8 Mt Kenya Veterinary Unit Report for September 2025
SWT/KWS MT KENYA MOBILE VETERINARY UNIT
SEPTEMBER 2025
14 Cases in September 2025
September Report by Dr. Poghon J
8 Rhino Cases
Elephant Cases
A series of field activities were carried out by the unit during the month of September in the region, together with other veterinary units and capture unit that include, Southern White rhino translocations, clinical cases involving treatments of different species, rescue of an orphaned rhino, collaring of baboons and lions, Northern White rhino project procedures and autopsies.
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
2-Sep-25 Rhino Black Ol Pejeta Conservancy Snared The rhino was found with a wire snare, on the right hindlimb Successfully Treated
5-Sep-25 Rhino Black Solio Ranch Natural Causes Severe weight-bearing lameness affecting the left forelimb Prognosis Poor
6-Sep-25 Rhino Black Abedares NP Postmortem Mixed infections of the respiratory system and the gastrointestinal tract Died
6-Sep-25 Zebra El Karama Conservancy Natural Causes Puncture wounds suspected to have been caused by territorial fights Successfully Treated
6-Sep-25 Rhino Black Solio Ranch Postmortem Severe weight-bearing lameness affecting the left forelimb Died
7-Sep-25 Rhino Black Borana Conservancy Rescue
8-Sep-25 Rhino White Solio Ranch Relocation
13-Sep-25 Rhino Black Solio Ranch Postmortem
The black rhino calf was reported orphaned after the mother fell off a cliff Taken to Orphanage
The exercise ensured decongestion of the habitats with high number of white rhinos Task Successful
Stress from separation from the mother, and predator attacks resulted in death Died
20-Sep-25 Rhino White Ol Pejeta Conservancy Technical Cases Fertile check ups and Oocyte collection Task Successful
22-Sep-25 Primate Mpala Ranch Collared 46 baboons were captured, collared and sampled Task Successful
23-Sep-25 Elephant Laikipia Environs HWC
About 60cm metallic rod was observed protruding on the left rump Successfully Treated
25-Sep-25 Giraffe Sangare Hills Resort Natural Causes The metacarpal joint and the hoof was dorsally dislocated Prognosis Poor
The distal limb and carpal joint of the left forelimb was swollen Prognosis Poor
Two adult lions, a male and a female were captured and collared Task Successful
September 2025
Case 1 – 2nd September 2025
Black Rhino Snared
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
The rhino was reported by Ol pejeta team to have lameness caused by a snare wire. Assistance of helicopter was requested to help in darting of the rhino
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The rhino was darted from a helicopter with 4mg Etorphine and 60mg Azaperone then darted again with 10mg Butorphanol and 20mg Doxapram.
The rhino was found to have a good body condition, score of 3/5 but had a wire snare, which had made two loops around the metatarsal joint of the right hindlimb. The wire had cut deep and was buried into the tissues of the joint, causing soft tissue swelling around it. He also had a few filarial worm wounds on different parts of the body. The wire snare was successfully removed then the wound was cleaned with Hydrogen peroxide, and flushed all round with Iodine solution then infiltrated with Opticlox ointment and Alamycin spray A parenteral treatment was indicated to cover for secondary bacterial infection, reduce inflammation, provide analgesia, and to boost metabolic activities on the animal (Amoxicillin, Phenylbutazone and Butaphosphan).
Relocation, revival and prognosis
The prognosis is good. The rhino is to be monitored to track progress
Case 2 – 5th September 2025
Black Rhino Natural Causes
Soli Game Reserve
A follow-up treatment of an adult female black rhino was conducted by the Mt Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit on 5th September 2025, following reports of poor response to a previous treatment of the animal.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The rhino was darted from foot with 2.5mg Etorphine and 30mg Azaperone and went down in 5 minutes. She was given a dose of 10mg Butorphanol and 40mg Doxapram intravenously to stabilize and stimulate the respiratory functions. The rhino was with a poor body condition, given a score of 2 out of 5.
