Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) personnel came to the rescue of a badly injured zebra at the Meru National Park.
The Service’s Mobile Veterinary Unit was doing its routine wildlife health assessment within the park on Thursday, April 24, when they encountered the wounded zebra stallion.
At the time, the zebra had distanced itself from its herd, showing signs of severe pain, lack of appetite, and difficulty walking—prompting an immediate and thorough veterinary evaluation.
Upon close observation, the KWS personnel found that the zebra had significant lameness in its left hind limb.
The injuries, although non-fatal, were serious and included trauma likely caused by a recently detached wire snare and possible predator attacks. A deep laceration at the hock joint, swelling, and pain around the fetlock region suggested prolonged distress.
Despite the severity of the wound, the zebra was stable enough for on-site veterinary intervention aimed at relieving pain and supporting recovery.
The KWS team cleaned the wounds with water, debrided with hydrogen peroxide, irrigated with iodine, and applied green clay to promote healing.
A topical antimicrobial spray was added for further protection. The zebra also received anti-inflammatory medication and broad-spectrum antibiotics.
“Thanks to the swift and compassionate response by our veterinary team, the prognosis for recovery is promising,” KWS says.
