Perth Zoo’s pair of lioness sisters Makeba and Uzuri have been given a clean bill of health!
 
As part of the Zoo’s proactive approach to care, the 9-year-old sisters were due for their annual check-up with our veterinary team.
 
This time, the girls had their checks in the comfort of their night quarters.
 
While under general anaesthetic, our vets examined their body condition, dental health, joint mobility, collected pathology samples for testing and administered updated vaccinations.
 
And we’re pleased to say they’re in purrrrfect health!

 

Perth Zoo Veterinarian Dr. Taylor Hawkins said:  “Preventative healthcare is super important when it comes to the wellbeing of all our animals.
 
“The keepers do a fantastic job with daily monitoring of the lions’ health and wellbeing, but general anaesthetics enable us to get much closer than we’d normally be able to get to a big carnivore.
 
“While Makeba and Uzuri were under anaestheric, we were able to get really hands-on and feel exactly how their joints and muscles are moving, get a close look at the dental health, and feel for any unusual lumps and bumps.
 
“Both lions are looking nice and healthy, though Uzuri did have a small lump on her head that was biopsied and sent to the lab for testing just to be safe.”
 
Following the check-up, the lions recovered in a fresh bed of hay under the watchful eyes of their keepers.
Ongoing preventative healthcare like this is so important every animal at Perth Zoo.
 
With more than 1300 animals calling Perth Zoo home, our vet teams are responsible for delivering top notch medical treatment for hundreds of native and exotic species. 

Whether mammal, reptile, bird or amphibian, all animals great and small are given the same quality vet care and attention.