SWT/KWS Tsavo Veterinary Unit Report for August 2025
SWT/KWS TSAVO MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT
AUGUST 2025
28 Cases in August 2025 12 Poaching Cases 15 Elephant Cases
August Report by Dr. Campaign Limo
The conservation area experienced insignificant precipitation in the middle of the month. A few water pans are full and the vegetation is rapidly drying off. Most of the animals are still in good body condition. There was a marked increase in the number of cases this month, with a total of 27 cases attended to. Of these cases, 12 were related to poaching including 7 elephants.
Acknowledgement
The Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit would like to appreciate all stakeholders who aided in monitoring and reporting of the cases that required veterinary intervention. A big thank you to KWS management for the technical support to the unit and the SWT for their continuous facilitation to the unit.
SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit Treatment Locations
August 2025
Date
2-Aug-25 Elephant Taita Ranches Postmortem
3-Aug-25 Elephant Tsavo East NP Snared
4-Aug-25 Lion Tsavo East NP Rescue
5-Aug-25 Elephant Kilifi Natural Causes
6-Aug-25 Hyena Tsavo East NP Natural Causes
6-Aug-25 Zebra Tsavo East NP Snared
6-Aug-25 Giraffe Taita Ranches Postmortem
There was an incomplete intestinal torsion at the large intestine level Died
A deep septic winch snare wound on the foot area of the left forelimb Successfully Treated
The eyesight was gone after being spat at by a cobra Taken to Orphanage
Two elephants were stuck in the mud Task Successful
Examination revealed that the hyena had poor body condition and had mange Successfully Treated
Had a cable wire snare on the neck area. The snare had not inflicted any wound Successfully Treated
The cause of death was complications associated with chronic heart failure Died
7-Aug-25 Zebra Taita Ranches Natural Causes Examination revealed a completely dislocated hock joint Died
8-Aug-25 Elephant Tsavo East NP Arrow
8-Aug-25 Hyena Tsavo East NP HWC
10-Aug-25
Examination revealed a septic arrow wound on the left flank area Successfully Treated
This hyena was electrocuted while trying to cross a fence Successfully Treated
Tsavo East NP Arrow Examination revealed a shallow septic arrow wound on the right rump area
10-Aug-25 Elephant Taita Ranches Postmortem An examination on the elephant to determine the cause of death Died
11-Aug-25 Zebra Taita Ranches Snared
12-Aug-25 Zebra Tsavo East NP Snared
12-Aug-25 Rhino Black Tsavo West NP Postmortem
Had a cable wire snare on his neck area. The snare had not inflicted any wound Successfully Treated
Had a cable wire snare on his neck area. The snare had not inflicted any wound Successfully Treated
The cause of death was established to be chronic pneumonia Died
13-Aug-25 Elephant Taita Ranches Rescue This elephant was stuck in the mud at the ranch Task Successful
13-Aug-25 Elephant Tsavo East NP Natural Causes This was a repeat treatment on the calf that was rescued from Lake Jipe Successfully Treated
16-Aug-25 Elephant Taita Ranches Arrow Examination revealed a septic arrow wound on the left flank area Successfully Treated
19-Aug-25 Elephant Tsavo East NP Arrow Examination revealed a deep septic arrow wound on the proximal femoral area Successfully Treated
19-Aug-25 Elephant Tsavo East NP Postmortem
19-Aug-25 Elephant Tsavo East NP Natural Causes
The cause of death could not be grossly determined Died
The elephant had predation wounds on the lateral side of the leg Successfully Treated
25-Aug-25 Zebra Tsavo East NP
27-Aug-25 Antelope Lamu
28-Aug-25 Lion
28-Aug-25 Elephant
29-Aug-25 Elephant
Natural Causes Examination revealed a wound on the foot area around the coronary band
Successfully Treated
Snared Examination revealed a winch wire snare on her neck area Successfully Treated
Tsavo East NP Natural Causes
Tsavo East NP
Examination revealed several deep bite and fight wounds
Arrow Examination revealed a deep septic arrow wound on the right flank area
Tsavo East NP Bullet Wound
30-Aug-25 Antelope Lamu
31-Aug-25 Elephant Taita Ranches
Successfully Treated
Successfully Treated
Examination revealed a through and through wound, probably from a projectile Prognosis Poor
Snared Examination revealed a manila snare on her neck area Successfully Treated
Postmortem It was concluded that the cause of death of the elephant was acute pneumonia Died
Case 1 – 2nd August 2025
Elephant Postmortem
Salt lick, Taita Ranches
This elephant was spotted by KWS rangers in Taita salt lick standing in one area, with barely any movement for 48 hours. TMVU was notified and immediately attended to the elephant.
