SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Report for February 2025 by Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

SWT/KWS TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT

FEBRUARY 2025

12 Cases in February 5 Poaching Cases

February Report by Dr. Campaign Limo

7 Elephant Cases

The Tsavo Conservation area received very low precipitation during this period, however some water pans are still full, and both grazers and browsers still have enough food to utilize. The Unit attended to 12 cases in February involving 7 elephants, 3 lions, a zebra and a wildebeest.

Acknowledgement

TMVU would like to appreciate all stakeholders who helped monitor and report wildlife cases that required intervention. Special thanks to KWS and SWT for the unwavering support and facilitation of the unit.

Case Details

1-Feb-25 Elephant Tsavo East NP Snared A snare had inflicted a deep septic wound on the left forelimb Successfully Treated

4-Feb-25 Lion Tsavo East NP HWC This young lioness was spotted by herders in a deep pit in Galana Task Successful

7-Feb-25 Elephant Taita Ranches

7-Feb-25

11-Feb-25

Ranches

Causes It was suspected that the bull had suffered a left shoulder sprain Successfully Treated

Causes

revealed non- weight bearing lameness of the right hind limb

Causes Examination revealed a deep septic fight wound on the medial proximal left forelimb Successfully Treated

13-Feb-25 Elephant Tsavo East NP Spear Examination revealed a penetrating septic wound to the left carpal joint Taken to Orphanage

16-Feb-25 Lion Taita Ranches HWC A pride of lions was reported to have lost 2 of its members with one cub still in critical condition Successfully Treated

17-Feb-25 Lion Taita Ranches Natural Causes This lioness was wounded on the right forelimb and hind limb Successfully Treated

24-Feb-25 Elephant Tsavo East NP Arrow Examination revealed a septic arrow wound on the left flank area Successfully Treated

24-Feb-25 Wildebeest Tsavo West NP Snared Examination revealed a wire snare on the neck, the snare had not inflicted wounds Successfully Treated

26-Feb-25 Zebra Taita Ranches Snared

Examination revealed a wire snare on the neck, the snare had not inflicted wounds Successfully Treated

27-Feb-25 Elephant Taita Ranches Postmortem An elephant carcass was found by KWS Rangers in Choke ranch Successfully Treated

SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations

February 2025

Case 1 – 1st February 2025

Elephant Snared

Balguda, Tsavo East NP

This young elephant was spotted by a KWS team in Balguda area, she had a wire snare on her left fore limb, and the snare had inflicted deep injuries around the area.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

She was successfully immobilized using 5mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 1.5 cc Daninject dart. Darting was done from the vehicle, and it took 6 minutes for the drugs to achieve its full effects.

Examination revealed a wire snare on the distal left forelimb. The snare had inflicted a deep septic wound at the area. The wire snare was cut using wire cutters, followed by thorough cleaning of the wound. The wound was thereafter flushed with Hydrogen peroxide then rinsed and infused with tincture of Iodine. Green clay and topical antibiotic spray were also applied on the wound.

The elephant additionally received Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin anti-inflammatories parenterally.

Reversal and prognosis

She was reversed from anaesthesia using 100mg Naltrexone hydrochloride delivered intravenously via a prominent ear vein. She rose and walked away 3 minutes later Prognosis is good. .

Case

Lion Human-Wildlife Conflict

Galana, Tsavo East NP

This young lioness was spotted by herders in a deep pit in Galana, she was in distress and unable to get out of the pit on her own.

Immobilisation, examination and rescue

The lioness was anesthetized using a combination of 3mg Medetomidine and 150mg Ketamine delivered in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from foot, and it took 6 minutes for full anaesthesia to be achieved, then she was extracted from the pit manually and taken to a nearby shade.

Examination revealed that the lioness had bruises on her foot pads and had worn all her claws from repeated unsuccessful attempts to get out of the pit. Her injuries were cleaned, disinfected and topical antibiotics applied.

She additionally received Amoxicillin antibiotics and anti-inflammatories parenterally.

Reversal and prognosis

She was reversed from anaesthesia with 15mg Atipamezole given intramuscularly. She rose and walked away 20 minutes later.

