A 2,100kg southern white rhino had a 'dental check-up' - which required the assistance of more than 20 zoo keepers
- 11 months ago
A team of more than two dozen zoo keepers and vets were drafted in to help give a two-ton rhino her dental check-up.
The squad helped safely place the huge southern white rhino called Mikumi on a bed of straw while was knocked out.
It took four keepers at Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Beds, to hold the 31-year-old rhino's giant jaw open while her teeth were checked.
Senior veterinary officer Dr Taina Strike liaised with experts from all around the world to plan the three-hour dental examination.
She said: "As humans age they may naturally develop tooth wear and tear, as well as decay, and it's no different for rhinos."
Equine dentist Dr Chris Pearce gave Mikumi the check-up after she was anaesthetised on May 16.
Her teeth were found to generally be in "excellent condition" although a small fracture in one molar was fixed.
A southern white rhino's teeth, which continuously grow throughout their lifetime, help them to crush and grind the grass and other vegetation they eat into tiny pieces.
The zoo said it was important to check the condition of older rhinos' teeth to prevent future health issues.
Dr Strike added: said: "Mikumi is in excellent health overall, but she is of advancing age.
"It was important for us to investigate how her teeth were and prevent any future issues from arising.
"Without these large teeth remaining in tip-top condition she would struggle to eat, or poorly digested pieces of plant fibres could make their way into her digestive tract, causing health issues."
Mikumi may need another check-up in 18 months' time, as her teeth continue to grow, but for now, she's been given the all-clear.
Dr Strike added:" Thanks to Whipsnade's amazing zookeepers and veterinary team looking after Mikumi's health - alongside our nutritionists, who have created a well-balanced and nutritious diet for all our white rhinos.
"We will also assess some of our other white rhinos who are also starting to advance in age and look at providing them with dental check-ups too."
The squad helped safely place the huge southern white rhino called Mikumi on a bed of straw while was knocked out.
It took four keepers at Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Beds, to hold the 31-year-old rhino's giant jaw open while her teeth were checked.
Senior veterinary officer Dr Taina Strike liaised with experts from all around the world to plan the three-hour dental examination.
She said: "As humans age they may naturally develop tooth wear and tear, as well as decay, and it's no different for rhinos."
Equine dentist Dr Chris Pearce gave Mikumi the check-up after she was anaesthetised on May 16.
Her teeth were found to generally be in "excellent condition" although a small fracture in one molar was fixed.
A southern white rhino's teeth, which continuously grow throughout their lifetime, help them to crush and grind the grass and other vegetation they eat into tiny pieces.
The zoo said it was important to check the condition of older rhinos' teeth to prevent future health issues.
Dr Strike added: said: "Mikumi is in excellent health overall, but she is of advancing age.
"It was important for us to investigate how her teeth were and prevent any future issues from arising.
"Without these large teeth remaining in tip-top condition she would struggle to eat, or poorly digested pieces of plant fibres could make their way into her digestive tract, causing health issues."
Mikumi may need another check-up in 18 months' time, as her teeth continue to grow, but for now, she's been given the all-clear.
Dr Strike added:" Thanks to Whipsnade's amazing zookeepers and veterinary team looking after Mikumi's health - alongside our nutritionists, who have created a well-balanced and nutritious diet for all our white rhinos.
"We will also assess some of our other white rhinos who are also starting to advance in age and look at providing them with dental check-ups too."