Immobilisation and postmortem examination
He was darted using 20mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 10 minutes later he was under anaesthesia. During examination, the elephant was unable to withstand anaesthesia and died due to its complications.
The elephant had an enlarged abdomen. On rectal examination, the rectum was empty.
• There was an incomplete intestinal torsion at the large intestine level.
• There were perforations at a portion of the large intestine.
• There was marked peritonitis.
• The ingesta in the small intestines was hard and there were signs of prolonged gastrointestinal stasis.
Cause of Death
It was concluded that the elephant had colic associated with peritonitis and large intestinal torsion.
Case
Elephant Snared Gazi, Tsavo East National Park
This elephant was spotted by the SWT pilot during routine patrols in the Gazi area with a snare on his left forelimb.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This bull was successfully immobilized using 20mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from the helicopter, and it took 10minutes for the drug to achieve its full effects.
Examination revealed a deep septic winch snare wound on the foot area of the left forelimb and had inflicted a deep wound on the area. The snare was cut using a wire cutter and the wound thoroughly cleaned with water, flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water and infused with tincture of Iodine. The wound was thereafter applied with green clay and topically sprayed with an antibiotic.
He also received shots of Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin anti-inflammatory parenterally.
Prognosis
He was reversed from narcosis using 200mg Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via the ear vein. He rose 3 minutes later and walked away. Prognosis is good.
Lion Rescue
Ithumba, Tsavo East National Park
This lion cub was reported by the KWS/SWT rangers in the Ithumba area after being spat at by a cobra in both her eyes.
Rescue
Examination revealed that the right eye was injured, and she had lost the ability to see while the left eye was cloudy with 70 percent of the eyesight gone.
The lion cub was rescued and taken to Nairobi Animal Orphanage for further monitoring and treatment.
Case 4 – 5
Elephant
Rescue
Kilifi, North Coast
These two elephants were reported by the KWS team of Arabuko Sokoke to have been stuck in the mud at Kilifi creek on the night of 4th August.
Rescue
One bull was stuck on its side while the other was standing with all the limbs stuck in the mud. The terrain was extremely bad, and cars could not get near the elephants. They stood approximately a kilometre away and this made it difficult for the rescue operation. The first bull was tied with ropes and a bulldozer pulled him out of the mud. He was immediately given rehydrating fluids and Dexamethasone. He later succumbed due to exhaustion.
Likewise, the second bull was tied with ropes ready to be pulled out of the mud. The ropes broke multiple times after several attempts to rescue him and as it was late at night they could not be replaced immediately. The rescue operation was stopped and was to be continued the following day. The next morning the elephant was pulled out of the mud by the bulldozer after being tied with ropes. He rose and slowly walked away a few meters from where he was stuck. On the morning of 7th August, he was reported stuck again in the mud at Kilifi creek a few meters from where he was previously stuck. This time he showed signs of body weakness. The TMVU team went to his rescue, gave him rehydrating fluids and pulled him out of the mud. He rose and walked away slowly. He was driven out of the muddy environment by a helicopter. .
Hyena Natural Causes
Manyani, Tsavo East National Park
This hyena was spotted by the KWS Rangers in KWS Academy in Manyani. He was weak and appeared to be sick.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This hyena was immobilized using a combination of 3mg Medetomidine and 100mg Ketamine delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from foot, and it took 7 minutes for the hyena to be fully anaesthetized.
Examination revealed that the hyena had poor body condition and had mange. He was carried via vehicle and relocated to Tsavo East National Park via Manyani gate.
