The Tsavo Conservation Area (TCA) is currently experiencing one of the worst droughts in the recent past. The prevailing drought has resulted in direct wildlife losses, and the rescue of elephant calves has almost become a daily occurrence.
Some of the rescued elephant calves were abandoned since they could not travel long distances in search of forage and water while other were left behind after their mothers succumbed to drought related complications. Other herbivores, especially buffaloes, are also dying as the drought continues to ravage the conservation area. In October, the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit attended to 8 cases, 6 of these involved elephants, while 2 cases involved rhinos.