SWT/KWS Mt Kenya Veterinary Unit Report for July 2025

SWT/KWS MT KENYA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT

JULY 2025

July

20 Cases in July 2025 3 HWC Cases

2025 Report by Dr.

Jeremiah Poghon

The Mountain Mobile Veterinary unit (MVU) was able to undertake various veterinary interventions, assessments, translocations and collaring of various species across the mountain region and Maasai Mara in the month of July. The unit collaborated with other units, veterinarians and capture unit to ensure the success of major activities that happened during the month, including the giraffe, impala, warthogs and Zebra translocation, rhino treatments, baboon collaring, and the Northern White Rhino project activities.

Acknowledgement

The Mt. Kenya Mobile Wildlife Veterinary Unit thanks the Kenya Wildlife Service for providing leadership and technical expertise. The veterinary team also appreciates The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for providing the financial and logistical support that enables the Unit to fulfil its mandate.

SWT/KWS Mt Kenya Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations

July 2025

Case Details

Date

Species Area Found Reason for Intervention

3-Jul-25 Rhino White Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Technical Cases Two embryos were deposited; an 11-day cultured one and 8-day cultured one Task Successful

4-Jul-25 Leopard Laikipia Environs HWC A female sub-adult leopard was captured to mitigate human-wildlife conflict Task Successful

6-Jul-25 Rhino White Ol Pejeta Conservancy Technical Cases Ovum pick-up on Fatu Task Successful

7-Jul-25 Baboon Mpala Ranch Collared Capture of baboons at for a baboon Research Project Task Successful

7-Jul-25 Rhino Black Ol Pejeta Conservancy Natural Causes The Rhino had been involved in territorial fights and sustained injuries Prognosis Poor

8-Jul-25 Cheetah Segera Conservancy Natural Causes The animal had weight bearing favouring the right forelimb Successfully Treated

10-Jul-25 Elephant Olkinyei Conservancy HWC

Penetrating wound on the elbow joint of the left forelimb, inflicted by a spear Successfully Treated

14-Jul-25 Hippo Lake Olbolosat Research/ Survey Reported incidences of human attacks and injuries, and crop destruction Task Successful

17-Jul-25 Zebra Ol Pejeta Conservancy Relocation Captured and translocated from Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Dedan Kimathi University Task Successful

17-Jul-25 Warthog Ol Pejeta Conservancy Relocation Captured and translocated from Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Dedan Kimathi University Task Successful

17-Jul-25 Impala Ol Pejeta Conservancy Relocation Captured and translocated from Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Dedan Kimathi University Task Successful

17-Jul-25 Giraffe Ol Pejeta Conservancy Relocation Captured and translocated from Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Dedan Kimathi University Task Successful

17-Jul-25 Giraffe Ol Pejeta Conservancy Relocation 4 reticulated giraffes were captured and translocated to Sangare Hills Resort Task Successful

17-Jul-25 Ostrich Mutara Ranch Relocation Translocated to Ol Pejeta Conservancy with post-capture complication

19-Jul-25 Rhino Black Segera Conservancy Postmortem Autopsy significant findings are suggestive of suspect predation case

24-Jul-25 Lion Kuku Group Ranch Collared Collared to assist with HWC mitigation through monitoring

25-Jul-25 Elephant Segera Conservancy Postmortem The cause of deathis suspected to be from natural causes

26-Jul-25 Lion Ol Jogi Ranch Collared Two lions were collared in an exercise to mitigate human-wildlife conflict Task Successful

27-Jul-25 Leopard Loisaba Ranch HWC Took up residence around a human residence posing a threat to human life HWC Death

28-Jul-25 Baboon Mpala Ranch Collared A continuation phase of the baboon project at Mpala Research Center

Rhino White Technical Case

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Part of the ongoing project to save the Northern White Rhino subspecies through surrogates.

Immobilisation and collection

Asali was given the sedative drugs by dart delivered via a helicopter. The first dart was filled with Medetomidine 4% 40 mg (1ml) and Butorphanol 5% 100 mg (2ml) and the second with Ketamine 10% 50 mg (0.5ml) Butorphanol 5% 100 mg (2ml) and Midazolam 5% 25mg (0.5ml) Finally, 700mg Ketamine was delivered by blow pipe from foot and an additional 200mg Ketamine was given as a top up via the ear vein. As the procedure requires a long downtime a maintenance drip at a speed of two to four drops per second was given intravenously. This ensures that the animal maintains a smooth anaesthetic plane level with minimal top-ups required throughout the procedure. Maintenance bottle 1000ml NaCl contained 1000mg Ketamine, 10mg Medetomidine,100mg Butorphanol and 10mg Midazolam.