He was given Amoxicillin antibiotics, a metabolic stimulant, Ivermectin parenterally and was sprayed with an Acaricide.
Prognosis
He was reversed from anaesthesia using 15mg atipamezole given intramuscularly. He rose few minutes later and slowly walked away. Prognosis is fair.
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Case 6 – 6th August 2025
Zebra Snared
Manyani, Tsavo East National Park
This zebra was spotted by TMVU team near Manyani maximum prison having a wire snare on his neck.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
He was successfully immobilized from a vehicle using a combination of 6mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 60mg Azaperone delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. It took 7 minutes for the drugs to achieve its full effects.
Examination revealed a cable wire snare on the neck area. The snare had not inflicted any wound. The snare was cut using wire cutters
Prognosis
He was reversed from anaesthesia using 60mg Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via the jugular vein. He rose 3 minutes later and walked away. Prognosis is good.
Case
Giraffe Postmortem
Rukinga Ranch, Taita Ranches
The male giraffe was reported by KWS rangers in Rukinga ranch to have collapsed and later died on the afternoon of 6th August.
Postmortem examination
The carcass was on right lateral recumbency. He appeared to be in a good body condition prior to death; the carcass was fresh.
He had a puncture wound between his mandibles.
• The right atrium was collapsed
• Both ventricles had built up extra muscles leaving no room for blood
• Lung alveoli and bronchioles were filled with blood
Cause of Death
It was concluded that the cause of death was complications associated with chronic heart failure.
Zebra Snared Mramba Ranch, Taita Ranches
This injured zebra was reported by the KWS team in Mramba Ranch, near Mweke dam injured and was limping on his left hindlimb.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
He was successfully immobilized using a combination of 6mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 60mg of Azaperone delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from foot and it took 8 minutes for the drugs to achieve its full effects.
Examination revealed a completely dislocated hock joint, the skin covering the tibia and fibular area was very hard and detached from the muscles. The muscle underneath the skin was necrotic and worn out.
Prognosis and management
The prognosis was grave, and the zebra was then euthanized on animal welfare grounds to alleviate him from further suffering.
Case
Elephant Arrow
Aruba, Tsavo East National Park
This elephant was spotted by the SWT pilot during routine patrols with a wound on his left flank.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This bull was successfully immobilized using 20mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from the vehicle, and it took 10 minutes for full anaesthesia to be achieved.
Examination revealed a septic arrow wound on the left flank area. The wound was thoroughly cleaned; some pus and a lot of blood completely evacuated. This was followed by flushing with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsing thoroughly with water and infusing with tincture of Iodine. The wound was then packed with antibiotic pessaries and topical antibiotic spray application.
Additionally, he received shots of Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin anti-inflammatory parenterally
Prognosis
He was reversed from anaesthesia using 200mg of Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via the ear vein. He rose 3 minutes later and walked away into the bushes. Prognosis is good. .
Hyena
Human-Wildlife Conflict Voi Wildlife Lodge, Tsavo East National Park
This hyena was spotted by KWS staff to have ben electrocuted while trying to cross the fence.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This hyena was immobilized using a combination of 0.5mg Medetomidine and 20mg of Ketamine delivered remotely in a 1.5 cc Dan-inject dart. Darting was done from foot, and it took 8 minutes for full anaesthesia to be achieved.
Examination revealed that the hyena was extremely weak and emaciated. He was immediately given rehydrating fluids.
He was additionally given Amoxicillin antibiotics, a metabolic stimulant and Dexamethasone parenterally. He was also sprayed with an Acaricide.
Relocation, revival and prognosis
He was reversed from anaesthesia using 2.5mg Atipamezole given intramuscularly. He rose few minutes later. Prognosis is good. .
Elephant Arrow
Chai Rock, Tsavo East National Park
This injured elephant was spotted by the SWT pilot during routine patrols near chai rock area with a wound on the right rump.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This bull was darted from a helicopter with 20mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. It took 10 minutes for the drug to achieve its full effects.
Examination revealed a shallow septic arrow wound on the right rump area. The wound was thoroughly cleaned and the pus completely 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, packed with antibiotic pessaries and topical antibiotic spray applied.