She was found with a dull demeanour, and general inactivity, immobility, and body weakness. She appeared dehydrated. Filarial worm wounds were present on the flanks, under the neck and on the shoulders. Besides the suspected osteoarthritis of the left forelimb, a slight dislocation of the shoulder joint of the same limb was noted during the examination. Intravenous infusion fluids (Lactose Ringers and Dextrose solution) were administered to supplement energy and restore electrolyte balance and fluids from dehydration. A supportive parenteral antibiotic, anti-inflammatory and metabolic stimulant treatment was continued
Prognosis
The follow-up treatment and assessment of the rhino further uncovered possible shoulder joint dislocation, giving the condition a guarded-to-poor prognosis besides the continued supportive therapy.
Case 3 – 6th September 2025
Black Rhino Postmortem Rhino Sanctuary, Aberdare’s National Park
An autopsy examination was conducted by the Mt Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit to determine the cause of death of a male black rhino at Salient Rhino sanctuary
Postmortem examination
On the 6th of June 2025 the rhino had been captured and re-located back into the rhino sanctuary at Solio Game Reserve following a breakout. During the operation, the rhino was found with lesions including a laceration wound on the medial aspect of the thigh of the right hind limb which was exuding purulent discharge, smaller lacerations and filarial wounds on the flanks; which were treated topically, and systemic antibiotics and antiinflammatories administered. The laceration lesions were suspected to have been sustained from fights by other rhinos. The rhino was also notched during the capture and re-location exercise. On the 17th of June 2025 a decision was made to translocate the rhino to Salient Rhino Sanctuary following a second breakout from the rhino sanctuary at Solio Game reserve. On the 23rd of August, the rhino was treated for loss of body condition and limited movements in the sanctuary. He vanished after the treatment and was not traced until 5th September when he was discovered dead by
Cause of death
The definitive diagnosis of the immediate cause death could not be determined from the autopsy because of the stage of decomposition and onset of postmortem changes. Pleuritis and enteritis stood out to highlight mixed infections of the respiratory system and the gastrointestinal tract on the rhino before death.
Case 4 – 6th September 2025
Grevy Zebra
Natural Causes
Elkarama Conservancy
The Mount Kenya Mobile Veterinary unit treated a Grevy zebra stallion with the left front limb lameness on the 6th of September 2025 at Elkarama Conservancy, Laikipia County.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The stallion was darted on vehicle with a dart composition of 7mg Etorphine and 50mg Azaperone. He went down on right lateral recumbency after 8 minutes from darting.
The stallion had a good body condition score, 4 out of 5. The stallion was observed with stepping-lameness affecting the left forelimb prior to immobilization. On a closer examination, old puncture wounds, with slight soft tissue swelling around it, were found on the lateral and medial sides of the upper surface of the metacarpal joint of the left forelimb. The puncture wounds were suspected to have been caused by territorial fights with another male. The wounds were managed topically by cleaning with Hydrogen peroxide, flushing with Iodine and sealed with green clay. Additional Opticlox ointment was applied and Alamycin spay. Systematically, the zebra as given 6,000mg Amoxicillin and 1,000mg Flunixin.
Prognosis
The treatment and management were excellent, and the prognosis is good for improvement.
Case 5 – 7th September 2025
Black Rhino Postmortem
Solio Game Reserve
An autopsy exercise was conducted by the Mountain Mobile Veterinary Unit to determine the cause of death of a male Black rhino at Solio Game Reserve
Postmortem examination
The rhino had been treated on 29th August for severe weight-bearing lameness affecting the left forelimb which was suspected to be caused by degenerative osteoarthritis. She was administered with parenteral medications, including long-acting antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and metabolic stimulants. The rhino was treated on a follow-up case on 5th September 2025 after she was reported not doing well post-treatment the previous week. She was given intravenous boluses, additional antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic stimulants therapy. She was discovered dead on 6th September 2025; at the same site she had been treated at.
Cause of death
The tare of the inferior glenohumeral ligament of the left shoulder joint, which are static stabilizers of the joint, resulted in the instability of the glenohumeral joint and dislocation of the humerus from the glenoid cavity during movement. Consequently, the rhino was not able to ambulate normally to look for food and water, which led to lose of body condition, dehydration and death due to hypovolemic shock.
Case 6 – 7th September 2025
Black Rhino Rescue
Borana Conservancy
The black rhino calf was reported orphaned on 7th September 2025 after the mother was discovered dead from an accident where she fell off a cliff. The calf is young and still dependent on the mother’s milk for survival. A decision was therefore made to rescue the calf and take it to an orphanage.