Ultrasonography revealed a good quality corpus luteum that was well vascularized on the right ovary with no pathology of the uterus. Two embryos were deposited; an 11-day cultured one and 8-day cultured one (which was sexed and confirmed as male) on the right horn. Pregnancy check will be scheduled after 60 days.

Leopard

Human-Wildlife Conflict Umande Community, Laikipia

A sub-adult leopard was reported and linked to several livestock predation incidents at the Magutu area, Ethi location. The KWS Umande Problem Animal Control team in Laikipia County set a cage-trap with a bait to capture the leopard. The cage caught one of the leopards in the area, while the second female escaped. The leopard was brought to the KWS Laikipia station headquarters for the immobilisation and treatment.

Immobilisation, examination and relocation

The leopard was darted on the right rump with a dart composition of 150mg of Ketamine and 1.5mg of Medetomidine. The leopard was on sternal recumbency, inside the cage within 6 minutes from darting. The leopard was moved out of the cage into the shade for further evaluation and treatment. A top-up of 60mg of Ketamine was administered intramuscularly when the plane of anaesthesia was observed to be light.

A small volume of loose stool was found in the cage. The leopard had a good body condition score, 2.5 out of 5. The mammary glands and teats were slightly enlarged. There was presence of mixed species of ticks on the neck, abdomen and hind limbs. A systemic antibiotic treatment was administered Amoxicillin, 750 mg.

The leopard was safely placed back and secured inside the capture cage before being reversed. The leopard was safely moved to a more suitable habitat while helping to reduce the human-wildlife conflict in the area.

Rhino White Technical Case

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Part of the ongoing project to save the Northern White Rhino subspecies through surrogates.

Immobilisation and collection

Tauwo was sedated to enable the team to separate her from Fatu so as to carry out the OPU. Tauwo was given the sedative drugs by dart delivered by a blow pipe. The one dart was delivered successfully on the right neck containing Metomidine 4% 10mg (0.25 ml), Butorphanol 5% 20mg (0.4ml) and Midazolam 5% 10mg (2ml).

Fatu was also given the sedative drugs by dart delivered by a blow pipe. Using one dart delivered on the right neck she was given Ketamine 20% 450mg (2.25ml), Metomidine 4% 30mg (0.75 ml), Butorphanol 5% 75mg (1.5ml) and Midazolam 5% 25mg (0.5 ml). The induction happened very fast and she went down on sternal recumbency. She went down in an odd position and thus had to be manipulated with ropes into right positioning to allow for the exercise to take place comfortably. As the procedure requires a long downtime a maintenance drip was given intravenously. This ensures that the animal maintains a smooth anaesthetic plane level with minimal top-ups required throughout the procedure

The team was able to flush 25-30 follicles and out of these a total of 6 oocytes were collected, processed and stored for transport to Italy. The stimulation protocol will be adjusted to allow the follicles additional time to mature, resulting in a greater number of oocytes with increased cellular material.

Unfortunately, there are no pictures of this case.

Baboon Collaring

Mpala Research Centre

The Unit conducted capture of baboons at Mpala Research Center for a Baboon Research Project evaluating baboon behaviour, movement and interaction as part of a study by Max Plank Institute of animal behaviour, Germany. The goal of the exercise was to capture adult baboons, immobilise them chemically, collect samples and install collars and trackers on them, and release them back into the wild without causing harm

Immobilisation, examination and collaring

The baboons were lured into trap cages with baits (fruits or maize) in a field. Once the target individuals are in the cage, the door is closed by a mobile-triggered lock. The baboons were immobilised with a KetamineMedetomidine drug combination with dose variation based on age, sex and body condition.

Samples collected include blood, faecal swab, external parasites and hair as well as body measurements. 3 baboons were found with lacerations and bite wounds, which were cleaned and sutured. One adult female baboon had poor body condition, reddened and swollen vulvar and anal area; she was treated and released without collaring. Parenteral antibiotic (Amoxicillin), anti-inflammatory (Meloxicam or Dexamethasone) and Selenium and vitamin E booster were administered to the individuals based on lesions and body condition.

