What o’clock was it when the call came through? Midday, and time had already begun its cruel countdown. Somewhere in the sprawling grounds of KALRO-DTI in Nakuru County, a male zebra was fighting a battle he did not choose, against a long wire snare that had tightened its grip around his neck, each laboured breath a reminder of the trap that sought to claim him.
The Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit responded swiftly, as is their usual routine. Watching our vets work their magic, one can almost see the beads on their internal abacus sliding frantically to come up with the best methods to save the injured wild animal. Every second counts, and every decision matters. Fortunately, they have perfected calm in the face of mortifying situations when in the field. There is no room for panic, only precision; no space for hesitation, only action.
The zebra was safely immobilised, and the team set to work. The snare—a long wire, rusted and cruel—was carefully removed from his neck. It had cut into his flesh but had not yet caused irreversible damage. The wound was cleaned and treated, and the zebra received antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication to prevent infection and reduce swelling. The prognosis is good. He will walk again, free from the wire that sought to claim him.
The snare menace is extremely disheartening, with the one-two punch of decimating wildlife populations and risking the spread of deadly zoonotic diseases. It is a double whammy that Kenya’s wildlife cannot afford. Withal, snares do not discriminate. They trap zebras, antelopes, giraffes, and even lions. They maim, they kill, and they introduce contaminated bushmeat into human food systems, threatening public health. The Kenya Wildlife Service #SayNoToBushmeat campaign continues to raise awareness about these dangers, encouraging communities to reject bushmeat and report illegal wildlife activities through the toll-free hotline 0 800 597 000.
This zebra’s rescue is not an isolated incident. Across Kenya, veterinary teams respond to hundreds of snare-related emergencies every year. Each rescue is a reminder of the relentless pressure that wildlife faces from illegal bushmeat trade. Yet each successful intervention also demonstrates the power of vigilance, professional care, and community partnership. The communities living near wildlife areas are often the first to spot injured animals, and their reports enable KWS teams to respond quickly.
The work of the Rift Valley MVU is supported by the KWS Strategic Plan 2024-2028, which prioritises fostering thriving wildlife populations and building resilient ecosystems. The plan recognises that addressing threats like snaring requires both enforcement and education. Through conservation awareness programmes, KWS is working to shift attitudes and reduce demand for bushmeat.
Today, however, the juice was worth the squeeze. The team’s skill, patience, and unwavering commitment turned a potential tragedy into a story of survival. The zebra is now on the path to recovery, his future hopeful, his life extended by the dedication of those who refuse to look away.
To support KWS conservation efforts and help us continue providing life-saving care to wildlife, please visit https://kwspay.ecitizen.go.ke/donate