Overview

• Rico, a 25-year-old two-toed sloth at Chester Zoo, underwent a three-hour apicectomy to treat two root abscesses, marking the first known procedure of its kind on a sloth.
• The surgery, performed by zoo veterinarians and Newcastle University dental experts, involved removing infected tissue and sealing a tooth root with special cement.
• Post-operative X-rays confirmed the infections cleared within a week, and Rico remains infection-free with his dental filling intact.
• Specialized training techniques allowed Rico to voluntarily position himself for CT scans and X-rays, reducing the need for repeat anesthesia and supporting long-term health monitoring.
• Chester Zoo's work with Rico highlights advancements in animal welfare and conservation, as two-toed sloths face threats from deforestation and the illegal pet trade in their native South America.