Amboseli/Tsavo and Chyulu Conservation Area received rains amid warm weather in November 2024 and good rains in December 2024. The rains likely allowed wildlife to move into areas that were impassable or had plenty of vegetation and water and hence had little interaction with humans for observation or injury.
Four cases of veterinary importance were attended during this period and were predominantly natural by nature. The first case was sampling of Hirola antelopes that are endangered and constitute a small population that is always on the decline. Thirteen Hirola antelopes were sampled for genetic evaluation and hopefully, this will explain the decline experienced in the population in Tsavo East National Park. A cheetah in Chyulu Hills was treated following a territorial fight with the other males. A postmortem examination was conducted on a rhino that died of gastric impaction. Lastly, the Unit treated an elephant that was suffering from an abdominal tumour. The elephant was treated in Kimana sanctuary but unfortunately died later during the month. The disturbance of the tumour during the treatment likely led to profuse bleeding and hence likely to be the cause of death. Otherwise, no other cause could be established.'