SWT/KWS MERU MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT OPERATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE
J U LY 2 0 2 6 R E P O R T
Meru Mobile Vet Unit: July 2026 B Y D R . M I C H A E L N J O RO G E
The Conservation area did not receive any rainfall during the month under review. However, most water pans still have water, and there is still enough vegetation for browsers and grazers to utilize. Acknowledgement: The Meru Mobile Vet Unit would like to appreciate all stakeholders who aided in reporting cases that required veterinary intervention. Special thanks to the Kenya Wildlife Service for their technical assistance and to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Wildlife Trust for their continuous facilitation to the unit.
MONTH AT A GLANCE: Total cases:
6
27,678 4 6
Case snapshot:
ELEPHANT CASES
POSTMORTEM CASES
4
ELEPHANTS TRANSLOCATED
A R E A O F O P E R AT I O N S :
MERU MOBILE VET UNIT
S W T/ K W S M E RU M O B I L E V E T U N I T
2
CASE 1:
ELEPHANT
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
PROGNOSIS
16/07/2026
Elephant
Unknown
Adult
Leorer
Postmortem
History The carcass was recovered at Leorer area. No other wildlife mortalities were reported in the surrounding area. The carcass had been partially scavenged. A necropsy examination was conducted to establish the cause of death. Carcass Examination The elephant carcass was on left lateral recumbency and was in fresh state of decomposition with evidence of scavenger activity. No external traumatic injuries or lesions suggestive or poaching were observed and both tusks were intact Internal Examination Internal examination revealed pathological changes consistent with a suspected non-infectious disease process No evidence of trauma, hemorrhage or infectious lesions was observed. Findings were consistent with a natural death Cause of death Natural death due to a suspected non-infectious disease. The condition is considered non-transmissible.
S W T/ K W S M E RU M O B I L E V E T U N I T
3
CASE 1
S W T/ K W S M E RU M O B I L E V E T U N I T
4
CASE 2:
ELEPHANT
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
PROGNOSIS
16/07/2026
Elephant
Unknown
Adult
Ntorkani Pareu
Euthanized
History The elephant had sustained a severe fracture of the left forelimb and had previously received treatment. Despite interventions, the injury failed to heal due to its severity, resulting in lateral recumbency and poor welfare. Humane euthanasia was performed to alleviate prolonged pain and suffering. External Examination The carcass was fresh with evidence of scavenger activity. A complete fracture of the left forelimb was observed. Both tusks were intact. Internal Examination Extensive traumatic damage and fracture of the left forelimb. No evidence of trauma, hemorrhage or infectious lesions was observed. Cause of death Human-wildlife conflict resulting in a severe left forelimb fracture, necessitating humane euthanasia due to irreversible injury and poor prognosis.
S W T/ K W S M E RU M O B I L E V E T U N I T
5
CASE 2
S W T/ K W S M E RU M O B I L E V E T U N I T
6
CASE 3:
ELEPHANT
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
PROGNOSIS
22/07/2026
Elephant
Male
Adult
Themba
Postmortem
History A fresh male elephant carcass was reported at Kinyaritha Water Catchment, Themba. No evidence of trauma or human-induced mortality was observed. A field necropsy was conducted to establish the cause of death. External Examination The carcass was fresh and in good body condition. No external wounds, body openings or other injuries were observed. Both tusks were intact. Internal Examination Internal examination revealed no evidence of traumatic injury or infectious pathology and the findings were consistent with acute non-infectious disease process. The elephant was considered to have likely been in an immunocompromised state associated with reduced forage availability during the current dry season, predisposing it to an acute fatal illness. Cause of death Natural mortality due to a suspected acute non-infectious disease, likely associated with immunocompromise secondary to nutritional stress during the current dry season. The condition is considered non-transmissible.
