Johan Pfahl - Safari Guide & Photographer

09/03/2019

kiko had a brush with lions..... but he’s doing well now

Three year old rescued orphan Kiko has grown into an imposing animal, almost outgrowing his specially built 'sky scraper' stable.

To accommodate his ever increasing height, we made the decision to build him a customized stockade with a raised roof for the night, with extra high wooden posts of over 16 feet tall and an elevated shaded area for him too.

Giraffes, however, are natural prey to lions, which are residents of the Nairobi National Park where we are based, and despite the steps we took to prevent an attack, a wily lioness somehow managed to scale the 16 foot posts and enter his stockade in the dead of night on 23rd January. Thankfully, our Keepers heard the ruckus of Kiko defending himself with powerful kicks and we quickly chased off his would-be attacker.

Despite Kiko’s best efforts, he did sustain several injuries which we immediately arranged to be treated by the SWT/KWS Mount Kenya Vet Unit. The KWS vet that heads this Unit has lots of experience treating the world’s tallest land animal and expertly oversaw the operation to anaesthetise Kiko and patch up his wounds. In the time since then, Kiko’s been making a good recovery and remains in the company of two Keepers who are offering him moral support as he convalesces in the safety of a large stockade.

You can read more about his recovery here: www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/news/updates/kiko-brush-with-lions

Kiko’s attack came only a week after we identified a perfect home for him in Sirikoi, which abuts Lewa Conservancy, from where he will be able to transition back to the wild. Sirikoi is home to his particular subspecies (which do not naturally live in Nairobi National Park), it is also home to another hand-raised giraffe who will make a great friend for him - assuming he chooses to become friends, as you'll know that Kiko has not been interested in befriending the Masai giraffe that live in Nairobi Park.

We must now wait for Kiko to heal 100% before considering this next phase but for now, we feel fortunate he survived what could have been a terrible tragedy and we are delighted to share that his strength and health improve daily - he most certainly has his appetite back.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that supports Kiko through the fostering program, which has enabled us to look after Kiko all these years, and now more recently save him.

23/12/2018

07/12/2018

You’ve heard of primates but have you heard of ungulates? Ungalates, Latin for “hoofed,” are a key group of animals calling Virunga home. One such ungulate is the hippopotamus. Although hippo populations in the Park have been reduced to drastically low numbers over the years, they are slowly making a come back and numbers continue to rise. This improvement is possible because of dedicated staff and rangers, but also from critical support from people like you. Let’s keep the momentum going for the Park this holiday season. Click here to donate. https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Virunga2018

Next up? We visit the awe-inspiring landscapes of Virunga in Week 2 of our journey into the Park.

07/12/2018

Virunga National Park is home to 186 reptile and amphibian species, making it one of the richest protected areas on the continent. 30 species of those are endemic to the Albertine Rift, such as this Rwenzori three-horned chameleon (Trioceros johnstoni).

Click here to donate in support of Virunga’s biodiversity conservation: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Virunga2018

📸: Cameron Anderson

03/10/2018

The distinctive patterns are inherited, according to new research that links spots to survival.

29/08/2018

The Government and major stakeholders foresee that conference tourism could be stepping stone to expand the sector   Government agency Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) has given the …

24/08/2018

Lake Natron is one of the most harmful lakes in the world – and one of the most striking sights in Africa.

23/08/2018

Get many more updates from the 27th International Ornithological Congress by following the hashtag on Twitter. This week, a couple dozen Cornell Lab scientists, students, and staff joined some 1,600 ornithologists from around the world in Vancouver for the 27th International Ornit

04/08/2018

04/08/2018

Saving a bull elephant in Tsavo

Ten days ago the DSWT and KWS came to the aid of a bull elephant that was sighted by one of our pilots with not one, but two poison arrow wounds. This majestic creature was first spotted late in the evening on 22nd July, with Vets unable to mount a safe and successful treatment at night, our pilots set off at first light the next day to re-locate him.

Almost invisible in dense bush, the elephant was finally sighted and our Aerial Unit headed to Voi to collect KWS Vet Dr. Poghon, of the DSWT-funded Tsavo Veterinary Unit, to attend to the injured elephant. Given the location, it was not possible to dart the bull from the ground, so the DSWT helicopter was utilised, enabling Dr. Poghon a stable platform from which to dart the patient.

Able to land close-by, the vet was first to the patient, able to check his breathing and that his airway was open. At the same time one of the pilots was helping guide the ground vehicles to the scene to provide additional support. The two poison arrow wounds were on different sides of the elephant, so he had to be carefully rolled over during treatment (no easy task) to gain access to both injuries. Dr. Poghon was then able to clean the wounds, before administering antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, while those assisting packed the wounds with natural green clay, which aids the healing process. The anaesthetic was then reversed and with a few large throws of his head, this big boy had the strength to rise back to his feet, a little confused by events, but undoubtedly in less pain and, critically, his wounds treated and a good prognosis from the vet for a full recovery.

Click here to read the full account and see the operation in pictures: thedswt.org/saving-arrowed-bull-tsavo

Over the years the DSWT-funded KWS Veterinary Units and Sky Vet have attended to 2362 elephants. It's a partnership that works for wildlife and, with the financial support of DSWT donors, we will continue to come to the aid of elephants, and all wild species, that are injured or require help. Thank you for your support and thank you to the KWS and DSWT personnel who gave their all to save the life of this elephant.