The snared waterbuck/ KWS X
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has rescued an injured waterbuck at Ecoscapes Farm in the Rift Valley, in an operation that has once again highlighted the dangers posed by illegal snares to wildlife.
In a statement, KWS said the male waterbuck was found trapped in water with a winch-wire snare tightly wound around its head and neck, causing painful wounds and severely restricting its movement.
The animal, already exhausted and unable to free itself, required urgent intervention from the KWS Rift Valley Mobile Veterinary Unit.
According to the agency, reaching the distressed animal proved challenging as members of the veterinary team had to swim out to where it was stranded before carefully restraining it.
“The rescue highlights the dedication of wildlife veterinarians and rangers, whose work often takes them into challenging environments where quick thinking, skill, and teamwork are essential to saving lives,” KWS said.
The team successfully removed the snare and treated the waterbuck's injuries before moving it to a safer environment for recovery.
KWS said the animal was later translocated to Crater Lake Conservancy, where it will continue recovering under close monitoring.
KWS rescues snared waterbuck at Ecoscapes Farm in Rift Valley/ KWS X
The service noted that the rescue was a reminder of the devastating effects of snares, which are often linked to illegal bushmeat hunting and other wildlife crimes.
“Often associated with illegal bushmeat hunting and other forms of wildlife crime, snares are indiscriminate traps that injure and kill wildlife,” KWS said.
The agency warned that the impact of such traps extends beyond individual animals, threatening wildlife populations and undermining broader conservation efforts.
Conservationists have long raised concerns over the use of snares, noting that they trap animals indiscriminately and frequently leave victims with severe injuries or death.
While the rescued waterbuck survived the ordeal, KWS said many animals caught in snares are not as fortunate.
“While this waterbuck was fortunate, many animals caught in snares are not,” the agency said.
The rescue comes amid continued efforts by KWS to strengthen anti-poaching measures and respond to wildlife emergencies across the country.
The rescued snared waterbuck/ KWS X
KWS urged members of the public to support conservation efforts by reporting suspected wildlife crimes and illegal activities through its toll-free hotline or WhatsApp channels.
“Thanks to the swift response of the team, this waterbuck now has an excellent chance of making a full recovery,” KWS said.
The service also appealed for public support towards its veterinary emergency response operations, noting that timely intervention remains critical in saving wildlife affected by human activities.
KWS continues to conduct patrols, rescue missions and veterinary interventions in protected areas and conservancies as part of efforts to safeguard Kenya’s wildlife heritage.
