From the mightiest predators to the gentlest giants, every creature faces threats to their survival. In times of crisis, our six SWT/KWS Mobile Vet Teams and Sky Vets stand ready to answer the call. Day in and day out, these dedicated teams provide critical emergency treatment across Kenya, offering a lifeline to endangered and threatened species. Let us take a glimpse into some of the operations that unfolded last week.

A Cheetah with a sprained leg: This particular cheetah had just made a successful kill, but his joy was dampened by a painful sprained leg. For cheetahs, speed and stamina are paramount when it comes to hunting, and such an injury could severely hinder his future hunting endeavors. Dr. Limo administered anesthesia to the patient and carefully examined the cause of his distress. Thankfully, there were no signs of fractures or dislocations. The cheetah received the necessary treatment and soon regained consciousness, with a promising prognosis for a swift recovery. The SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit made sure not to disturb his meal and was delighted to see him savoring it later in the day.

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Mount Kenya Mobile Vet Unit

Rhino caught in a fight: For a species as territorial as a rhino, fights can get fierce. This white rhino was a little worse for wear after a scrap with another male in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The SWT/KWS Mount Kenya Mobile Vet Unit conducted a morning treatment. His eye was in a bad way, but the team was relieved to find that his eyeball was still intact. A heavy dose of eye ointment, antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-inflammatories later, he was sent on his way with a positive prognosis.

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Elephant with a leg injury: Later, the team proceeded to Loisaba Wildlife Conservancy, where they conducted a follow-up on a bull elephant treated by our Meru Vet Unit last week for a leg injury. Although he is still limping, he has already made enormous progress and is even putting weight on the leg. Dr Mijele is optimistic that the bull will make a full recovery. To help him along his way, the team injected long-acting antibiotics, painkillers, and anti-inflammatories.

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Meru Mobile Vet Unit

Giraffe suffering from blunt trauma: The SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit started their day with a bull giraffe in Meru National Park. He had a wound on his left forelimb, which was likely the result of blunt trauma. Fortunately the treatment was a success and Dr Aminga is optimistic that he will make a complete recovery.

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Grevy’s zebra in recovery: Later in the afternoon, the team conducted a follow-up on a Grevy’s zebra who had been relocated to Meru National Park. He had been found in a nearby town centre, where he sustained deep cut wounds all over his body. By all appearances, he is thriving in his new home. Dr Aminga was amazed by how quickly he has put on weight in such a short period of time, which is a good indication of his recovery. Grevy’s zebras are a highly endangered species, so it was extra special to see this stallion given a second chance.

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