The monitoring by the technical team has allowed them to detect the problem and successfully intervene on one of the feline's claws.
The protocols of Preventive medicine and veterinary training are essential for ensure animal welfareespecially of species considered high risk.
To get a 120 kilo lion Voluntarily participating in a veterinary procedure is shocking and is the result of years of work based on the practice of behaviors, respect for the behavior of each species and the construction of a trust relationship between the animal and the team in charge of its care.
This professional dynamics of BIOPARC Valencia has allowed us to carry out a surgical intervention in the clutches of Lubango, the 10-year-old male of Angolan lion (Panthera leo bleyenberghi).
Lubango has already recovered and is enjoying the enclosure that recreates the Kopjes of the savanna alongside the two female Angolan Lions, listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
The whole process has successfully developed and, once the postoperative period has passed, already enjoy alongside the females Shanga and Tata of the characteristic enclosure that recreates the Kopjes of the savannah African from where they monitor giraffesdifferent types of antelopes and Ostriches.
The veterinary training through protected contact are the key to assisting animals wild animals, and especially the fiercest ones. The case of the imposing lion is paradigmatic because, through positive reinforcement and the usual instruction, collaborate and allows for reviews to be carried out, including taking blood samples or administer medication using syringes. This voluntary response is Safer and avoids stressful moments for the animal, while reducing induction and recovery times.
Lubango was sedated using this technique, and once it was confirmed that he had reached the appropriate level of anesthesia, and following all the procedures rigorously... safety guidelines Established at BIOPARC for this species considered to be at maximum risk, the veterinary and animal care team has accessed the enclosure to proceed with the surgery.
The injury located on the paw was caused by the overgrowth of one of its claws.
In addition to trimming the affected nail to correct the problem, it has been cleaned and the wound was treated in depth to promote optimal healing.
The performance reflects the importance of the continuous monitoring protocols and preventive medicine to ensure the maximum well-being and comfort of more than 6.000 animals of nearly 150 species housed at BIOPARC Valencia.
The checks allow for the early identification of any changes in the animals' health and intervention before they can become a more serious problem. Although Lions have elements for the natural wear of their claws.In exceptional situations, these problems may arise, and a similar action has already been taken.
El Angolan lion is listed as vulnerable by the Red List of Threatened Species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to the unstoppable decline of their populations.
The Valencian park is very committed to its protection, from the park with participation in the European program for the preservation of endangered species (EEP) and in parallel in the African savanna through the BIOPARC Foundation, Together with the Big Life Foundation, in the park National Greater Amboseli (Kenya and Tanzania) benefiting elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos and other species.
