Elephant undergoes dental procedure at zoo
A young African elephant at a zoo has received specialist dental care after keepers discovered a small hole in one of his tusks during a routine health check.
Uli, a bull elephant who arrived at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in England last year, was treated by wildlife dentist Peter Kertesz, B.D.S. The procedure involved cleaning, drilling and sealing the tusk with resin to prevent future damage and infection.
“Tusk health is vital for elephants, and we’re proud of the trust Uli has built with us since he arrived at the zoo last year,” said Tom Lindley, head keeper at the zoo. “That trust allows us to carry out this kind of important care calmly and safely.”
Dr. Kertesz, who has treated a wide range of wild animals, said the procedure went smoothly.
“We then filled it with some plastic material so no dirt can get in. It will now be fine for years,” he said.
The targeted training helped Uli remained calm during the treatment and was rewarded with bananas and cabbage, according to CBS News.
The veterinary team also assessed Janu, an older bull elephant, smoothing a previously damaged tusk and implementing a care plan.
The elephants live in a 20-acre habitat, the largest of its kind in northern Europe.
Read more: CBS
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