Additionally, he received shots of Amoxicillin antibiotics parenterally.
Prognosis
He was reversed from narcosis using 200mg of Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via a prominent ear vein. He rose 3 minutes later and walked away slowly. Prognosis is good. .
Case
Elephant Postmortem
Choke ranch, Taita Ranches
An elephant carcass was found on the morning of 10th August by KWS rangers in Choke ranch during their patrol.
Postmortem examination
The carcass had a prolapsed rectum. The abdomen was distended.
There was complete torsion of the small intestines along its horizontal axis
Cause of death
It was concluded that the elephant succumbed due to complications associated with small intestinal torsion.
The tusks were removed by the KWS security team for safekeeping.
Case
Zebra Snared Sisal, Taita Ranches
This zebra was spotted by SWT pilot in Taita sisal area having a wire snare on his neck.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This zebra was successfully immobilized using a combination of 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 full anaesthesia to be achieved.
Examination revealed a cable wire snare on his neck area. The snare had not inflicted any wound. The snare was cut using wire cutters, but no further treatment was required.
Prognosis
He was reversed from anaesthesia using 60 mg of Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via the jugular vein. He rose few minutes later and ran away. Prognosis is good.
Case
14 – 12th August 2025
Zebra Snared
Manyani, Tsavo East National Park
This zebra was spotted by TMVU team near Manyani maximum prison having a wire snare on his neck.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
He was successfully immobilized using a combination of 6mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 60mg of Azaperone delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from the vehicle and it took 8 minutes for the drugs to achieve its full effects.
Examination revealed a cable wire snare on the neck area. The snare had not inflicted any wound. The snare was cut using wire cutters. No further treatment was required.
Prognosis
He was reversed from anaesthesia using 60mg of Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via the jugular vein. He rose few minutes later and ran away. Prognosis is good.
The carcass of this female rhino was seen within the sanctuary by KWS rangers They positively identified the carcass as belonging to Mbonne who was 16 years old according to their records. Both horns were intact.
Postmortem examination
The carcass was found in the middle of a stream. The carcass age was estimated to be less than 24 hours old and in poor condition. The rectum was prolapsed There was evidence of cutaneous filariasis on the ventral side of the neck, the sternum and the medial side of both forelimbs. There was a mucopurulent discharge from the nostrils The muscle cover was poor and evidence of cutaneous fat degeneration. Both lungs had adhered to the pleural wall. There was severe hydrothorax. The pericardial fat had degenerated. There was general lymphadenopathy. There was severe hydroperitoneum. The liver had several small infarcts. The carcass was severely anaemic. The kidneys were tough and pale. There was severe hydropericardium. The heart was enlarged (cardiomegaly). The oesophagus was empty but there was ingesta in the stomach and the intestines. Both lungs had severe froth. There was a mucopurulent discharge in the trachea.
Cause of death
The cause of death was established to be chronic pneumonia.
Black Rhino Postmortem Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, Tsavo West
Elephant Rescue
Kutima Ranch, Taita Ranches
This elephant was reported by the KWS rangers in Kutima ranch to have been stuck in the mud at the ranch.
Rescue
The elephant was tied with ropes and the end of the rope attached to a bulldozer which then pulled him out of the mud. He rose few minutes later after being pulled out and walked away into the bushes slowly.
Prognosis
Prognosis is good.
Elephant Arrow
Kutima Ranch, Taita Ranches
This was a repeat treatment on the calf that was rescued from Lake Jipe on 23rd July 2025. She had an injured left forelimb and was limping. Her family had abandoned her. She had an arrow wound at the left carpal joint.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This calf was given 60mg of Azaperone and then manually restrained using ropes.
Examination revealed soft tissue swelling at the joint area and a bit of pus. The wound was thoroughly cleaned with water, Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water and infused with tincture of Iodine. The wound was thereafter packed with antibiotic pessaries and sprayed with a topical antibiotic.
She also received shots of Amoxicillin antibiotics and flunixin anti-inflammatory parenterally.
