SWT/KWS RIFT VALLEY MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT OPERATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE
SEPTEMBER 2026 REPORT
Rift Valley Mobile Vet Unit: September 2026 B Y D R . T I T U S K A I T H O, K W S V E T E R I N A R I A N
The Vet Unit attended to 17 cases during the month of September. Wildlife clinical case interventions were undertaken by the Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit in following areas; Mt Elgon NP, Baringo County, Kedong ranch, Crater Lake Conservancy, Lake Nakuru NP, Lentolia Wildlife Conservancy, Rimoi NR, Somphole – Ekirimatia, Olsuwa – Olerai area, Mundui Estates, Simba Lodge Naivasha among other areas Acknowledgement: We sincerely thank Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) for support, resources & sponsorship of the Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit. Special appreciation goes to Chief Executive Officer SWT, Angela Sheldrick, we acknowledge your unwavering support and interest in the work undertaken by the Mobile Veterinary Unit. Kenya Wildlife Service is acknowledged for general operational & leadership support. Wildlife Research & Training Institute (WRTI) supported the activities by hosting staff at WRTI. We sincerely thank all stakeholders and scouts and all who reported wildlife cases in distress. Thank you all.
MONTH AT A GLANCE: Total cases:
17
27,678 2 9
Case snapshot:
POACHING CASES
ELEPHANT CASES
3
OSTRICH CASES
A R E A O F O P E R AT I O N S :
RIFT VALLEY MOBILE VET UNIT
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 1:
WATERBUCK
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
OUTCOME
02/09/2026
Waterbuck
Female
Adult
Mt Elgon NP
Successfully treated
History This case was reported by Mt Egon NP security staff Examination and Treatment The waterbuck was darted using 6mg etorphine plus 60mg azaperone. On examination a wire snare had brutally wounded the neck of a female waterbuck. We cleaned the wound using water and rinsed the wound with tincture of iodine. We also administered the following: Damox - LA ® (Amoxicillin 15% w/v) Hebei Yuanzheng Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, China) injection 9,000mg by IM route Flumeg (Flunixin Meglumine 5%) Over® Argentina)250 mg by IM route Noromectin® 1% w/v (Norbrook Labs UK) (Ivermectin) 6mL by SQ route Butasal® (Holland) 40mL by IM route Reversal of anesthesia We reversed the waterbuck from anesthesia using 75mg of Naltrexone given by IV and ¼ of the dose by IM route. Prognosis Prognosis of this case is good.
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 1
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 2:
ZEBRA
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
OUTCOME
02/09/2026
Zebra
Female
Adult
Mt Elgon NP
Successfully treated
History This case was reported by Mt Elgon NP security staff Immobilization, Examination and Treatment This zebra was darted using 5mg etorphine plus 80mg azaperone. On examination the zebra had trapped on right front leg by a sandal/shoe which had wounded the zebra. We cleaned the wound using water and rinsed the same using tincture of iodine. A fly repellant (Alamycin® Aerosol) was applied. We also administered the following: Catasol® (Bayer, Germany) 30 mL by IM route Flumeg (Flunixin Meglumine 5%) Over® Argentina)200mg by IM route Bayticol® (Bayer, SA) Pour on (Flumethrin1%) Noromectin® 1% w/v (Norbrook Labs UK) (Ivermectin) 2mL by SQ route Reversal of anesthesia We reversed the zebra from anesthesia using 50mg of Naltrexone given by IV route and ¼ of the dose by IM route. Prognosis Prognosis of this case is good
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 2
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 3:
ZEBRA
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
OUTCOME
02/09/2026
Zebra
Female
Adult
Mt Elgon NP
Guarded prognosis
History This case was reported by Mt Elgon NP security staff Immobilization, Examination and Treatment This zebra was darted using 5mg etorphine plus 50mg azaperone. On examination the female zebra had wire snare deeply embedded into tissues brutally wounding right hind leg. The wound was hemorrhagic and infected. The snare had also severed the suspensory ligaments of the leg. We cleaned the wound using water and rinsed the same using tincture of iodine. A fly repellant (Alamycin® Aerosol) was applied. We also administered the following: Damox - LA ® (Amoxicillin 15% w/v) Hebei Yuanzheng Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, China) injection 9,000mg by IM route Flumeg (Flunixin Meglumine 5%) Over® Argentina)250 mg by IM route Noromectin® 1% w/v (Norbrook Labs UK) (Ivermectin) 6mL by SQ route Butasal® (Holland) 40mL by IM route Reversal of anesthesia We reversed the zebra from anesthesia using 50mg of Naltrexone given by IV and ¼ of the dose by IM route. Prognosis Prognosis of this case is guarded
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 3
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 4:
HORSE
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
OUTCOME
03/09/2026
Horse
Female
Adult
Mt Elgon NP
Successfully treated
History This case was reported by Mt Elgon NPsecurity staff Immobilization, Examination and Treatment Clinical examination & management of the case The horse was clinically examined. The horse is good health at this point time. The horse was routinely dewormed using 10mL ivermectin 1 % w/v by subcutaneous route Prognosis The horse was successfully treated.
