Target: Prof. Erustus Kanga, Director General, Kenya Wildlife Service
Goal: Identify and prosecute whoever planted high-tension steel snares that sliced deeply into a zebra’s leg and left six additional traps hidden along the same wildlife trail.
A plains zebra was found desperately struggling against a high-tension steel wire snare along a wildlife corridor near Nairobi. The tightening wire had sliced through tissue in its lower left foreleg, leaving deep, infected lacerations. The injury had become so debilitating that the zebra could no longer keep pace with its herd.
Wildlife veterinarians immobilized the animal, removed the embedded wire and administered long-acting antibiotics. Rangers then made an alarming discovery. Six additional steel snares were concealed along the same game trail, indicating a recently established illegal bushmeat trapping operation. No suspect has been identified or observed near the site.
Those hidden snares pose an indiscriminate threat to every animal using this migration corridor. Kenya Wildlife Service officers are expanding foot patrols and installing concealed trail cameras at known access points. Authorities should combine this surveillance with community intelligence to identify whoever planted the traps. The snares must be removed and those responsible prosecuted.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Director General Kanga,
A plains zebra was discovered struggling in a high-tension steel wire snare that had cut deeply into its lower leg. The resulting infected wounds left the animal unable to keep pace with its herd and required emergency veterinary treatment.
Rangers subsequently discovered six additional wire snares hidden along the same trail. No perpetrator has been identified, but the concentration of traps creates an urgent threat to wildlife crossing the area. Expanded patrols, trail cameras and information concerning suspicious possession of industrial wire or unauthorized wild game meat could provide crucial leads.
Please ensure that Kenya Wildlife Service investigators pursue every credible lead and systematically clear the affected corridor of snares. Increase surveillance around likely entry points and work with surrounding communities to identify whoever established these traps. If investigators establish criminal responsibility, pursue appropriate charges and penalties under Kenyan law. One zebra has already endured deep, infected wounds from this indiscriminate trapping method. These snares must be eliminated before another animal is mutilated or killed.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Yathin S Krishnappa
