SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT
2 Cases in April 2025
April Report by
Dr. Aminga Duncan
1Poaching Case
1 Giraffe Case
The month of April ushered in heavy rainfall across the Meru ecosystem, breathing new life into the landscape. The parched earth, once cracked and dusty, responded with remarkable vitality. Tender green shoots broke through the soil, carpeting the terrain in vibrant hues of green. Rivers across the region, both perennial and seasonal, swelled dramatically. Some burst their banks, rendering certain roads and tracks impassable. These seasonal changes, though welcome for ecological renewal, presented logistical challenges for field operations.
Despite the dynamic conditions, wildlife emergencies saw a marked decline during the month likely due to the abundance of water and forage, which eased natural stressors on wild animals.
During the month, the Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit attended to two wildlife cases. The first involved a reticulated giraffe bull that was treated for a subcutaneous wound on the neck, suspected to have been caused by a tree stump. The second case involved a male plains zebra suffering from pronounced lameness. The condition was linked to a fallen-off wire snare and a suspected predator-inflicted wound. Both were given a good prognosis.
Acknowledgement
We extend our sincere gratitude to Sylvie Chantecaille and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust for their unwavering support of the Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit. Their generous funding plays a crucial role in protecting the health and survival of wildlife within the Meru ecosystem.
We also acknowledge the Kenya Wildlife Service for its exemplary leadership and coordination. The strategic guidance provided by the Head of Veterinary Services and the Senior Assistant Director of the Eastern Conservation Area has been instrumental in advancing conservation efforts and promoting the welfare of wildlife across the region.
Case Details
April 2025
Case 1 – 15th April 2025
Giraffe Natural Causes
Meru National Park
On the evening of 14th April, visitors reported an injured adult reticulated giraffe to the Vet Unit. Due to time constraints, it was decided that the giraffe would be located the following morning for treatment.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
Following an extensive search effort, the adult male giraffe was located within a densely vegetated area. He was approached cautiously using a vehicle and darted on the right forelimb with a combination of 15mgs Etorphine and 50mgs of Azaperone. Induction of the anaesthesia was gradual, and approximately 15 minutes post-darting, the giraffe was safely restrained to the ground using ropes, the anaesthesia was reversed, and the giraffe was physically restrained.
Physical examination revealed a subcutaneous wound on the right lateral side at the base of the neck characterized by extensive infestation with Diptera larvae. The wound margins appeared irregular and showed signs of repeated trauma, likely exacerbated by oxpecker activity. The presentation of the wound suggested trauma consistent with blunt force, possibly due to impact with a tree stump or similar solid object. The wound was thoroughly cleaned, followed by manual removal of the maggots. It was then debrided with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine before being dressed with green clay The giraffe was administered with 80mgs Dexamethasone and 6,000mgs Oxytetracycline.
Prognosis
Following treatment, the giraffe was released on-site. The animal regained full consciousness shortly thereafter and ambulated away steadily. The prognosis for full recovery is good.
Case 2 – 17th April 2025
Zebra Snared
Meru National Park
The Vet Unit while conducting a routine wildlife health assessment encountered a solitary male plains zebra that had isolated itself, exhibited signs of severe pain, lameness of the left hind limb and inappetence, with noticeable difficulty in ambulation, prompting close veterinary evaluation.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The zebra was darted on the right rump after a short chase with 6mgs Etorphine and 80mgs Azaperone. The drugs quickly took effect and within 5 minutes the drugs had kicked in. He was carefully physically restrained and made to lie on his right side, blindfolded and doused with water to aid with thermoregulation.
Examination revealed recent entanglement in a wire snare, which had since detached leaving a constriction wound and notable soft tissue trauma around the fetlock region. Further examination revealed additional wounds on the same leg, likely due to predator attacks with a significant laceration at the hock joint, accompanied by extensive soft tissue swelling and marked pain on palpation. Wound management involved thorough cleaning of the wounds with water, Hydrogen peroxide, and Iodine. A layer of green clay and antimicrobial spray was applied to accelerate healing. He received an intramuscular injection of anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain and inflammation as well as antibiotics to manage bacterial infections.
Prognosis
The anaesthesia was reversed, and he rose up and dashed away with a good prognosis for full recovery .