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 4
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 5:
OSTRICH
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
OUTCOME
05/09/2026
Ostrich
Female & Male
Adult
Baringo County
Successfully treated
History These cases were reported by KWS Baringo Security staff Immobilization, Examination and Translocation The ostriches were darted one at time using 4mg etorphine plus 80mg Ketamine. On examination the ostriches had been wounded by arrows on the chest region. We cleaned the wounds using water and rinsed the same using tincture of iodine. A fly repellant (Alamycin® Aerosol) was applied. We also administered the following: Damox - LA ® (Amoxicillin 15% w/v) Hebei Yuanzheng Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, China) injection 12,000mg by IM route Colvasone® (Dexamethasone 2mg/mL injection) Norbrook Labs UK) 4 mg by IM route Reversal of anesthesia We reversed the ostriches from general anesthesia using 100mg of Naltrexone given by IV route and ¼ of the dose by IM route. Prognosis Prognosis of these cases is good.
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 5
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 6:
BUFFALO
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
OUTCOME
15/09/2026
Buffalo
Male
Adult
Kedong Ranch
Task successful
History This case was reported by KWS Naivasha Station security staff Immobilization, Examination and Treatment The buffalo was darted using 9mg etorphine plus 80mg azaperone. On examination the male buffalo had been snared by a long wire on the neck. Fortunately, the buffalo had suffered only minor skin lacerations. We also administered the following to prevent a joint infection: Noromectin® 1% w/v (Norbrook Labs UK) (Ivermectin) 10mL by SQ route Bayticol® (Bayer, SA) Pour on (Flumethrin1%) Reversal We reversed the buffalo from anesthesia using 100mg of Naltrexone given by IV and ¼ of the dose by IM route. Prognosis The exercise was successful.
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 6
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 7:
BUFFALO
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
OUTCOME
16/09/2026
Buffalo
Male
Adult
Crater Lake Conservancy
Successfully treated
History This case was reported by Lentolia Wildlife Conservancy security staff Immobilization, Examination and Treatment The buffalo was darted using 9mg etorphine plus 80mg azaperone. On examination the male buffalo had wire snare that had brutally wounded the left hind leg. The wound was suppurative and maggot infected. The buffalo was aged, weak & debilitated. We cleaned the wound using water and rinsed the same using tincture of iodine. A fly repellant (Alamycin® Aerosol) was applied. We also administered the following: Damox - LA ® (Amoxicillin 15% w/v) Hebei Yuanzheng Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, China) injection 12,000mg by IM route Flumeg (Flunixin Meglumine 5%) Over® Argentina)400 mg by IM route Noromectin® 1% w/v (Norbrook Labs UK) (Ivermectin) 10mL by SQ route Butasal® (Holland) 80mL by IM route Bayticol® (Bayer, SA) Pour on (Flumethrin1%) Reversal of anesthesia We reversed the buffalo from anesthesia using 100mg of Naltrexone given by IV and ¼ of the dose by IM route. Prognosis Prognosis of this case is good
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 7
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 8:
ELEPHANT
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
OUTCOME
17/09/2026
Elephant
Female
Adult
Baringo County
Task successful
History This elephant (Maxine) is one of the matriarchs of Kisanana herd (15 to 17 individuals). This herd is a conflict associated and routinely migrates from Muchogoi area (Baringo County) to Solai area (Nakuru County) Immobilization, Examination and Treatment This elephant was darted using 18mg etorphine with helicopter support from Mara elephant Project (MEP). On examination the female elephant had been had been collared but the collar was not transmitting any signal. We removed the old nonfunctional collar and a replaced it with a new GSM collar. Reversal of anesthesia We reversed the elephant from anesthesia using 200mg of Naltrexone given by IV and ¼ of the dose by IM route. Prognosis Prognosis of this case is good
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 8
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 9:
ZEBRA
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
OUTCOME
17/09/2026
Zebra
Male
Adult
Elementaita
Successfully treated