Rescue
The rhino was darted from a helicopter. He was pushed out of the dangerous cliffs, using the helicopter, to an open ground where he was darted with 0.8mg Etorphine and 20mg Azaperone After a successful induction, the rhino was given a dose of 5mg Butorphanol intravenously to stabilize anaesthesia and respiration. Oxygen was supplemented through a nasal tube.
A systemic treatment was also administered as a prophylaxis to the anticipated stress due to the translocation and introduction to a new environment as follows: 3,000mg Amoxicillin, 40mg Dexamethasone, 2,000mg Butaphosphan and 1,000mg vitamin B12.
The rhino was carried onto the truck by a stretcher; from the truck the rhino was lifted by the capture team onto the transportation crate on the transit lorry. The rhino was reversed of immobilization anaesthesia with 50mg of Naltrexone administered intravenously. The rescue operation was successfully executed despite the challenges of the terrain. The exercise offered him a chance of survival during the critical juvenile age.
Case 7 –
to 14th September 2025
White Rhino Reloction
Solio Game Reserve
An operation to translocate 6 Southern white rhinos, was conducted by the veterinary and capture teams, from Solio to Naserian Conservancy. The candidates were selected with consideration of maturity and sex: 4 females and 2 males were captured and translocated using the newly adapted techniques and protocols, where the individual rhinos were partially reversed after immobilisation, walked to the loading crates and transported by road and got full reversal at the releasing site. The exercise entailed two days of capture and translocation, where the first three rhinos were translocated and a day for monitoring in the new habitat, and the same protocol was followed for the last three rhinos. The exercise ensured decongestion of the habitats with high number of white rhinos while contributing to wildlife diversity and the introduction of a new species to expanding rhino sanctuaries in the region.
The rhinos were darted from a vehicle and some from a helicopter. An Etorphine-Azaperone protocol was used for induction of the rhinos in the exercise. Titrated Diprenorphine doses were used to partially reverse the rhinos and stabilize the anaesthesia, allowing them to be walked to the transportation crates. The rhinos were manually supported on the sides and guided by the capture team to the loading crate. Concentrated Diprenorphine was used to partially reverse the rhinos at the crates on transit to the release site. The rhinos were transported by road and monitored occasionally while on transit. They were offloaded from the truck at the release site Naltrexone was administered as a full reversal before the rhinos were released at the new habitat. All of the rhinos were translocated successfully and should adapt well to their new habitat.
Case 8 – 13th September 2025
Black Rhino Postmortem
Solio Game Reserve
On 29th of August the rhino calf was separated from his mother, when she was immobilised for treatment for lameness. The mother died on 6th of September 2025, leaving the calf orphaned. The rhino calf was sighted occasionally. A decision was made to rescue the calf into a protected animal orphanage at Solio Game Reserve on 13th of September 2025. The rhino was darted from a helicopter with a dose of 0.8mg Etorphine and 20mg Azaperone. He was down in five minutes; he was reversed and secured manually with ropes. The rhino was immobilized but unfortunately succumbed despite several attempts of resuscitation.
Postmortem examination
The body condition was fair, given a score of 2.5 out of 5. A lump-sized soft swelling, about 5cm in diameter, was found on the dorsal aspect of the neck. Claw marks were found on the upper side of the neck and on the elbow of the left forelimb. Filarial worm wounds were found on the shoulders and under the neck.
Cause of death
The collective findings of the autopsy suggested several factors that made the rhino calf an anaesthetic-risk patient and contributed to his death. The young age of the rhino, stress from separation from the mother, predator attacks and abscess pocket disseminating bacteria causing systemic infection contributed to immune-suppression, immobilization risk and death.
White Rhino Technical Case Ol Pejeta Conservancy
A two-day long exercise was conducted between Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September 2025 at Ol Pejeta Conservancy to check on the sterility status of the teaser bull, Jomo; pregnancy diagnosis on Asali, ovum pick-up on Fatu and embryo transfer on Amaze. Below is the summary of the outcomes of the activities.
