The month of July was characterized by an increase in daytime temperatures and the rapid decline of vegetation cover across the Eastern Conservation Area (ECA). The once green landscape transitioned into dry, dusty terrain, with cracked earth and rising dust signalling the onset of the dry season. During this period, the SWT/KWS Meru Veterinary Unit responded to 8 cases across various locations within the ECA an increase from the previous month of June. These included the rescue an adult male giraffe that had become trapped in a roadside trench, de-snared a sub-adult female buffalo and an adult male giraffe, treated two Grevy zebras for natural causes and treated a tracker dog attached to the Meru Rhino Canine Unit The team also performed a post-mortem examination on an adult elephant carcass, preliminary findings indicated a fatal gunshot wound to the head, and on a giraffe carcass which was deemed natural.
Acknowledgement
The success in our interventions would not have been possible without the generous and sustained support of Sylvie Chantecaille, whose financial support through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust continue to strengthen the operations of the Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit. Your commitment to wildlife conservation has enabled our team to respond swiftly and effectively to field emergencies We are equally grateful to the Kenya Wildlife Service, whose strategic oversight and logistical coordination were essential to the success of our operations. We also recognize and appreciate the many individuals who contributed their time, expertise, and support throughout the various interventions.
Case Details
2-Jul-25 Giraffe Meru NP HWC
16-Jul-25
NP
26-Jul-25 Zebra Lewa Conservancy
An adult male reticulated giraffe that had become trapped in a roadside trench
It was entangled in a snare around its left hind limb and was trailing a log
Treated
Causes The zebra had sustained severe injuries, from a failed lion predation attempt Prognosis Poor
27-Jul-25 Zebra Westgate Community Natural Causes It had a cracked hoof wall with partial hoof avulsion on the right forelimb
27-Jul-25
28-Jul-25
30-Jul-25
Leparua Conservancy
Treated
Wound A perforating wound was identified at the site, consistent with a gunshot injury Poaching Death
Causes Sep - a tracker dog had small subcutaneous swellings
Treated
Garissa Postmortem The findings were suggestive of a bacterial infection, likely of anaerobic origin Died
31-Jul-25 Giraffe Garissa Snared The snare was noted to have left soft tissue injuries that were causing lameness Successfully Treated
July 2025
Giraffe
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Meru National Park
On the evening of July 2nd, the Meru Veterinary Team responded to an emergency report regarding an adult male reticulated giraffe that had become trapped in a roadside trench along Kubai Road within Meru National Park.
Immobilisation and rescue
The giraffe was found trapped in the trench and unable to extricate itself.
Using ropes, the Veterinary Team successfully pulled the animal out of the trench. To facilitate thermoregulation and help in cooling, the giraffe was doused with generous amounts of water before being assisted to rise. Although he managed to stand, he appeared wobbly, likely due to temporary numbness resulting from prolonged recumbency.
Prognosis
The prognosis for full recovery was assessed as good.
Case 2 – 16th July 2025
Buffalo Snared
Meru National Park
On the evening of June 2nd, the SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit received a distress call from a tour guide at Elsa’s Kopje Meru, reporting a sub-adult female buffalo observed in the lower Mughwango Swamp area. The animal was entangled in a wire snare around its left hind limb and was trailing a sizeable log.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The buffalo was located within a large herd comprising approximately 200 individuals. Through coordinated efforts, the herd was strategically guided to create a safe and effective darting opportunity. The animal was immobilized using a combination of 5 mgs etorphine and 80 mgs azaperone. The drugs took effect promptly, and the buffalo went down in sternal recumbency approximately seven minutes post-darting.
Clinical examination confirmed the presence of a wire snare around her left hind limb. Fortunately, no significant injuries or tissue damage were observed. The snare was carefully removed, and the animal was administered 1,000 mgs of flunixin meglumine intramuscularly to manage inflammation and discomfort.
Prognosis
Anaesthesia was reversed with 150mgs of Naltrexone. Reflexes returned within two minutes, and the buffalo successfully rose and rejoined her herd. The prognosis for full recovery was assessed as good.
Zebra Natural Causes
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
The Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit attended to an injured Grevy’s zebra within Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The zebra had sustained severe injuries, reportedly resulting from a failed lion predation attempt.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The injured zebra was silently and skillfully approached using a vehicle to minimize disturbance and create a safe darting opportunity. He was darted on the right shoulder with a combination of 7mgs Etorphine and 80mgs Azaperone. Due to insufficient sedation, an additional 4 mgs Etorphine was administered to achieve adequate anaesthesia for safe and effective treatment.
Clinical examination revealed multiple deep laceration wounds on the flanks and hindquarters, consistent with injuries from a failed lion predation attempt. Several areas had extensive skin loss. The wounds were thoroughly irrigated with clean water, flushed with Iodine and sutured. For supportive care, the zebra was administered 9,000 mgs Amoxicillin and 120mgs Dexamethasone intramuscularly.
Prognosis
Despite the intervention, the prognosis for full recovery remains guarded. A follow-up assessment was recommended to monitor wound healing and determine the need for further medical attention.
Case 4 – 27th July 2025
Zebra Natural Causes
Westgate Community Conservancy
While attending to the injured Grevy’s zebra at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, the veterinary team received a distress call reporting the sighting of another male Grevy’s zebra exhibiting ambulatory difficulties. Due to time constraints and fading daylight, it was appropriate to schedule the intervention for the following day.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The injured stallion was located resting alone in a shaded area, isolated from the rest of his conspecifics. Upon movement, he exhibited marked lameness and appeared to be in significant pain. He was cautiously approached by vehicle and immobilized with a combination of 8mgs Etorphine and 70mgs Azaperone.
