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SWT/KWS MT KENYA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT

JUNE 2025

11 Cases in June 2025

June Report by Dr. Jeremiah Poghon

6 Rhino Cases

1 Elephant Case

The Unit attended to 11 cases in June, focusing on the Eastern Black rhino translocation from Conservancies to the Segera Rhino sanctuary. The Segera Rhino Sanctuary received a total of twenty-one (21) black rhinos from the operation, rhinos sourced from Ol Pejeta, Lewa and Borana Conservancies and Lake Nakuru National Park. Other cases involving collaring of animals, treating animals with injuries due to natural causes and habitat assessment.

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.

Case Details

Date Species Area Found Reason for Intervention Outcome

1-Jun-25

6-Jun-25

Rhino Black Lewa Conservancy Relocation Goal of population re-distribution and habitat management Task Successful

Rhino Black Solio Ranch Relocation

Rhino White Meru NP Natural Causes

The male black rhino was reported to have broken out of the rhino sanctuary Task Successful

The rhino was limping on both hind limbs and exhibiting pain with movement Successfully Treated

10-Jun-25 Lion Karisia Conservancy Collared Collaring to facilitate monitoring and mediating human-wildlife conflict

11-Jun-25 Elephant Lewa Conservancy Collared

11-Jun-25

13-Jun-25

Rhino Black Borana Conservancy Postmortem

An adult male elephant was immobilized to facilitate collaring

Task Successful

The animal had mouth gaping, a swollen mouth, and had a poor body condition Died

Rhino White Lewa Conservancy Natural Causes The calf had sustained injuries from fights by other dominant bulls Prognosis Poor

13-Jun-25 Eland Ngare Ndare Forest HWC

A juvenile male eland had gotten out of the Lewa Conservancy fence

14-Jun-25 Lion Karisia Conservancy Collared Collaring to facilitate monitoring and mediating human-wildlife conflict

17-Jun-25

Rhino Black Solio Ranch Relocation

21-Jun-25 Giraffe Nyeri County Research/ Survey

The male was a victim of fights from other dominant bulls and needed relocating

The resort has an interest and intention of receiving four (4) reticulated giraffes

Task Successful

June 2025

Case 1 – 1st June 2025

Black Rhino Relocation

Lewa Conservancy

The Vet Unit collaborating with other units was involved in the translocation exercise of 21 Eastern black rhinos to the Segera Rhino sanctuary with the goal of population re-distribution and habitat management in the black rhino sanctuaries. The second phase of translocation was conducted at Lewa and Borana Conservancies where 4 females and 5 males were translocated to the Segera Rhino Sanctuary.

Immobilisation and relocation

Eight of the rhinos were darted from a helicopter, and one docile male was darted from a vehicle. Etorphine protocol and a tranquilizer (Azaperone) combination were used depending on the rhinos age and size. Once the animals were immobilized, Butorphanol was administered intravenously to partially reverse the induction opioid, Etorphine, while keeping the animal under a safe plane of anaesthesia for handling. Butorphanol was administered at a dose of 2-4 times the dose of Etorphine (mg/mg) ratio. For specific individuals that had severe respiratory depression, a dose of 10-20mg Doxapram was used to stimulate respiratory function. Additional Butorphanol doses and Doxapram were administered based on the condition of the animal.

The rhinos were reversed using Naltrexone, intravenously after being secured by ropes and aligned to the transportation container. The rhinos were successfully loaded into the crates and lifted onto transit lorries and transported to Segera Conservancy by road.

Case 2 – 6th June 2025

Black Rhino Relocation

Solio Ranch

The male black rhino was reported by the monitoring rangers to have broken out of the rhino sanctuary but was still within the perimeter of the Solio Game Reserve.

