Over the past few months, our teams of animal experts have been working together to manage spinal issues for our elderly Spotted Hyaena Sabi.

In the wild, Spotted Hyaenas typically live to around 12 years old. But thanks to the outstanding care Sabi has received here at the Zoo, he’s turning 19 in May!

At 18-years-old, this sweet hyaena is well into his twilight years. And because of this, his care team take a proactive approach to monitor his health and well-being.

As animals age, and much like with your pets at home, they may start to develop conditions associated with wear and tear and need a little extra support.

He works through daily healthcare training that enables his keepers to closely examine his ears, eyes, teeth and overall body condition.

As a very clever and social carnivore, he enjoys getting the one-on-one time and is always treated to a nice chunk of meat for a job well done.

This ongoing monitoring became critical one afternoon when Sabi showed subtle signs something wasn’t right.
 
A few months ago, zookeepers were completing their final checks for the day and preparing to clock-off when they noticed Sabi didn’t look like his usual self.

His posture was hunched and his belly was bloated.

Within minutes, carnivore keepers jumped into action and steps were put in motion for an after-hours procedure in the habitat.

Thankfully, the veterinary team were able to relieve the bloating and beautiful Sabi quickly bounced back, munching on meaty snacks the next day.

While Sabi appeared well following this episode, it was very important for the teams to determine what caused it.

Within our on-site hospital, the veterinary team worked through as much testing as we could undertake in our facilities but couldn’t quite pinpoint the exact cause.

Perth Zoo Veterinary Services Manager, Dr Rebecca Vaughan‑Higgins said: “Sabi is quite a special hyaena and has had health issues with his gastrointestinal system in the past.

“At 18-years-old, he’s in his twilight years, so we do undertake regular testing and health workups with him in our vet hospital.

“But in recent months and after his emergency health-check in the habitat, we came to a point where we needed to do a full CAT scan to get clear detailed medical images.”

To gain that level of insight, the decision was made to book an appointment for Sabi at Animalius Veterinary Hospital in Bayswater. 

Sabi’s team worked on a plan to get the 54kg carnivore to his dual advanced imaging and gastroscopy appointments with the veterinary team at Animalius in Bayswater.

Hyaenas have one of the strongest jaw strengths of all African carnivores. And while Sabi has trusting relationships with his carers and is known to be a sweet‑natured animal, getting him safely to another facility was a big logistical operation.

“Our colleagues at Animalius Veterinary Hospital have consulted with us on Sabi’s case before, but this was the first time we had transported Sabi offsite from the Zoo,” Dr Bec said.

“Getting a hyaena safely to another location isn’t simple and it required teamwork from across the entire Zoo.
“For his safety, and for the safety of the team, he was transported carefully while under general anaesthetic.”

While at Animalius, Sabi had gastroscopy performed. This involves sending a camera down through his mouth to check his gastrointestinal system and the collection of biopsy samples.

Thankfully, results from these biopsies came back with no issues!

However, during his CAT scan, vets found he had some wear and tear along his spine and evidence of conditions called Discospondylitis and Spondylosis.

“Having these conditions diagnosed has been incredibly helpful, it means we’re able to provide very tailored medical care for Sabi,” Dr Bec said.

“He has been given antibiotics, anti‑inflammatories and some pain relief which has helped to improve and manage his condition, and we’re pleased that he’s now pain‑free.”

Since the diagnosis, Sabi has been monitored extra closely to keep watch over the progression of his conditions.

Thanks to trusting relationships, Sabi willingly participates in a daily training program that allows keepers to get close enough to check his body condition and administer medications.

“Sabi’s carers do an incredible job with him, and it’s thanks to this regular training that we’ve been able to keep a very close eye on him,” Dr Bec said.

“He will need ongoing treatments to help provide support, but thankfully he loves to eat so he is always happy to have some extra one‑on‑one time with his carers while enjoying a snack.”

This regular training has also enabled Sabi to have further visits to our Veterinary Hospital and Animalius, for dental work and further imaging tests, ensuring he continues to receive the best care possible as he ages.

Stay tuned for more updates!