S W T/ K W S M E RU M O B I L E V E T U N I T
7
CASE 3
S W T/ K W S M E RU M O B I L E V E T U N I T
8
CASE 4:
ELEPHANT
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
PROGNOSIS
24/07/202629/07/2026
Elephant
Males
Adults
Mwea National Park
Task successful
History Human-elephant conflict has remained a persistent challenge within the Mwea landscape. A number of adult bull elephants had repeatedly been implicated in fence breaking and crop raiding, resulting in significant losses to the local community and increasing the risk of human-wildlife conflict. Prior to the operation, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Mwea National Park Security and Problem Animal Control (PAC) teams conducted a two-week ground survey to identify the individual elephants, establish their movement patterns and determine the areas most affected. The objective of the exercise was to capture and translocate four adult bull elephants from the Mwea landscape to Tsavo West National Park. Objective To safely capture, immobilize, transport and release four problem elephant bulls from Mwea National Park to Tsavo West National Park in order to reduce human-elephant conflict and enhance coexistence between wildlife and surrounding communities. Capture and Immobilization The operation was conducted on 24th and 29th July 2026. Target elephants were located and monitored from a helicopter before selection based on their known conflict history. Immobilization was carried out by darting from a helicopter using 18 mg of Etorphine Hydrochloride delivered through a dart rifle. Induction times ranged between 10 to 20 minutes. Following induction, ground teams secured each animal and ensured proper positioning to facilitate respiration and prevent capture-related complications. The trunk was maintained in a patent position and physiological parameters were continuously monitored throughout the handling period. Blindfolds and earplugs were applied to minimize visual and auditory stimulation during handling and loading procedures. Standard wildlife capture protocols were observed throughout the exercise. Clinical Examination A physical examination was conducted on each elephant during immobilization. All four bulls were found to be in good body condition with no significant injuries, disease conditions or abnormalities that would compromise translocation. Minor superficial scars and abrasions consistent with natural ranging behaviors were observed in some individuals and did not require treatment. Overall health status of all elephants was considered satisfactory for translocation.
S W T/ K W S M E RU M O B I L E V E T U N I T
9
CASE 4:
ELEPHANT
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
PROGNOSIS
24/07/202629/07/2026
Elephant
Males
Adults
Mwea National Park
Task Successful
Loading and Transportation. Following examination, the immobilized elephants were carefully loaded into transport crates using established capture equipment and procedures. Throughout loading and transportation, the veterinary team continuously monitored the animals to ensure their welfare and detect any signs of distress. The journey from Mwea National Park to Tsavo West National Park was completed without major incidents or complications. Release Upon arrival at designated release sites within Tsavo West National Park which took a period of 4.5 to 5 hours, the elephants were carefully offloaded from the transport crates. Immobilization was reversed using the appropriate opioid antagonist 150 mg naltrexone and the elephants were monitored during recovery. Recovery was smooth in all four elephants, with each animal regaining normal posture, coordination and mobility within the expected recovery period. Following release, the elephants moved away from the release sites and dispersed into the surrounding habitat without complications. Results and Outcome The operation achieved its intended objective. All four identified problem bull elephants were successfully captured and translocated to Tsavo West National Park without major veterinary or operational complications. The exercise is expected to significantly reduce human-elephant conflict within the affected areas of the Mwea landscape. Conclusion. The Mwea Elephant Translocation Operation was successfully completed within the planned operational period and achieved all intended objectives. The coordinated approach adopted by the veterinary, security, air support and field teams ensured the safe capture and translocation of the identified problem elephants while maintaining high standards of animal welfare and operational safety. It is anticipated that the removal of these four persistent crop-raiding bulls will substantially reduce human-elephant conflict within the affected communities while contributing to improved coexistence between people and wildlife.
