As a team embarks to rescue a giraffe, it is noted that the rescue has to be carried out quickly and effectively due to the sheer size of its physical make-up. Unlike zebras, elands or even buffalos, it takes a big team to physically restrain the animal in the unlikely case that it wakes up after tranquilization or when it reacts violently to the pain even under anesthesia. This is what happened in the month of January.

The partnership between the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) saw three successful rescues where a giraffe and five (5) zebras with snares were rescued in Machakos.

On the first rescue operation, snares were extricated from two (2) adult male zebras at Maanzoni and Lukenya areas of Machakos County. An extensive and tough rescue operation to remove a long snare from a sub-adult giraffe’s neck took place in a separate operation. On further examination, it was noted that the animal was in good condition with no injuries and was released back to the wild.

Two more zebras were attended to and had snares removed from the necks later in the month. A snare had caused deep wounds and bruising on the neck of one of the zebras. The wounded area was treated and the animal released back to the wild.

Poaching of animals through snaring for commercial and subsistence use continues as numbers of wildlife dwindle with the prevalent climate crisis.