Overview

• The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarsden, Kent reported a successful operation to extract Lira’s severely infected lower right canine measuring about 8cm.
• Veteran dentist Peter Kertesz of Zoodent International drained an abscess and closed the wound with seven dissolving sutures.
• Kertesz also carried out a root canal on the opposing upper canine after finding a second infection.
• Vet Elliott Simpson-Brown sedated the 140kg, three-year-old lioness by dart with a quick-acting anaesthetic, then oversaw transport and safe reversal of sedation back at the sanctuary.
• Curator Briony Smith said Lira should feel better in the coming days after initial discomfort; she arrived on March 14 following a £500,000 rescue campaign led by managing director Cam Whitnall.