair to good, given the nature of the injuries, the absence of deep tissue involvement, and the robust physiological status of the lion
