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MERU MOBILE VET UNIT

MONTHLY REPORT

AUGUST 2013

Introduction

This report describes the activities of the Meru MVU in August 2013. This includes the capture and

translocation of 11 eastern black rhinos from Lewa Wildlife Conservancy to a new black rhino

sanctuary in Borana Ranch, Laikipia. An injured female Grevy’s zebra was also treated in Meru

National Park and two white rhino carcasses that had been killed by poachers in Solio Ranch were

examined to document the cause of death.

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1. 2 White Rhinos - Post Mortems Report

The security officer in Solio Ranch reported two white rhino carcasses on 28th August 2013. This

followed a poaching incident the previous night. A post mortem examination was conducted on each

carcass on 29th August to document the cause death.

CASE 1

Species: White rhino

Sex: Male

Age: 30 years

Owner: Solio Ranch

Estimated date of death: 28th August 2013

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Post mortem findings:

• General carcass examination: Animal showed good body condition. Carcass was found lying on right

lateral recumbency with both horns crudely excised. A single penetrating wound into the fifth (5th)

intercostal space was found on the left flank.

• Examination of internal organs: Massive hemorrhage in thoracic cavity. Penetrating wounds in the

left apical lobes of the lung, the left atrium and right ventricle of the heart and the right apical lobe of

the lung.

• Incidental findings: a bullet projectile was retrieved in the muscles of the right forelimb caudal to

the os humerus. The bullet seemed to exit through the third intercostal space.

CASE 2

Species: White rhino

Sex: Female

Age: 6 years

Owner: Solio Ranch

Estimated date of death: 28th August 2013

Reproductive status: In calf (primi para)

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Post mortem findings:

• General carcass examination: Animal showed good body condition. Carcass was found lying on left

lateral recumbency with both horns excised. A single penetrating wound was found cranial to the

scapula of the right forelimb.

• Examination of internal organs: Hemorrhage in the thoracic cavity. Penetrating wound in the apical

lobe of the right lung and the diaphragm. Fully formed fetus in late gestation (> 12 months) in the

uterus

• Incidental findings: bullet projectile was retrieved in the muscles around the transverse processes of

the lumbar vertebrae dorsal to the right kidney.

Cause of death

In the two cases the cause of death may be summarized as circulatory failure secondary to internal

hemorrhage from bullet injuries.

1. Elephant calf rescue, Mudanda Rock Tsavo East, 3rd August

An elephant calf was rescued from along Masobo River near Mudanda Rock in Tsavo East. The lone

elephant calf aged approx 18 months old was taken to the DSWT stockades in Voi for further care but

was in good health.

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2. Injured Grevy’S zebra in Meru National Park

A female Grevy’s zebra in Meru National Park (MNP) showed lameness and wounds on the gluteus

which required veterinary attention.

This zebra is one among eight remaining individuals that were re – introduced to MNP in an effort to

establish a breeding population in this habitat. Grevy zebra species are currently listed as endangered

by the IUCN/ SSC Equid specialist group.

Chemical immobilization

We used Etorphine Hcl 7mg and Xylazine 80mg in a 3cc Dan-Inject dart with a 2.0 × 40 mm needle.

Darting was conducted by vehicle after a brief chase.

The dart was placed dorsally on the right flank into the muscles around the lumbar vertebrae.

Induction time (down time) was 15 minutes. On contact with the animal, opticlox ointment was

applied on the dart wound and eyes to prevent desiccation of the cornea.

Vital parameters including respiration and tissue perfusion were continuously monitored to ensure

that the narcotized animal was stable.

After the procedure, Diprenophine 24 mg and Atipamezole 15mg were administered intravenously

into the jugular vein to reverse the effects of etorphine and xylazine respectively.

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Physical examination

The zebra showed leg carrying lameness on the right hind limb with swelling, lacerations and

hemorrhage at the fetlock joint. There were deep suppurative wounds on both gluteal muscles and a

skin flap. The wounds were thought to have been caused by an attempted attack by predators.

Treatment

• Wound debridement, excision of the skin flap and thorough wash with water. Povidone iodine was

applied on the wounds

• 20% Oxytetracycline 20 ml administered deep intramuscularly

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3. Black rhino translocation to Borana Ranch

The aim of this activity was to establish a new black rhino population in Borana Rhino Sanctuary, a

privately owned wildlife sanctuary in Laikipia.

Eleven eastern black rhinos were captured in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LWC) while ten individuals

were captured in Lake Nakuru National Park. The exercise was conducted on 26th to 31st August

2013.

Captured black rhinos were fitted with GSM/VHF transmitters in the horn for monitoring individuals

in their new habitat.

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4. White Rhino translocation to Ol Pejeta Conservancy

This activity aimed to introduce two male white rhinos to the Northern white rhino sanctuary in Ol

Pejeta Conservancy (OPC) to aid in mate competition and breeding.

The two males were successfully darted in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, loaded onto suitable crates,

transported and released at OPC successfully.

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5. Treatment of a Colobus Monkey

An adult male colobus monkey was captured in Kiengu near Meru National Park on 24th August 2013.

The monkey had strayed from a nearby forest and may have been injured by people who chased it in

an attempt to capture it.

Examination revealed paralysis of the hind limbs due to a spinal cord injury. Conservative treatment

was advised by confining it in a cage and hand feeding it. The animal sadly died two days after its

capture from complications suspected toxemia due to retention of urine and feces.

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6. Cheetah Cub Rescue

On the 20th of August a female cheetah cub approximately three weeks old was rescued in Ukasi,

Mwingi County by KWS rangers. The cub was rehydrated using a balanced Hartmanns solution 100

milliliters administered IV/ IM.

The cub was transported to the Nairobi animal orphanage for further management.

7. Treatment of an Ex-Orphan Elephant cow (Galana) Itumba Tsavo East, 13th August

On 25th August visitors at the Elephant Camp Site in MNP reported a lion carcass. The park

management requested a post mortem to determine the cause of death. The carcass was extensively

decomposed and a P.M examination was not possible.