S W T/ K W S M E RU M O B I L E V E T U N I T
10
CASE 4
S W T/ K W S M E RU M O B I L E V E T U N I T
11
CASE 5:
ELEPHANT
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
PROGNOSIS
27/07/2026
Elephant
Male
Adult
Isiolo
Postmortem
History A fresh male elephant carcass was reported at Borish area, Garbatula location, Isiolo North sub-county. A field necropsy was conducted to establish the cause of death. External Examination The carcass was fresh and in good body condition, fresh with an early stage of decomposition. Blood-stained was observed from the natural body openings, an old healed injury was noted over the mid-back region and no fresh external injuries were observed. Both tusks were present and intact. Internal Examination Suspected acute clostridial infection (consistent with clostridial septicemia/enterotoxemia), resulting in a hemorrhagic syndrome and sudden death. The condition was considered likely to have been precipitated by an immunocompromised state associated with advanced age and the prevailing dry season. Cause of death was natural and the carcass was disposed of safely in accordance to Kenya Wildlife Service procedures.
S W T/ K W S M E RU M O B I L E V E T U N I T
12
CASE 5:
ELEPHANT
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
PROGNOSIS
28/07/2026
Elephant
Male
Adult
Samburu
Guarded
History The Meru Mobile Vet received a report of an injured elephant within Sarara area of Samburu. The vet responded to by a helicopter while undertaking the ongoing exercise at Mwea of Elephant translocation. With the response conducted in between the translocation activity. Immobilization, examination and treatment The elephant was immobilized with 18 mg of Etorphine hydrochloride intramuscularly at the shoulder musculature using the Dan-inject system from a helicopter. The elephant was safely immobilized within 5 minutes post-darting and went to lateral recumbency. The trunk was extended to be patent to avoid obstruction. The bull was observed with severe lameness involving the right hindlimb. Examination revealed a long-standing injury around the hock joint, resulting in difficulty in movement due to pain and discomfort. We administered 2000 mgs Flunixin Meglumine Intramuscular, 25000 mgs Amoxicillin Intramuscular and applied Topical Oxytetracycline sprayto the wound Reversal After treatment the elephant was reversed with naltrexone hydrochloride 300 mgs intravenously through the ear vein. The elephant recovered uneventfully. Prognosis Guarded. The Reteti team will continue to monitor the bull’s progress and response to treatment.
S W T/ K W S M E RU M O B I L E V E T U N I T
13
CASE 5
S W T/ K W S M E RU M O B I L E V E T U N I T
14
CASE 6:
ELEPHANT
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
PROGNOSIS
30/07/2026
Elephant
Male
Adult
Marsabit County
Postmortem
History A dead adult male elephant was reported at Langata Lengaina river area in Laisamis Sub-county, Marsabit County. The carcass was attended for necropsy examination based on the degree of decomposition, postmortem changes and environmental conditions; the elephant was estimated to have died approximately 2-3 days prior to necropsy examination. External Examination The external examination revealed multiple chronic traumatic lesions involving the ventral thoracic region, the wounds exhibited features of chronicity including fibrosis, localized tissue necrosis with no evidence of fresh hemorrhage. No projectile wounds, snare injuries or evidence of poaching. Internal Examination Abdominal and thoracic body cavities, moderate quantities of serosanguinous fluids, the abdominal viscera were moderately autolyzed, chronic thoracic injuries with extensive fibrous tissue proliferation, chronic inflammatory changes and necrotic tissue. Surrounding musculature was congested and localized abscessation with purulent exudate, indicative of a long-standing injury. Generalized congestion of major visceral organs were observed. The liver and spleen appeared enlarged and congested, while the lungs exhibited diffuse congestion and edema. No evidence of traumatic rupture of major organs or acute internal hemorrhage was identified. Cause of Death Chronic thoracic trauma complicated by secondary bacterial infection resulting in septicemia, septic shock leading to death. .
S W T/ K W S M E RU M O B I L E V E T U N I T
15
CASE 6
S W T/ K W S M E RU M O B I L E V E T U N I T
16
SWT/KWS Mobile Veterinary Units, like all Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's conservation projects, is a donor-funded initiative. Thank you to our global supporters, who help us secure Kenya's habitats for the future and make an impact in the field, each and every day. © 2026 The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
17