A total of 23 baboons were collared and sampled whilst 2 were released without collaring.

Black Rhino Natural Causes

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

The rhino had been reported by the monitoring team to have been involved in territorial fights with other rhinos and sustained injuries, calling for close evaluation and treatment.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The rhino was darted from a helicopter with 3.5mg Etorphine and 80mg Azaperone. Once on sternal recumbency, a dose of 10mg Butorphanol and 20mg Doxopram were administered intravenously, through the ear veins, to stabilize the animal and optimize respiratory function during the treatment.

The rhino was found to have a poor body condition, scoring of 2.5 out of 5 with fresh laceration wounds on both flanks, lower neck, inguinal and perineum. Healing laceration wounds were also observed on the perineum and groin. The wounds were cleaned with Hydrogen Peroxide and Iodine then Opticlox ointment and Alamycin spray were applied. Additionally, the rhino was given 500ml Ringers lactate, 100ml normal Saline, 15,000mg Amoxicillin, 6,000mg Phenylbutazone, 4,000mg Butaphosphan and 2,000mg Vitamin B.

Prognosis

The treatment operation was successfully conducted. However, the prognosis is guarded for the rhino given a consideration of the age and the current body condition status.

Case

Cheetah Natural Causes

Segera Conservancy

The sub-adult cheetah, identified with its mother, was observed to be having weight bearing, non-stepping lameness, favouring the right forelimb

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The cheetah was immobilized using a dart of 80mg Ketamine and 0.5mg Medetomidine, placed on the left hindquarter. The body condition score of the animal was fair, scoring 3 out of 5

The carpal joint of the limb was flexed under sedation. The distal aspect of the humerus of the right forelimb was slightly swollen. There was crepitation felt on manipulation distal to the humerus and proximal to the elbow joint as well as a healed elliptical wound on the medial side of the opposite limb. The examination was suggestive of a complete fracture of the distal humerus of the right forelimb. A definitive treatment, involving correction of the fracture, could not be practically instituted in the field, however supportive therapy was administered to relieve pain and protect from secondary infections including electrolyte supplementation.

Prognosis

The animal was revived from anaesthesia and reunited with its mother and sibling in the area. The invention was successful, but prognosis of the fracture may need surgical intervention to rectify the problem.

Case

Elephant Spear Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Masai Mara

The elephant was reported limping and having strained movement, especially with the left forelimb.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

Before darting, it was evident that the bull was lame on the forelimb, manifested by careful stepping and lifting of the leg. The elephant was darted from a helicopter with 20mg Etorphine, which malfunctioned upon impact. A 2nd dart of 20mg Etorphine was successfully placed, and the elephant was down within 5 minutes

The bull had a good body condition score of 4 out of 5. On closer examination, there was an elliptical penetrating wound, about 15cm on the caudal lateral side of the elbow joint of the left forelimb likely caused by a spear The wound had purulent exudate oozing out and there was slight tissue swelling around the wound. The wound was flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, cleaned with water and flushed with iodine solution. Opticlox ointment, 3 tubes and 3 Oxytetracycline pessaries were applied into the wound. Green clay paste was applied to seal the wound and stimulate healing then it was sprayed with Alamycin. The elephant was also given Amoxicillin, 30,000 mg and Flunixin meglumine, 5000 mg.

Prognosis

The rapid response and management of the wound gives the bull a favourable prognosis of recovery.

Case

Hippo

Research/Survey

Mukindu Dam, Nyandarua County

An assessment was conducted on the hippopotamus-human conflict at Mukindu Dam, Nyandarua County.

Survey and assessment

The artificial dam was constructed around 1946 to provide water for irrigation and for domestic use. The dam is estimated to cover an area of 77 acres: where 40 acres is water space and 37 acres is dry land. The water surface of the dam is covered by an invasive weed species, Salvinia molesta, which provides a good hide-out for the hippopotamuses during the day. The dam is surrounded by a crop-farming community Mukindu Dam is occupied by 52 hippos: 25 adults and 27 juveniles. It is believed that the hippopotamuses migrated from Lake Olbollosat around 2021 when the water level significantly went down at the lake during a prolonged dry season. As a result of the permanent residence of the hippos, wildlife-human-conflicts have become rampant with reported incidences of human attacks and injuries, and crop destruction, and the locals have been left in fear and despair. The farmers from the communities, the local administration and KWS Nyahururu station have made efforts, so far, to mitigate the conflict. Deep burrows have been dug around the dam perimeter and Rangers have been permanently posted to the area.