Prognosis
Prognosis is fair
Elephant Arrow
Kutima Ranch, Taita Ranches
This injured elephant was spotted by the Taita sisal staff wounded on his left flank.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This bull was successfully immobilized from foot using 20mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart and was under anaesthesia 11 minutes later.
Examination revealed a septic arrow wound on the left flank area. The wound was thoroughly cleaned, debrided, flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with clean water and infused with tincture of Iodine. The wound was thereafter packed with antibiotic pessaries, and a topical antibiotic spray was applied.
He was additionally given Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin parenterally.
Prognosis
He was revived from anaesthesia using 200 mg Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via a prominent ear vein. He rose few minutes later and slowly walked away. Prognosis is good.
Kutima Ranch, Taita Ranches
This injured elephant was spotted by the Tsavo trust team during their routine patrols in Aruba area with a wound and inflamed left hind limb.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This bull was successfully immobilized using 20mg etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from a vehicle and it took 10 minutes for the drug to achieve its full effects.
Examination revealed a deep septic arrow wound on the proximal femoral area. There was also a big pocket of pus at the area. The pus pocket was lanced, and a lot of pus was drained. An arrowhead was also found lodged in the muscles which was surgically removed. The wound was thoroughly cleaned and debrided properly. This was followed by flushing with Hydrogen peroxide and rinsing the wound thoroughly with water then infused with tincture of iodine, packed with antibiotic pessaries and topically sprayed with a topical antibiotic. Additionally, he received shots of Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin anti-inflammatory.
Prognosis
Prognosis is good.
Case
20 – 19th August 2025
Elephant Postmortem Sala, Tsavo East National Park
An elephant carcass was found on the afternoon of 19th August by KWS rangers in Sala area.
TMVU was requested to determine the cause of death of the elephant.
Postmortem examination
The cause of death could not be grossly determined since the carcass was extensively decomposed and scavenged upon.
Elephant
Natural Causes
Aruba, Tsavo East National Park
This calf was reported to have been limping on his right hindlimb by Tsavo Trust team in Aruba area. She was with her mother and the rest of the herd.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The adult female elephant was immobilized using 20mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart while the calf was immobilized using 2mg of torphine hydrochloride delivered in a 1.5 cc dart. Darting was done from the vehicle, and it took 10 minutes for full anaesthesia to be achieved.
Examination revealed that the elephant had predation wounds on the lateral side of the tibia and fibular bone which were septic. There was evidence of soft tissue swelling at the site. The wound was thoroughly cleaned with water, Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water and infused with tincture of Iodine. The wound was thereafter packed with antibiotic pessaries and sprayed with a topical antibiotic. He also received shots of Amoxicillin antibiotic and Flunixin anti-inflammatory parenterally.
Prognosis
The female adult elephant and her calf were reversed using 200mg and 20mg of Naltrexone hydrochloride and rose a few minutes later and were reunited. Prognosis is good.
Case 22 – 25th August 2025
Zebra Snared
Irima, Tsavo East National Park
This zebra was spotted by SWT Rangers in Irima area during their routine patrols. He was wounded and limping on his right hindlimb.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
He was successfully immobilized using a combination of 6mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 60mg of Azaperone delivered remotely in a 3cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done on the vehicle and it took 8 minutes for the drugs to achieve its full effects.
Examination revealed a wound on the foot area around the coronary band likely caused by a snare. The limb was also inflamed. There were also bite and scratch marks distributed all over the body. The wounds were cleaned using water, Hydrogen peroxide and Iodine. They were later sprayed using a topical antibiotic.
Prognosis
He was revived using 60 mg of Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via the jugular vein. He rose few minutes later and walked away. Prognosis is good.
Case
Topi Snared Kipini, Lamu
This Topi was spotted by KWS team in Kipini area having a wire snare on his neck.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
She was successfully immobilized using a combination of 6mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 50mg of Azaperone delivered remotely in a 1.5cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from the vehicle and it took 7 minutes for full anaesthesia to be achieved.
Examination revealed a winch wire snare on her neck area. The snare had not inflicted any wound and was cut using a wire cutter. No further treatment as required.
