Why not become wildlife vet? It can be adventurous journey

Dr John Koske, a wildlife vet. To join the field, it is advisable to get practical lessons at crocodile farms such as Mamba Village and the Museums of Kenya. PHOTO | RACHEL KIBUI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Crocodiles also suffer from stressful events which may weaken their immunity leading to diseases.
  • Accurate diagnosis of the crocodile diseases is not so easy since a vet cannot be able to approach and handle the animals without immobilisation.
  • In breeding, careful handling of eggs has a positive impact on the hatchlings and juvenile crocodiles. The enclosure should ensure that the animals are prevented from escape but get to interact with people.
  • Crocodile meat is not widely accepted in Kenya but it is sold in some five-star hotels. The meat also has market in Asia with China and Hong Kong being the major importers.

What qualification does one need to become a wildlife vet?

You have to study a degree in veterinary medicine, as wild animals have similar vet needs as those of livestock. Myself I am a crocodile vet.

Therefore, to join the field, it is advisable to get practical lessons at crocodile farms such as Mamba Village and the Museums of Kenya.

One can further their study a Masters Degree in Reptile Medicine, although it is currently not offered in Kenya.

Crocodiles are tough, are they affected by any diseases? 
Crocs, like any other animal, are affected by diseases which are viral, parasitic, bacterial or stress-related.

Viral diseases include crocodile pox which affects the newly hatched and juveniles, and is characterised by pox lesions around the eyes, nose and under the tail.

Adenovirus hepatitis is seen in almost all ages and it causes organ failure and death. On the other hand, West Nile virus disease affects young crocodiles causing death if unchecked.

Common bacterial diseases include Mycoplasmosis, which causes polyarthritis and pneumonia in crocodiles less than three years.

The other one is Chlamidiosis that affects young crocs leading to death or blindness.

Crocodiles also suffer from stressful events which may weaken their immunity leading to diseases.

Stressors to crocodiles include confinement within small spaces, provision of unclean water and either being provided with cold water or water with temperatures above 36 degrees centigrade.

When one wants to treat cows, they put them in the crush, what happens when you want to treat crocodiles?
To contain crocodiles, you have to sedate them.

This way, one is able to handle them more comfortably and conveniently. It is easy to do, but you must overcome fear of the animals.

What challenges do you face as a crocodile vet?

There are not as many clients in crocodile farming as it is with livestock. Though well paying, a vet might not rely on the practice to earn a living unless employed by organisations such as Kenya Wildlife Service or big farms, not consultancy.

Further, restraint and immobilisation of the animals is expensive besides the chemicals are not readily available.

Accurate diagnosis of the crocodile diseases is not so easy since a vet cannot be able to approach and handle the animals without immobilisation.

There is need to train experts at the university level to be able to do accurate diagnosis and treatment of crocodiles and other wild animals. Interested farmers also need to be trained on best husbandry.

What licences does one need to engage in crocodile farming?

One applies for licences from the KWS then inspectors will visit the farm to verify if the required conditions are met before approval.

A trading licence from the county government and a game farming permit, which are renewed annually are also necessary.

One also needs to have a proof of competence, which is obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.

If the farming is large-scale, an Environmental impact Assessment must be done before KWS licence is issued.

Many people associate crocodiles with bad omen. Do you face stigmatisation due to the nature of your work?

Some people associate crocodiles with witchcraft and evil, but I am a professional and passionate about my work.

This way, such stereotypes can never affect my attitude towards work.

What are the best conditions for crocodiles to thrive?

Free land space and abundant clean water, whose temperature should not be below 12°C. At least 25 per cent of the space should be water.

The water must be drained and filled at least once a year at a time when this will not stress hatching crocodiles. Noise and human interactions do not work well with crocodiles.

In breeding, careful handling of eggs has a positive impact on the hatchlings and juvenile crocodiles. The enclosure should ensure that the animals are prevented from escape but get to interact with people.

A ratio of five females to one male is recommended for breeding.

All crocodiles should be provided with food that include animal offal from slaughterhouses, cooked maize mixed with blood, meat and fish.

Calcium and phosphorous supplements will be vital for bone development. All food should be free from contamination.

Is there a market for crocodile products?

Crocodile meat is not widely accepted in Kenya but it is sold in some five-star hotels. The meat also has market in Asia with China and Hong Kong being the major importers.

On the other hand, crocodile skin has prime market in Europe and Japan where they are used to make luxury leather products.