Recommendation

Capture and translocation of the hippopotamus to other suitable habitats. Installation of an electric fence around the dam, post-translocation, to prevent any hippos remaining in the dam from accessing the farms

Case 9 to 14 – 17th July 2025

Mixed Species Relocation Ol Pejeta

A major translocation was conducted between 17th of July to 24th of July by the veterinary and capture unit to move a range of species to a new habitat. A total of 39 animals including: 5 giraffes, 10 zebras, 9 warthogs and 15 impalas were captured and translocated from Ol Pejeta Conservancy to Dedan Kimathi University. 4 giraffes were captured and translocated to Sangare Hills Resort. One ostrich was captured and translocated from Mutara to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The overall number of animals moved during this exercise is 44.

Immobilisation and capture

An Etorphine-azaperone protocol was used for the immobilization, with 12mg Etorphine and 50-80mg of Azaperone per individual for the first 3 giraffes, and 15mg of Etorphine and 40mg of Azaperone per individual for the rest of the giraffes. Adult zebras were immobilized with a dose of 5mg Etorphine and 50mg of Azaperone per individual adult animal An adult male ostrich was immobilized with a dart of 5mg Etorphine and 100mg Ketamine. The warthogs and impalas were captured using a drive net set up at the Morani Boma.

Conclusion

The translocation operation facilitated wildlife species distribution and introduction into new habitats, ensuring they thrive in various habitats. All were successfully translocated except the ostrich which succumbed to post-capture complications at the release site.

Case 15 – 19th July 2025

Black Rhino Postmortem

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

The rhino was translocated to Segera Rhino sanctuary from Ol Pejeta Conservancy on 26th of May 2025 along with other black rhinos introduced into the sanctuary. She was not reported with any history of illness since the introduction until the day -19th July, 2025- of discovery of the lifeless carcass. Lions were reported in the vicinity where the carcass of the rhino was discovered.

Postmortem examination

The carcass was lying on the right lateral recumbency, with a southward orientation. It was found on an open savannah grassland space. White fecal droppings were found on the surface of the carcass, and in the immediate environment around the carcass; suggestive of an earlier presence of scavenger birds The two horns were intact. The ears, muscles and tissues around the lower jaw, upper jaw and oral cavity were missing. The neck muscles and organs were missing; the cervical vertebrae were exposed. The whole of the left forelimb was missing. The right forelimb was scavenged of all the muscle and soft tissue covering, leaving the bones and joints intact. Scratch and claw marks were found on the back and the left flank and both hindlimbs. There was a penetrating wound on the anterior aspect of the left hindlimb, at the hock joint.

Cause of death

The autopsy significant findings are suggestive of suspect predation case on the rhino by large carnivores.

Case 16 – 24th July 2025

Lion

Collaring

Kuku Group Ranch

Lions play a critical role in the ecosystem by regulating the numbers of herbivores. They also keep herds healthy and strong by preying on the weakest members. Unfortunately, the substantial rise in human population is putting them in danger. The lion habitats and food have been threatened; pushing them closer to humans, resulting in human-wildlife conflicts. Increased lion deaths have also been reported due to retaliation after the killing of livestock. To mitigate these problems, Kuku Community Conservancy in Partnership with Kenya Wildlife Service embarked on a 5-day exercise to collar “problem The fitting of collars will enable monitoring the lions’ movements and relay information to both the Rangers and the community on their locations. With this kind of information, people can keep their livestock away from lions, increasing guard when the lions are close and also the rangers can help drive them away from human settlements.

Collaring exercise

A call-back system was employed where sounds of herbivores in distress were played at night. Additional use of a carcass tied tightly onto a tree was used to keep the animals in place until darted. Due to darkness, a night vision scope was acquired from KWS security teams to assist in the exercise. The target lions (2) and lioness (1) were identified and darted with 300mg of Ketamine and 6mg Medetomidine from a vehicle. The nose-tail length, shoulder height and the paw & and canine measurements were taken before fitting the collars. the task was successful, and the lions walked away following anaesthetic reversal.