History This case was reported by Lake Elementaita Bird Sanctuary security staff Immobilization, Examination and Treatment The zebra was darted using 5mg etorphine plus 80mg azaperone. On examination the male zebra had been wounded by a lion on the flank and back. The wounds were suppurative and infected. We cleaned the wounds using water and rinsed the same using tincture of iodine. A fly repellant (Alamycin® Aerosol) was applied. We also administered the following: Damox - LA ® (Amoxicillin 15% w/v) Hebei Yuanzheng Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, China) injection 9,000mg by IM route Flumeg (Flunixin Meglumine 5%) Over® Argentina)300 mg by IM route Noromectin® 1% w/v (Norbrook Labs UK) (Ivermectin) 8mL by SQ route Butasal® (Holland) 40mL by IM route Bayticol® (Bayer, SA) Pour on (Flumethrin1%) Reversal We reversed the zebra foal from anesthesia using 50mg of Naltrexone given by IV and ¼ of the dose by IM route. Prognosis Prognosis of this case is good
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 9
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 10:
RHINO
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
OUTCOME
20/09/2026
Rhino
Male
Adult
Nakuru NP
Postmortem
History This report describes a postmortem examination of one (1) male black rhinoceros at Lake Nakuru NP A black rhinoceros was reported to be dead at Lake Nakuru NP on 20.09.2026. The carcass was less than 12 hours old. General postmortem findings i. A black rhinoceros a fresh carcass – died less than 12 hours ii. The front and rear horns were present/intact iii. The black rhino had excellent body condition (body condition score of 5). {Scale of scoring 1=Very poor, 2 = Poor, 3= Fair, 4= Good, 5= Excellent} iv. The carcass was on supine position v. The testicles and left ear had been mauled by hyenas Specific postmortem findings i) Three (3) sites were blood stained/trail of blood was observed away from the carcass ii) Fight marks or skin lacerations around the testicular area, perineum, left arm pit area and a deep penetrating wound on right flank area in the chest area iii) A deep penetrating wound 20cm wide on right side perforating the chest cavity between the 12th and 13th rib iv) A perforated right lung lobe Cause of death The cause of death of this black rhinoceros was traumatic injury leading a fatal lung hemorrhage as a result of terrible territorial fight with another rhinoceros.
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 10
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 11:
ZEBRA
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
OUTCOME
23/09/2026
Zebra
Male
Adult
Naivasha
Successfully treated
History This case was reported by KWS Naivasha Canine Unit security staff on patrol Immobilization, Examination and Treatment The zebra was darted using 5mg etorphine plus 80mg azaperone. On examination the male zebra had been snared and wounded by a wire on left hind leg. The wound was suppurative and infected. We cleaned the wounds using water and rinsed the same using tincture of iodine. A fly repellant (Alamycin® Aerosol) was applied. We also administered the following: Damox - LA ® (Amoxicillin 15% w/v) Hebei Yuanzheng Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, China) injection 9,000mg by IM route Flumeg (Flunixin Meglumine 5%) Over® Argentina)300 mg by IM route Noromectin® 1% w/v (Norbrook Labs UK) (Ivermectin) 8mL by SQ route Butasal® (Holland) 40mL by IM route Bayticol® (Bayer, SA) Pour on (Flumethrin1%) Reversal We reversed the zebra from anesthesia using 50mg of Naltrexone given by IV and ¼ of the dose by IM route. Prognosis Prognosis is good
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 11
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 12:
ZEBRA
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
OUTCOME
24/09/2026
Zebra
Male
Foal
WRTI
Successfully treated
History This case was reported by WRTI security staff on patrol Examination & management of the case The zebra foal was a downer and could not stand up or ambulate. On examination the male zebra was debilitated, anemic and could not ambulate. The zebra was physically restrained for a thorough physical examination. The body condition was poor. The zebra was a downer for more than 48hrs. The zebra had a poor prognosis. The zebra foal was put to rest. Prognosis Prognosis of this case was poor and the foal was euthanized
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 12
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 13:
ZEBRA
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
OUTCOME
25/09/2026
Elephant
Male
Adult
Rimoni NR
Guarded prognosis
History This elephant case was reported by Elgeyo Marakwet County Warden through e-mail. The elephant was reported to be lame with a swollen leg on 24.09.2026. This elephant is a conflict associated one and frequently migrates from Rimoi NR – Elgeyo Marakwet County, crosses Kerio River and migrates to Chemoso area – Kamnarok NR - Baringo County. Immobilization, Examination and Treatment The elephant was darted using 18mg etorphine foot darting. On examination the male elephant had a swollen right front leg. The leg was inflamed and showed severe lameness. This is the reason why elephant was feeding near Kerio River for last 3 days or so. The area was not accessible by vehicle. The elephant was lying down when darted. He stood up and later laid down on the injured