We received reports from rangers in Buffalo Springs that there was an injured male lion in Shaba National Reserve that was unable to move and appeared to have a severe injury on his leg in the form of two deep holes.
We were concerned that this may be a gunshot wound and got in touch with the vets at the Kenya Wildlife Service. Dr Rono responded quickly and investigated the injury. He treated the lion’s wounds, which he believes were inflicted by another animal – possibly an oryx. Oryx are large antelopes with long sharp horns, which can stab a predator like a spear.
Jeneria followed up after the treatment and found that the young male lion had moved off and appeared to have recovered quickly. The lion was new in our study area and unknown to us. We will continue monitoring him.
We thank the Kenya Wildlife Service for their quick response, the rangers fro the County Council of Isiolo and special thanks to Sasaab Lodge for their assistance. Photos credit: Dr Rono, Kenya Wildlife Service.
