The 7-year-old male was booked in for a visit at the Zoo’s vet hospital for an important liver ultrasound.

A recent blood test had shown he had evidence of inflammation, and the ultrasound was essential to ensure there was no underlying liver issues.  

Black-and-white Ruffed Lemurs are critically endangered, so every single individual is important for the species survival!

Thankfully, vets conducted the procedure under general anaesthetic and found no abnormalities. And following a check of his overall body condition and some further blood samples drawn for testing, he was given a clean bill of health.  He woke up in a warm pet pack and had some tasty snacks to recover!

Matsiro’s case is a strong reminder of how important immediate access to health care is.

Animals can’t explain their ailments, and our veterinary teams rely heavily on accurate testing to make sure we’re delivering the very best targeted care.

Unfortunately, Perth Zoo’s current ultrasound machine is nearing its end of life. That’s why we are asking for the public’s help to raise funds for a new state-of-the-art ultrasound machine.

This critical piece of equipment is needed to ensure animals, just like Matsiro, continue to get the health care they deserve.

But beyond the care of our animals, Perth Zoo’s veterinary department also plays a leading role in the medical care of wildlife.

Our vets and nurses work tirelessly to support injured native wildlife – they treat around 300 endangered black cockatoos every year and that number is steadily growing.

This piece of vital equipment will help us continue this life-saving work for wildlife.

All animals deserve good health care, and our veterinary and keeping teams have the skills and the expertise, but we need the public’s help to get the equipment to match.

As a conservation agency, we are majority self-funded and any donation – big or small – will make a big impact.