Sterility Check on teaser bull Jomo
The teaser bull (Jomo) was successfully anaesthetized by darting from a helicopter using two 3 ml darts with containing 100mg Butorphanol, 50mg Medetomidine, 200mg Ketamine and 75mg Butorphanol. a 3rd dart 500 mgs Ketamine was administered using a blow pipe. An additional Ketamine 300mgs was administered intravenously. Electro-ejaculation was undertaken using an electric probe directed at the perineum to excite pudendal nerves. A total of 8 ml ejaculate was collected. Semen was examined under electronic microscope with no motile spermatozoa indicating the teaser bull was sterile. The procedure lasted for 40 minutes.
Pregnancy check on the surrogate female, Asali
Asali was successfully sedated by darting from a helicopter with 100mg Butorphanol and 35mg Medetomidine, 50mg Ketamine and 75mg Butorphanol. The 3rd dart of 300mgs Ketamine was administered using a blow pipe. An ultrasound examination revealed that the surrogate was not pregnant thus the embryo transfer undertaken on 3rd July was not successful. There was no corpus luteum on the right ovary and the right horn of the uterus where the embryos were deposited appeared normal. Corpus luteum was observed on the left ovary with the possibility of cycling in the next 8-10 days, thus close monitoring for oestrus detection by the teaser to be undertaken. Asali remains a good candidate for future Embryo Transfers.
Ovum Pick Up on the female, Fatu
Prior to the procedure, the female NWR (Fatu) was stimulated using Gonadotropin release hormone GnRh (Histrelin acetate) injected 3 times one day apart and finally oocytes collection undertaken on day 8. She was restrained in a boma and anaesthetized via a blow pipe. Intra-rectal ultrasound procedure was used to locate the ovaries and collect oocytes through transrectal probe. She was found to have responded well to hormonal stimulation and ready for oocyte collection. A total of 10 oocytes were collected and immediately transported to Avantea laboratory in Italy with accompanying CITES permits and DVS.
Embryo transfer on the surrogate, Amaze
Courtship behaviour and mating between surrogate female Amaze and the teaser bull Jomo was observed on the 15th of September The embryo transfer was scheduled to be performed between the 5th and 6th day after mating. The surrogate female (Amaze) was successfully anaesthetized within ten minutes of darting. Darting time and thawing of embryos were synchronized to minimize on the down time. Thawing of the embryos from dry ice was undertaken using liquid nitrogen. The embryos were loaded into a catheter under laboratory conditions then carefully transported to the field ready the embryo transfer. To facilitate embryo transfer, ultra-sound examination was undertaken which revealed a good quality corpus luteum on the right ovary with no pathology of the uterus confirming perfect timing for the embryo transfer The process was smooth with a good chance for implantation. Pregnancy check will be undertaken in mid-December 2025.
September 2025
Baboon Collaring Mpala Research Centre
A third phase of the baboon project was conducted between the 22nd and 27th of September led by and overseen by the Mountain Mobile Vet Unit to capture, sample and collar baboons for the scientific studies as pertains the project. A total of 46 baboons were captured during the exercise, with 39 being deployed with collars and 7 were only sampled, pith-tagged and released.
Immobilisation, examination and collaring
The baboons were lured into cages with baits (maize) in a field. Once the target individuals were in the cage, the door was closed by a mobile-triggered lock.
The baboons were immobilised with a Ketamine-Medetomidine drug combination with dose based on age, sex and body condition. While under anaesthesia, the vital parameters of the baboons were monitored manually with the aid of a vet-corder machine. Samples were then collected including blood, faecal swab, external parasites and hair plucks. Body measurements were taken for different body parts, including weight for the purpose of the project. The mature candidates were collared, and fitted with microchips to facilitate tracking, monitoring and collection of data. Individual baboons were treated based on lesions found during the examination. Fresh wounds were cleaned and sutured, while old wounds were cleaned and managed with topical ointments and spray. Parenteral antibiotic (Amoxicillin), anti-inflammatory (Meloxicam), Selenium and Vitamin E booster were administered based on lesions, weight and body condition.
Elephant
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Ivans Ranch, Laikipia
A male adult elephant was reported with a spear protruding on his left rump at Ivan’s ranch.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The elephant was immobilized by darting from a vehicle with a dart containing 20mg Etorphine. The dart was placed on the right rump and had a 2/3rd discharge. An additional 5mg of Etorphine was administered intravenously when the animal was down.
