A sick warthog that appeared to have staged its own visit to a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) clinic is now recovering after a swift rescue, in an incident that blended wildlife conservation with a touch of humour.
The animal, affectionately nicknamed Kasongo, was spotted resting inside a culvert at the KWS Central Workshop. The moniker is a playful nod to Kenyan slang: warthogs are scruffy, noisy, and a bit chaotic, and “Kasongo” has become shorthand for someone viewed as arrogant, reckless, or shameless. In this case, the name captured the warthog’s audacious behaviour, as it seemed to deliberately place itself where it could be seen.
Rather than retreating deeper into the wild, the animal appeared to have “self-referred” for treatment, prompting KWS to joke about its boldness. “Me, I think I shall just snuggle in here and wait for the doctor to find me, and while at it I will also cleverly ensure I am visible enough to be spotted by passers-by,” a KWS official statement, highlighting the light-hearted nature of the rescue.
Officers quickly responded after identifying that the warthog was unwell. The animal was safely restrained and transported to a veterinary clinic, where it is currently undergoing treatment. KWS reported that Kasongo responded well to initial care, raising hopes that it will soon be released back into its natural habitat. “Luckily, the ‘waiting patient’ was spotted in time, taken to the clinic, and is now on treatment with hopes of trotting back to the wild soon,” the agency said.
While the incident brought smiles to many Kenyans online, KWS emphasized that it also highlights the importance of vigilance around wildlife, particularly in areas where animals and human activity intersect. Sick or injured animals often wander into unexpected spaces in search of safety, food, or relief, making early detection critical for their survival.
Kasongo’s unusual “self-referral” has captured public imagination, serving as a reminder of the unpredictable ways in which wildlife interacts with human environments, and the critical role KWS plays in safeguarding these encounters.