Immobilisation and relocation

The rhino was immobilized with 2.5mg Etorphine and 50mg Azaperone. He was down on sternal recumbency within 5 minutes from darting. He was stabilized with 10mg of Butorphanol and supplemented with oxygen. An additional dose of 10mg Butorphanol and 40mg Doxapram was administered after the rhino was observed to be holding breaths and breathing rate was down to 5 breaths per minute.

Vital parameters including respiratory rate and blood pressure were measured throughout the exercise. Clinical eamination showed the animal was in fair body condition but had filarial wounds on the flank and right shoulder as ell as a laceration wound to the right thigh adjacent to the groin. The wound was flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, and iodine solution, then spayed with Alamycin (Oxytetracycline) spray. Amoxicillin and Phenylbutazone were also administered to cover for secondary infections and provide pain relief: The filarial worm wounds were sprayed with Alamycin spray topically to prevent secondary infection. The rhino was placed into position with ropes then the anaesthesia was reversed, for loading into the transportation container. He was then secured in the crate and transported back into the rhino sanctuary.

Case 3 – 6th June 2025

White Rhino Natural Causes

Meru National Park

The rhino was reported to be limping on both hind limbs and exhibiting pain with movement. Wounds were noted on the hindquarters, flanks and shoulders. The bull was reported a victim of territorial fights by other dominant rhinos.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The rhino was immobilized with a dart combination of 5mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 80mg Azaperone. The induction time was 8 minutes. As soon as the rhino went down, he was stabilized with a dose of 50mg of butorphanol administered intravenously through the ear vein.

The bull had a fair body condition. There were multiple laceration and puncture wounds distributed on the shoulder, flanks and the hindquarters. There were filarial worm wounds on the flanks.

The laceration and puncture wounds were attributed to territorial fights with other rhinos. The wounds were cleaned, and green clay paste applied on them. A topical antimicrobial spray, Alamycin (Oxytetracycline) was sprayed on the wounds. The rhino was also given 18,000mg long-Amoxiciilin and 2,500mg Flunixin ro protect against secondary infections, pain and swelling as well as 100ml Multivitamin solution.

Prognosis

The prompt treatment will quicken recovery, prevent secondary infections and relieve pain.

Case 4 – 10th June 2025

Lion

Collaring

Karisia Conservancy

A female lion was targeted for collaring to facilitate monitoring and mediating human-wildlife conflict in the surrounding communities. The Vet Unit facilitated the immobilisation, monitoring and giving the treatments to the lioness during the procedure; the Lion Landscape personnel fixed the collar on the animal.

Immobilisation and collaring

The lioness was immobilised with a dart of 300mg of Ketamine, and 6mg medetomidine which was successfully placed on the left shoulder. The first signs of induction were noted after 5 minutes. A blindfold was placed and the animal was moved into the shade and placed on right lateral recumbency. The animal was stable and was well sedated during the entire procedure.

The rectal temperature of the animal was monitored with a digital thermometer. Respiratory rate was monitored by manually counting the abdominal excursions. A venous blood (EDTA and serum) and a ear tissue biopsy samples were collected for laboratory analysis. The lioness was also given 2,250mg Amoxicillin and Frontline spray to control ticks.

Prognosis

The Lion Landscape team placed the collar which was ascertained to be properly placed on the neck of the lioness. The lion was in good condition and was head up and walking with 1 hour of darting.

Case

Elephant

Collaring

Lewa Conservancy

An adult male elephant was immobilized to facilitate collaring. The intervention allowed for successful collar placement, sample collection and treatment of the elephant by the veterinary unit.

Immobilisation and collaring

The elephant was darted with a dart of 18mg Etorphine on the left flank. The dart failed to give the induction effect because of the excess subcutaneous tissue on the site of placement. A second dart of 15mg of Etorphine was successfully placed on the left rump, which resulted in excellent induction within 5 minutes.