Natural Causes

Taita Hills Sanctuary

This injured elephant was spotted limping near the saltlick lodge by the rangers at the sanctuary.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

This bull was darted from a vehicle with 18mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan-inject dart. It took 7 minutes for full anaesthesia to be achieved.

Examination revealed that the bull had no external injuries, it was suspected that the bull had suffered a left shoulder sprain. Anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics were administered parenterally.

Reversal and prognosis

He was reversed from anaesthesia using 200mg Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via a prominent ear vein. Prognosis is good.

Natural Causes

This injured elephant was spotted close to the saltlick lodge with leg carrying lameness, the Rangers at the Sanctuary.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

This bull was successfully immobilized using 20mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from the vehicle and it took 10 minutes for the drug to achieve its full effect.

Examination revealed non- weight bearing lameness of the right hind limb. On manipulation of the affected limb excessive mobility, crepitation and soft tissue swelling was evident. It was suspected that the bull had suffered a fracture (closed complete mid-diaphyseal) of the femur. He received a shot of flunixin meglumine parenterally and recommended for further monitoring.

Prognosis

Prognosis is guarded. .

Taita Hills Sanctuary

Case 5 – 11th February 2025

Elephant Natural Causes

Kutima Ranch, Taita

This injured elephant was spotted by KWS/ Wildlife Works teams at the area, he was limping with a wound on his left fore limb.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

This bull was successfully immobilized using 18mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Dating was done from foot and it took 8 minutes for the drug to achieve its full effects. The bull assumed a compromising position that impeded proper breathing hence the risk of hypoxia. He was given Amoxicillin antibiotics parenterally followed by quick reversal and resuscitation.

The case was reviewed on the 14th February and he was immobilized successfully with 20mg Etorphine Examination revealed a deep septic fight wound on the left forelimb. The wound was thoroughly cleaned, debrided, flushed with Hydrogen peroxide and infused with tincture of Iodine. The wound was thereafter packed with antibiotic pessaries and green clay. Topical antibiotic spray was also applied on the wound. He was additionally given Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin anti-inflammatories parenterally.

Reversal and prognosis

Prognosis is fair.

Case 6 – 13th February 2025

Elephant Spear Galana, Tsavo East NP

This injured elephant was spotted by the SWT pilot, he was limping and had a swollen left forelimb.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

This calf was successfully immobilized from foot using 6mg Etorphine

Examination revealed a penetrating septic spear wound on anterior surface of the left carpal joint. There was active joint infection with pus within the joint capsule. The wound was thoroughly cleaned and the pus evacuated from the joint. This was followed by flushing with Hydrogen peroxide and infused with tincture of iodine, antibiotics and topical antibiotic spray applied. Additionally, he received shots of Amoxicillin, Clindamycin antibiotics and Flunixin anti-inflammatory medication parenterally.

Prognosis

He was taken to the SWT Voi elephant stockade for monitoring and repeat treatments since he had been neglected by his family. He was reviewed on the 20th February and examination revealed that pus had accumulated. The wound was thoroughly cleaned with water, Hydrogen peroxide and infused with Iodine. The wound was thereafter packed with antibiotic pessaries and sprayed with a topical antibiotics. He also received shots of Amoxicillin, Clindamycin antibiotics and Flunixin anti-inflammatories parenterally

Lion

Human-wildlife Conflict

Lualenyi Ranch, Taita

A pride of lions in Lualenyi ranch was reported to have lost 2 of its members with one cub being in critical condition, the honorary warden at the ranch immediately reported this to TMVU who responded timely.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

This cub was successfully anesthetized using a combination of 1.5mg Medetomidine and 80mg Ketamine. Darting was done from the vehicle, and it took 6 minutes for the drugs to achieve its full effects.

Examination revealed that the cub was dehydrated and had a distended abdomen. He was suspected to have ingested a carcass laced with poison. He was immediately started on re hydrating fluids and the first dose of Atropine sulphate. 30 minutes later he was given the second dose of Atropine sulphate intravenously to reverse the effects of the ingested poison. Additionally, he received shots of amoxicillin antibiotics and antiinflammatory medication parenterally. The stomach contents of one his dead pride members was collected for toxicological analysis to confirm the diagnosis.

