The KWS Meru Mobile Veterinary Unit earlier this week provided medical care to an adult male lion in Meru National Park.

In collaboration with the Born Free Foundation Kenya and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) team attended to the lion that had been reported with marked lameness on its right hind limb.

Examination revealed a previously sustained tibiofibular joint fracture, likely incurred during a hunting attempt. KWS says that although the injury has since healed, it left the lion with a permanent limp.

The team also discovered a fractured upper right canine below the gum line with suspected ankylosis, making extraction complicated.

Food debris was carefully flushed out, the cavity irrigated, and supportive treatment administered, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and metabolic stimulators.

“The prognosis for full recovery is fair, and the lion will be closely monitored with a possible follow-up intervention if necessary,” KWS says.