In August 2023, the Aerial Unit focused on providing veterinary care and managing human-elephant conflicts, experiencing a relatively calm period compared to previous years.
Throughout the month, the team responded to six veterinary emergencies, including a female elephant near Amboseli National Park in Kimana, who sustained a spear wound on her left rump.
Swift action from the SWT helicopter and the SWT/KWS Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit ensured her treatment and anticipated full recovery.
Another notable incident involved an adult male giraffe with a spear in its knee at Kuku Ranch. The vet successfully removed the spear, resulting in a favorable prognosis.
In other interventions, a bull elephant in Tsavo East National Park received treatment for a suspected injury, while another near the Tsavo River’s wound was healing naturally.
Unfortunately, not all cases ended well; efforts to rescue a wounded female elephant and an injured young bull in Rhino Valley were unsuccessful, with the latter being euthanized due to a broken leg.
Addressing human-elephant conflicts, the Aerial Unit dealt with six incidents, with the most challenging occurring near Tsavo West National Park’s Rombo area.
Following an elephant attack on a person, a group of men sought revenge, resulting in the death of several elephants despite efforts to guide them to safety.
The Unit also responded to an orphaned elephant calf in Meru National Park and discovered two elephant carcasses, attributing their deaths to natural causes.
Poaching and illegal activities were monitored, with charcoal production, poaching, and illegal settlements posing ongoing challenges, particularly in Galana Ranch.
Encouragingly, illegal livestock encroachments decreased, attributed to efforts by KWS and recent droughts.
Despite the fire season, only one fire was reported, which was ignited accidentally by illegal miraa harvesters. Prompt response efforts successfully controlled the situation, including assistance from the SWT and Big Life teams.
Notable wildlife sightings included a rhino mother and calf and increased wild dog sightings, indicating positive developments for Tsavo’s wildlife population.
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