leg side. We could NOT flip over the elephant due to his enormous weight. We observed a wound on cranial aspect the right front leg which we suspected was a gunshot wound healing with lots of granulation tissue. There is a possibility that, the elephant had suffered a dislocation of one of leg joints. We cleaned the wound with plenty of water and again rinsed the wound with tincture of iodine. We also sprayed the wound with a fly repellant (Alamycin® Aerosol (Oxytetracycline) spray). We also administered the following: Damox - LA ® (Amoxicillin 15% w/v) Hebei Yuanzheng Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, China) injection 15,000mg by IM route Genta® 10(Gentamycin (100mg/mL injection) Interchemie (Holland) 200mg by IM route Flumeg (Flunixin Meglumine 5%) Over® Argentina)1000 mg by IM route Noromectin® 1% w/v (Norbrook Labs UK) (Ivermectin) 20mL by SQ route Butasal® (Holland) 80mL by IM route Reversal We reversed the elephant from anesthesia using 200mg of Naltrexone given by IV and ¼ of the dose by IM route. Prognosis Prognosis of this case is guarded
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 13
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 14:
ZEBRA
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
OUTCOME
26/09/2026
Zebra
Female
Adult
Marula Estates
Successfully treated
History This case was reported by Marula Estates security staff Immobilization, Examination and Treatment The zebra was darted using 5mg etorphine plus 80mg azaperone. On examination the female zebra had wire snared been snared by nylon rope ground snare. The zebra was immobile due to being tethered by the ground rope snare. The zebra had suffered a cracked hoof. We cleaned the wound using water and rinsed the same using tincture of iodine. A fly repellant (Alamycin® Aerosol) was applied. We also administered the following: Damox - LA ® (Amoxicillin 15% w/v) Hebei Yuanzheng Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd, China) injection 9,000mg by IM route Flumeg (Flunixin Meglumine 5%) Over® Argentina)250 mg by IM route Noromectin® 1% w/v (Norbrook Labs UK) (Ivermectin) 6mL by SQ route Reversal We reversed the zebra from anesthesia using 50mg of Naltrexone given by IV and ¼ of the dose by IM route. Prognosis Prognosis is good
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 14
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 15:
BUFFALO
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
OUTCOME
28/09/2026
Buffalo
Male
Calf
Olerai
Task successful
History This case was reported by Olerai security staff Immobilization, Examination and Treatment The male buffalo calf less than one month was physically restrained and captured. The buffalo cow had died due to brutal wire snare in the same area. The calf was translocated to SWT Nairobi for specialized care and management. We also administered Noromectin® 1% w/v (Norbrook Labs UK) (Ivermectin) 1mL by SQ route Prognosis Prognosis of this case is good
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 15
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 16:
ELAND
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
OUTCOME
29/09/2026
Eland
Male
Adult
Mundui Estates
Treated successfully
History This case was reported by Mundui Estates security staff Immobilization, Examination and Treatment The male eland was darted using 15mg etorphine plus 80mg azaperone. On examination the male eland had been snared by an electric cable on the neck. The eland had only suffered minor lacerations on the neck. Reversal We reversed the eland bull from anesthesia using 200mg of Naltrexone given by IV and ¼ of the dose by IM route. Prognosis Prognosis is good
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 16
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 17:
OSTRICH
DATE
SPECIES
SEX
AGE
LOCATION
OUTCOME
29/09/2026
Ostrich
Male
Chick
Naivasha
Postmortem
History This report describes a postmortem examination of one (1) male ostrich chick at Simba Lodge Naivasha Examination and Postmortem One ostrich died during morning hours of 29.09.2026 in Simba Lodge Naivasha. This one among 4 chicks in the flock. General postmortem findings i. ii.
Ostrich chick lying on sternal recumbency The carcass had attained rigor mortis
Specific postmortem findings i. Five (5) foreign bodies/materials including (plastic bottle caps, pieces of wood, and other plastics) were found in stomach causing severe impaction of the stomach ii. The liver was enlarged – hepatomegaly iii. Lungs were pneumonic Cause of death The cause of death of ostrich chick was respiratory failure complicated by impacted stomach by foreign bodies
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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CASE 17
S W T/ K W S R I F T VA L L E Y M O B I L E V E T U N I T
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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
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