The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rescued a giraffe after officers on patrol discovered it had a motorcycle tyre wrapped around its neck.
The rangers were drawn to the giraffe after they noticed oxpecker birds chipping away on its neck during a morning patrol at the Ilchalai Conservancy when they saw the inner part of the motorcycle tyre slicing through the giraffe’s neck.
“While patrolling near Ilchalai, rangers spotted three giraffes, with one displaying unusual behaviour. Oxpecker birds were fixated on its neck, leading the team to discover a motorbike tyre cutting deeply into its skin,” KWS said.
Veterinary officers from the Amboseli KWS team sedated the suffering animal before cutting out the tyre and treating the giraffe.
KWS believes the tyre was thrown into the giraffe’s neck as entertainment by herders in Amboseli.
The wildlife body cautioned members of the public against such acts, saying they could lead to the death of an animal.
“This incident highlights the importance of patrols and the critical role our partners play in wildlife conservation. Should you spot any wildlife in distress, please reach out to us via our 24-hour toll-free line at 0800 597 000 or WhatsApp 0726 610509 for immediate intervention,” KWS urged.
This comes just months after KWS rangers rescued a hippopotamus trapped by suspected poachers at Olosuswa Conservancy in Nakuru.
The March 2024 incident saw the rangers act swiftly after hearing the distressed wails of the hippo whose front left leg was snared.
A veterinary team was sent in to sedate the animal and treat its wound before it was released back into its natural habitat.
“The importance of this rescue operation extends beyond the individual hippo. It serves as a potent reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by wildlife in their struggle for survival,” KWS observed.
After the rescue, KWS advised members of the public against such acts of ensnaring animals, saying it was detrimental to the animal population.
“The public is advised that wildlife snaring is illegal and detrimental to our precious ecosystems,” KWS noted.
KWS urged the public to protect and conserve the country’s rich wildlife for future posterity.