Elephant Postmortem

Segera Conservancy

The carcass of a young elephant was discovered by a Segera Ranger on patrol around the newly established Rhino sanctuary. The case was reported to KWS Laikipia station who reported the case to Mt Kneya Vet unit.

Postmortem examination

The carcass was discovered in a recumbent position on its left flank and at an advanced stage of decomposition with heavy scavenger activity on the carcass. Vultures had emptied the intestinal organs with the thoracic cavity and abdominal cavity were hollow.

The small tusks were present and removed for safe custody.

Cause of death

The cause of death could not be determined but is suspected to be from natural causes

Case 18 – 26th July 2025

Lion

Collaring

Kuku Group Ranch

Two lions, an adult male and young adult female were captured and collared in an exercise to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and enhance monitoring of lions at Ol Jogi Conservancy and Ol Maiso Conservancy landscapes on the 26th of July 2025.

Collaring exercise

The first adult male lion was darted from a vehicle with 300mg Ketamine and 6mg Medetomidine. The lion had a good body condition score, 4 out of 5. Healing scars and small wounds were found on the rump and hind limbs. He was given Amoxicillin, 1250mg IM and Frontline spray to control ticks.

The young female lion was darted with 300mg Ketamine and 6mg Medetomidine, but it only partially discharged, a second dart containing 140mg Ketamine and 2mg Medetomidine was successful. She was additionally topped up with 50mg Ketamine. The lion had a good body condition score, 4 out of 5. Additionally, she was given Amoxicillin, 1500mg, IM and Frontline spray to control ticks.

The lions were safely monitored, blood sample, faecal sample and general body measurements were taken and recorded then the collar was placed. Both lions recovered smoothly and walked away.

Leopard

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Loisaba Conservancy

The leopard was reported after a sighting at a lodge in Loisaba Conservancy. She was observed to have returned to the Conservancy about three months ago and has been a long-standing study candidate through the camera-trap monitoring. The leopard was reported to have been driven from her initial territory by her daughter. The leopard, on her return, not able to regain her territory established residence around a human residence area at the Conservancy posing a big threat to human life at the space.

Immobilisation and examination

The leopard was captured with a cage-trap with a bait on which she got in at noon of the 26th of July 2025. The leopard was immobilized with a dart of 100mg Ketamine and 2mg Medetomidine. The animal weighed 24kgs and had a poor body condition score for her age. The left eye was cloudy. The lower canines were worn out. There was presence of many species and number of ticks on the limbs, neck and perineum of the animal.

Management

The capture, immobilization, and assessment of the adult female leopard was conducted to provide a lasting intervention of the human-wildlife conflict. Taking into consideration the age, health, survival and well-being of the leopard, the animal was put down as the eventual decision.

Case 20 – 28th July 2025

Baboon Collaring Mpala Research Centre

A continuation phase of the baboon project at Mpala Research Center was conducted between 28th of July to 31st of July 2025 on were baboons were captured with cage-traps for a sampling and collaring exercise. Immobilisation, examination and collaring

The baboons were once again lured into trap cages with baits (fruits or maize) in a field. Once the target individuals are in the cage, the door is closed by a mobile-triggered lock. The baboons were immobilised with a Ketamine-Medetomidine drug combination with dose variation based on age, sex and body condition. The adult average size males were immobilised using 150-200mg Ketamine and 0.5mg Medetomidine administered intramuscularly. A top-up with a dose of 50-60mg was administered when necessary. The adult average size females were immobilised using 100-120mg Ketamine and 0.2mg Medetomidine administered intramuscularly. A top-up with a dose of 50-60mg was administered when necessary

Samples collected include blood, faecal swab, external parasites and hair as well as body measurements and weight Fresh wounds were cleaned and sutured, while old wounds were cleaned and managed with topical ointments and spray. Parenteral antibiotic (amoxicillin), anti-inflammatories (Meloxicam or Dexamethasone) and Selenium/Vitamin E booster were administered based on lesions, weight and body condition.

The exercise achieved sampling of 46 baboons with deployment of 42 collars for the baboon project data