Clinical examination revealed a cracked hoof wall with partial hoof avulsion on the right forelimb. The wound showed signs of mild infection. It was thoroughly debrided, flushed with Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine and dressed with green clay to promote healing. The zebra was treated intramuscularly with 1,150mgs Amoxicillin, 40mgs Dexamethasone and metabolic stimulants. Additionally, 7mgs Ivermectin was administered subcutaneously for antiparasitic coverage.
Prognosis
The prognosis for full recovery is considered good.
Elephant Bullet Wound
Leparua Community Conservancy
The Vet Unit received a report concerning the sighting of an elephant carcass and was promptly deployed to the location to conduct a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.
Postmortem examination
The carcass was discovered in an advanced stage of decomposition, as indicated by significant soft tissue degradation, a strong putrid odour, and high fly activity. The estimated body condition score was 3 out of 5, suggesting the animal was in a good body condition prior to death. Both tusks had been recovered by the Kenya Wildlife Service Rapid Response Unit (RRU) based in Isiolo and secured for safe custody.
External examination revealed extensive scavenging of the ventral side of the carcass, primarily by hyenas, with most internal organs having been consumed so a detailed examination of the internal organs was not feasible. Additionally, the perineal region and the distal end of the right forelimb had been heavily scavenged. A stream of dried blood was observed emanating from an area slightly below the right ear. A perforating wound was identified at the site, consistent with a gunshot injury. A metal detector confirmed the presence of a metallic object suspected to be a bullet embedded within the tissues. Due to the advanced state of decomposition, it was not possible to determine the exact trajectory of the projectile.
Cause of death
It is suspected that the elephant died as a result of injuries sustained from the gunshot wound to the head
Security Dog
Natural Causes
Meru National Park
The canine unit plays a vital role in conservation efforts, particularly in tracking poachers, detecting wildlife contraband, and safeguarding endangered species. As such, maintaining the health and wellbeing of the tracker dogs is of critical importance. The Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit was notified of small subcutaneous swellings observed on Sep - a tracker dog attached to the Meru Rhino Canine Unit. In response, the veterinary team visited the kennels to carry out clinical assessment and administer the necessary treatment.
Immobilsation, examination and treatment
To minimize stress and ensure a smooth clinical examination, the dog was first allowed to familiarize itself with the veterinarian. The animal was found to be in good general body condition, alert, and active. Mucous membranes were pink and moist, with a normal capillary refill time.
A detailed dermatological examination revealed an infestation of Cordylobia anthropophaga (commonly known as mango worms). The larvae were manually extracted, and the affected areas were thoroughly flushed with an Iodine solution. The dog was fitted with a muzzle for safe handling and was treated with an intramuscular injection of metabolic stimulants, along with 2 ml of Ivermectin administered subcutaneously.
Prognosis
The prognosis for full recovery is good, with recent follow-up reports indicating significant improvement.
Case 7 – 30th July 2025
Giraffe Postmortem
Garissa County
Following reports of giraffe mortalities in Gurufa area, Lagdera Sub-county, the SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit was tasked with conducting a surveillance operation to determine the cause of death. Upon arrival, two carcasses were identified; however, one had already been disposed through burning. A post-mortem examination was carried out on the remaining carcass.
Postmortem examination
The carcass was found to have been dragged from its original location, reportedly by local residents attempting to relocate it away from their homes due to the strong odour of decomposition. The carcass was assessed to be in fair body condition, with a body condition score of approximately 2.5/5, as evidenced by moderate muscle cover over the flanks and dorsal aspect.
The perineal region and tail had been dismembered, with clean-cut edges suggestive of human involvement. The carcass exhibited signs of bloating, and upon skinning, subcutaneous emphysema was noted. There was crepitation within muscle tissues and the presence of gas bubbles. There were marked haemorrhagic changes and dark discoloration, particularly around the shoulder and flank regions. Notably, the muscle tissues turned greenish rapidly upon exposure, indicating advanced decomposition. Gross examination of internal organs revealed congested lungs, while the spleen appeared flaccid and lacked its characteristic gritty texture. The splenic tissue was markedly congested and showed signs of autolysis, sloughing off easily upon manipulation.
Cause of death
The findings were suggestive of a bacterial infection, likely of anaerobic origin. The suspected cause of death was vital organ failure secondary to the progression of the infection
Giraffe Snared Raya area, Garissa County
The Veterinary Unit received a report from Somali Giraffe Project scouts concerning the sighting of an adult reticulated giraffe bull with a wire snare within Raya area. The veterinary team quickly mobilized and found the giraffe bull in a group of three other individuals. He was approached slowly and noted to have walking difficulties and a constriction outline on the lower distal end of the left hindlimb consistent with wire snares thus need for intervention to prevent further tissue damage, infection, and potential systemic complications.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The Giraffe was slowly approached with a vehicle and darted with a combination of 15mgs Etorphine and 50mgs Azaperone. The drugs slowly took effect and after 15 minutes he was safely brought down using ropes.
On examination, the snare was noted to have since fallen off leaving soft tissue injuries that were causing lameness. The wounds were cleaned with water, debrided with Hydrogen peroxide and flushed with Iodine. Intramuscularly he received antibiotics and anti-inflammatories.
Prognosis
The giraffe has a good prognosis for full recovery.