Prognosis
She was reversed from anaesthesia using 50mg of Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via the jugular vein. She rose few minutes later and walked away slowly. Prognosis is good.
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Case 24 – 28th August 2025
Lion
Natural Causes Kanderi, Tsavo East National Park
This lion was spotted wounded by the tourists in Kanderi area, Tsavo East NP.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The lion was successfully immobilized using a combination of 5mg Medetomidine and 200mg Ketamine delivered remotely in a 3 cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from the vehicle, and it took 10 minutes for the lion to be fully anaesthetized.
Examination revealed several deep bite and fight wounds on the medial thigh of the right hind limb, lateral aspect of the left thigh and on the neck with part of the muscles severed. The lioness was also dehydrated. The wounds were thoroughly cleaned with water, Hydrogen peroxide then infused with a tincture of Iodine and an antibiotic ointment applied to the wounds.
Additionally, she was given rehydrating fluids subcutaneously, shots of Amoxicillin antibiotics and Meloxicam.
Prognosis
She was reversed from anaesthesia using 25mg of Atipamezole given intramuscularly. She rose few minutes later. Prognosis is fair.
Elephant Snared Irima, Tsavo East National Park
This elephant was spotted by the SWT pilot near Satao camp wounded on his left flank.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This elephant was successfully darted from a vehicle with 20mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered in a 3cc Dan inject dart and it took 11 minutes for the drug to achieve its full effect.
Examination revealed a deep septic arrow wound on the right flank area. The wound was thoroughly cleaned with water, debrided by Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with water and infused with tincture of Iodine. The wound was thereafter packed with antibiotic pessaries and sprayed with a topical antibiotic.
He also received shots of Oxytetracycline antibiotics and Flunixin anti-inflammatory parenterally.
Prognosis
He was revived from narcosis using 200mg Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via a prominent ear vein. He rose and slowly walked away few minutes later. Prognosis is good.
Wound
Satao, Tsavo East National Park
This calf was spotted by the SWT pilot in Satao area carrying and limping on his right hindlimb.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
This calf was successfully immobilized using 3.5mg Etorphine hydrochloride delivered in a 1.5cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from foot, and it took 10 minutes for the drug to achieve its full effect.
Examination revealed a through and through wound, probably from a projectile on the distal femur near the knee joint. There was marked soft tissue swelling at the knee joint area. Involvement of the joint could not be ruled out. The wound was thoroughly cleaned, debrided, flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, rinsed with clean water and infused with tincture of Iodine. The wound was thereafter packed with antibiotic pessaries, and a topical antibiotic spray was applied.
She also received shots of Amoxicillin antibiotics and Flunixin anti-inflammatory parenterally.
Prognosis
She was then relocated to Voi stocked for further monitoring and treatment. Prognosis is guarded.
This Topi was spotted by KWS team in Kipini area having a manila snare on his neck.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
She was successfully immobilized using a combination of 6.5mg Etorphine hydrochloride and 50mg of Azaperone delivered remotely in a 1.5cc Dan inject dart. Darting was done from the vehicle, and it took 8 minutes for the animal to be fully anaesthetized.
Examination revealed a manila snare on her neck. The snare had inflicted a deep wound on the area. The snare was cut with a pair of scissors and the wound was cleaned and flushed with tincture of Iodine then sprayed with a topical antibiotic.
Prognosis
She was reversed from anaesthesia using 65mg of Naltrexone hydrochloride given intravenously via the jugular vein. She rose few minutes later and ran away. Prognosis is good. .
Topi Snared Kipini, Lamu
Elephant Postmortem
Kuranze Ranch, Taita Ranches
This carcass was found on the morning of 31st August in Kuranze area by the KWS rangers during their routine patrol.
Postmortem examination
The female elephant was found on left lateral recumbency. The carcass was fairly fresh, and the elephant was lactating.
Significant findings:
• The lungs were haemorrhagic and filled with foamy blood.
• The uterus was inflamed and had necrotized tissue.
• The spleen was congested and haemorrhagic.
Both tusks were intact and were taken by the KWS team for safekeeping.
Cause of death
It was concluded that the cause of death of the elephant was acute pneumonia.