Prognosis

Prognosis is guarded to good.

Case 8 – 17th February 2025

Lion

Natural Causes

Pipeline, Taita

This lioness was spotted wounded on the right forelimb and hind limb by the Rangers at the Sanctuary.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

The lioness was successfully immobilized using a combination of 4mg Medetomidine and 180mg Ketamine delivered remotely in a 3 cc Dan inject dart Darting was done from the vehicle and it took 10 minutes for full anaesthesia to be achieved.

Examination revealed a penetrating wound on the axillary area and another on the medial side of the lower thigh. The wound was thoroughly cleaned with water, then infused with tincture of Iodine and antibiotic ointment. Both wounds were then sutured accordingly. Topical antibiotic spray was then applied

Additionally, he received shots of Amoxicillin antibiotics.

Prognosis

She was reversed from anaesthesia using 20mg of Atepamezole given intramuscularly. She rose 10 minutes later and slowly walked away. Prognosis is good.

Case 9 – 24th February 2025

Elephant Arrow Satao, Tsavo East NP

This injured elephant was spotted by the SWT pilot during patrols in the Satao area having a wound on the left flank area. TMVU was notified and responded immediately to attend to the elephant.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

This bull was successfully immobilized using 20mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. He was darted from foot, and it took 15 minutes for the drug to achieve its full effects.

Examination revealed a septic arrow wound on the left flank area. The wound was thoroughly cleaned and the pus evacuated from the wound. This was followed by flushing with Hydrogen peroxide and rinsing the wound thoroughly with water, the wound was thereafter infused with tincture of Iodine and topical antibiotic spray applied.

Additionally, he received shots of Amoxicillin antibiotics parenterally.

Reversal and prognosis

He was reversed from anaesthesia using 200mg of Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via a prominent ear vein. He rose 3 minutes later. Prognosis is good.

Case 10 – 24th February 2025

Wildebeest Snared Ziwani, Tsavo West

This wildebeest was spotted by the SWT rangers and KWS rangers in the Ziwani, Voyager area having a snare on his neck.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

He was successfully immobilized using 6mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 60mg of Azaperone delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from the vehicle, and it took 7 minutes for the drugs to achieve its full effects.

Examination revealed a wire snare on the neck, the snare had not inflicted wounds at the area. The wire snare was cut using wire cutters.

Prognosis

He was reversed from anaesthesia using 100mg of Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via a prominent saphenous vein. He rose 3 minutes later. Prognosis is good as it had no injuries.

Case

2025

Zebra Snared Teita Sisal, Taita Ranch

This zebra was spotted by the KWS rangers in Teita Sisal area having a wire snare on his neck.

Immobilisation, examination and treatment

Examination revealed a wire snare on the neck, the snare had not inflicted wounds at the area. The wire snare was cut using wire cutters.

Reversal and prognosis

He was reversed from anaesthesia using 100mg of Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via the jugular vein. He rose 3 minutes later. Prognosis is good.

Case 12 – 27th February 2025

Elephant Postmortem

Choke Ranch, Taita Ranch

An elephant carcass was spotted on the morning of 27th February by KWS rangers in Choke ranch. TMVU were requested to determine the cause of death

Postmortem examination

The female elephant was found on left lateral recumbency and appeared to have been in a good body condition prior to death. The carcass was fairly fresh; less than a day old.

She had superficial wounds on the trunk, both ears, right hind limb and the perineal region. She also had a distended abdomen. Her eyelids on both eyes were partially closed, obstructing the eyes.

The right eye had a pus like discharge indication an infection of the eye. The eyelids on both eyes were completely obstructing the eyes. The carcass subcutis was yellow. The abdominal cavity was full of gas. The spleen was enlarged and yellow in colour. Peritoneal fluid was stained with bile. The abdominal cavity and all internal organs were yellow in colour. The liver was yellow, enlarged, had multiple bile cysts and had cirrhosis.

Cause of death

It was concluded that the cause of death was due to liver failure caused by congenital liver disease.