The elephant had a good body condition score of 3.5 out 5. There was purulent exudate from the base of the first molar of the lower jaw. There were two small superficial puncture wounds on the dorsal aspect of the thorax, next to the back line. The exudates on the tooth were flushed with Hydrogen peroxide and cleaned out with water before flushing with iodine solution. The superficial puncture wounds were flushed with Iodine solution, and topical antibiotic spray, Alamycin (Oxytetracycline) was applied. The collar was successfully placed around the neck of the bull.

Prognosis

The immobilisation, collaring and treatment exercise was successfully conducted. The GPS-installed collar will serve in the monitoring of the elephant movement patterns providing understanding of their behaviour.

Case 6 – 11th June 2025

Black Rhino

Post-mortem

Borana Conservancy

A male sub-adult black rhino was reported with lesions on the lips and mouth gaping at Borana Conservancy.

Postmortem examination

The rhino was darted with a 2.5mg Etorphine and 60mg Azaperone dart. The animal was stabilized with 10mg Butorphanol administered intravenously through the ear vein. The rhino had a poor body condition score on assessment. Laceration wounds on the right flank, groin and proximal aspect of both hind limbs. Filarial worm wounds were found on the flanks and the right shoulder. There was a soft tissue swelling on the lower lip and anterior part of the lower jaw. There was a complete, bilateral fracture of the anterior one-third of the lower jaw. The mandibular symphysis was completely separated, resulting in separate movements of the jaw bones. After conducting a thorough clinical assessment on the body condition of the animal and the nature of the lesions, a decision was reached with extensive consultation on the animal welfare to put down the animal to reduce suffering and pain.

Cause of death

The rhino sustained serious mandibular fractures after falling down a rocky cliff during the capture for notching exercise. The fracture resulted in soft tissue swelling on the mouth and difficulty in eating leading to loss of body condition, and the animal became too weak to defend itself from other rhinos.

Case 7 – 13th June 2025

White Rhino Natural Causes

Lewa Conservancy

The Southern White rhino calf was reported to have sustained injuries from fights with other dominant bulls. The rhino was reported to be limping and not feeding well. The movement was limited, and he was recumbent most of the time. Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The calf was immobilized with 1.5mg Etorphine and 40mg Azaperone. The animal was stabilized with 25mg Butorphanol and 40mg Doxapram administered intravenously through the ear vein.

The white rhino calf was observed to be having weight bearing lameness, favoring the left hind limb. The rhino had a fair body condition score but had general body weakness and was dehydrated. There were multiple laceration wounds on the left and right flanks, belly and groin. There was a deep, 20cm open puncture wound on the medial side of the left thigh which was exuding purulent discharge, and there was significant soft tissue swelling on the thigh. The deep puncture wound was managed by flushing with Hydrogen peroxide and with Iodine. 4 Oxytetracycline pessaries were packed into the wound. 2 tubes of opticlox were also applied into the wound then it was sealed with green clay paste. All other superficial and laceration wounds were flushed with Iodine solution and sprayed with a topical Alamycin. The rhino was also given Lactated Ringers solution, Dextrose, long-acting antibiotics, phenylbutazone and multivitamins.

Prognosis

He was left in close monitoring and observation by the rangers but has a guarded prognosis.

Eland

Relocation

Ngare Ndare Forest

The juvenile male eland was reported to have escaped out of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy enclosure fence into the Ngare Ndare Forest community.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The eland was darted with 4mg Etorphine and 60mg Azaperone on the left rump. The induction duration was 4 minutes. The eland was stabilized with 10mg Butorphanol and 30mg Doxapram given intravenously.

The eland was found with bilateral cornual(horn) breakage, where the outer layers of the horns were detached. There were blood clots from bleeding at the base of the horns and abrasion wounds along the backline, shoulders and proximal aspects of the fore limbs. A treatment was administered to the eland to prevent secondary infections on the self-afflicted wounds and cover for shock of capture and translocation. The eland was given 1,500mg Amoxicillin and 30mg Dexamethasone. The abrasion wounds and the wounds on the horns were sprayed with Alamycin (oxytetracycline) topical antibiotic.