A 60cm metallic rod was observed protruding from the dorsal left rump of the elephant. Black matting exudate was found around the puncture site of the foreign object. The object was pulled out exposing the rest of the approximately 20cm spear head which was deep in the muscles of the rump. The resultant wound was flushed with Hydrogen peroxide, cleaned with water and flushed with Iodine solution. Four pieces of 10g Opticlox ointment were deposited into the wound. Oxytetracycline pessaries were also packed into the wound then the wound and surrounding surface were sprayed with Oxytetracycline spray. Long-acting Amoxicillin, 30,000 mg and 3,000mg Phenylbutazone were also administered
Prognosis
This was a suspected case of human-wildlife conflict in the surrounding communities. The prognosis of the condition after the treatment is good.
Case 12 – 25th September 2025
Giraffe Natural Causes
Sangare Hills, Laikipia
The giraffe was reported with lameness and difficulty in mobility. The giraffe was introduced, together with three others in July 2025.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The giraffe was found standing in one position and did not move even after darting. She was observed with lameness affecting the right forelimb The giraffe was darted from foot and immobilized with 15mg Etorphine.
The metacarpal joint and the hoof were dorsally dislocated; the metacarpal head was forced cranially (dorsally) through the joint space. There was metacarpal joint bone protrusion on the anterior and posterior surfaces of the joint. Soft tissue swelling was found around the metacarpal joint of the affected limb. The lesion was diagnosed as dorsal dislocation of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the right fore limb. A supportive treatment was indicated, and the giraffe was administered 12,000mg Long-acting Amoxicillin, 8,000mg Phenylbutazone, 4,000mg Butaphosphan, 2,000mg Vitamin B12, 500ml Lactated Ringer’s Solution, 500ml Dextrose solution and 150mg Ivermectin. The wound on the leg was also managed by cleaning with Hydrogen peroxide and water then flushed with Iodine solution and sealed with green clay paste.
Prognosis
The nature of the dorsal metacarpophalangeal dislocation of the right forelimb carries a poor prognosis.
Elephant Natural Causes
Kirimon Conservancy, Laikipia
The elephant was reported by the Community Conservancy Rangers to be limping on her left front forelimb.
Immobilisation, examination and treatment
The elephant was immobilized by darting from a helicopter with a dart containing 17mg Etorphine. The immobilization took effect in 8 minutes where she went into sternal recumbency. She was positioned to right lateral recumbency for treatment.
The distal limb and carpal joint of the left forelimb was swollen, with no external lesions. A supportive treatment was indicated and administered to cover for secondary infections and pain relief as follows:
• Long-acting Amoxicillin, 30,000 mg IM.
• Phenylbutazone, 12,000 mg, IM.
Prognosis
The cause of lameness could not be established from the external examination of the limb. The swollen distal part of the left forelimb around the carpal joint was suspected to be attributed to possible strain (injury to muscle or ligament). Therefore, a strong non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug was administered to offer pain relief, and a long-acting antibiotic was administered to prevent secondary infection. The condition bears a guarded prognosis. .
Case 14 – 30th September 2025
Lion
Collaring
Ol Maisor Conservancy
Two adult lions, a male and a female were captured and collared in an exercise to mitigate wildlife-livestockand-human conflict and enhance monitoring of lions at Ol Maisor Conservancy on the 30th of September 2025 by the Mt Kenya Mobile Veterinary Unit.
Immobilisation and collaring
The male lion was darted on vehicle on the left rump with an initial dart of 300mg Ketamine and 6mg Medetomidine, this was then topped up with additional does of Ketamine and Medetomidine throughout the exercise. The lion had a good body condition score, 4 out of 5. Blood sample, ticks and general body measurements were taken and recorded then the neck collar was installed on the male lion.
The female lion was also darted from a vehicle with 300mg Ketamine and 6mg Medetomidine. She was also in good body condition with a score of 4 our of 5 and the collar was installed successfully on the neck.
Prognosis
Both lions were reversed with 40mg and 30mg Atipamezole respectively and moved off with no complications.