Translocation and prognosis

The eland was placed onto a stretcher and carried to a vehicle, where it was translocated into Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. It was released in the vicinity of a herd of elands. A team from Lewa was left to monitor the animal. It was reported to have reunited with the herd successfully later that evening.

Case 9 – 14th June 2025

Lion

Collaring

Karisia Conservancy

Immobilisation and collaring

The lioness was immobilised with a dart of 300mg of Ketamine, and 6mg medetomidine which was successfully placed on the left shoulder. The lioness was down and safe for handling after 8 minutes. The lioness was monitored and safely handled during the exercise.

The rectal temperature of the animal was monitored with a digital thermometer; a reading of 39.10C was recorded. Respiratory rate was monitored by manually counting the abdominal excursions. A venous blood (EDTA) sample was collected for laboratory analysis. Frontline (fipronil) spray topically along the backline to control ticks. The collar was safely placed on the animals neck and revived.

Conclusion

Collaring of lions with GPS installed transmitters, is a valuable tool not only for research studies but also mitigating human-wildlife conflicts by allowing easy monitoring and tracing of lions in real-time.

Case 10 – 17th June 2025

Black Rhino Relocation

Solio Ranch

The male black rhino was reported to have broken out of the Solio Rhino Sanctuary, for the second time, but within the Solio Game Reserve perimeter. The same rhino had been translocated back to the rhino sanctuary on June 6, 2025 following a similar break out. The male was reported victim of fights from other dominant bulls.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The rhino was immobilized with a dart consisting of 2.5mg Etorphine and 40mg Azaperone placed on the right rump. The induction duration was 4 minutes until the animal was down on lateral recumbency. He was stabilized with 5mg Butorphanol administered intravenously through the ear vein. The animal was moved right lateral recumbency. The animal was supplemented with oxygen with close monitoring of respiratory rate and depth.

The rhino had a fair body condition score There were filarial worm wounds on the flanks and right shoulder and laceration wounds on the belly and flanks, from fights. The laceration wounds and filarial wounds were managed with a topical antibiotic spray and an additional systemic antibiotic was administered to cover for secondary infections and as a prophylaxis with the translocation to the new habitat: The horns were drilled and the fitted with LoRAWAN transmitter of the frequency and an ear tag was also installed. The rhino was secured into the crate and the crate loaded onto a lorry for transportation

Prognosis

The male black rhino was successfully captured and translocated to a new habitat at Salient Rhino Sanctuary.

Case 11 – 21st June 2025

Giraffe Research/Survey

Nyeri County

An assessment was conducted by the Vet unit on Sangare Hills Home Resort. The aim of the exercise was to evaluate the capacity and suitability of the resort to take in more wildlife species. The resort has an interest and intention of receiving four (4) reticulated giraffes; 3 females and 1 male. The assessment entailed obtaining information about the resort from the staff and management, field visit and data recording.

Assessment

Sangare Hills Home Resort is bordered by Sangare Farm, Sangare Conservancy and Sandai plains, with no immediate border with the community land. Sangare Hills Home Resort has a total of twenty (20) holiday homes built within the property. The homes are for guest and visitor’s use. They are owned by private entities. However, they are not allowed to fence around them. Sangare Hills Home Resort has an electric perimeter fence made of 12 strands of wire. The fence is checked and serviced by the staff. The resort has one main entrance which is manned day and night. The security team routinely conducts a patrol around the resort twice daily. Sangare Hills Home Resort has a diverse composition of vegetation and two artificial dams. The Sangare Hills Home Resort currently hosts a varied population of herbivores and carnivores including 5 common elands, 15 plain zebras, impalas, waterbucks, hyenas and jackals.

Conclusion

The ecological assessment of the Sangare Hills Home Resort found that there was a sufficient capacity to hold the intended number of wildlife to be introduced into the space: four reticulated giraffes