In a remarkable display of collaboration and expertise, a team of more than 10 dentists came together to extract an infected molar from an elephant, showcasing the extraordinary lengths taken to ensure the well-being of zoo animals.
Lucha, an Asian elephant who stopped eating, her caretakers examined her and realized she had a loose tooth
The patient, Lucha, a 33-year-old female Asian elephant residing at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, began exhibiting signs of distress when she stopped eating. Concerned caretakers quickly realized that the source of her discomfort lay in a loose and infected tooth, causing Lucha extreme pain and discomfort.
The tooth was infected, causing Lucha so much pain that the zoo called in dental surgeon Dr. Peter Kertesz
Vets at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo called on veterinary dental surgeon Kertesz, who helped the team extract the giant molar
Calling upon the expertise of veterinary dental surgeon Dr. Peter Kertesz, the team at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo embarked on a complex dental operation to address Lucha’s dental issue. Under the watchful eyes of keepers and with cameras rolling to document the procedure, the team meticulously removed the giant molar, relieving Lucha of her agony.
Dr. Nic Masters, chief veterinarian at the Zoological Society of London, emphasized the importance of Lucha’s regular training and close relationship with her caretakers, which made the daunting dental procedure a comforting experience for the elephant.
Dr Kertesz drilled Lucha’s tooth out of his mouth after it became loose, moved and then became infected and painful
During the successful surgery, the team removed the giant molar (pictured) that injured Lucha
He stated, “While most people dread the idea of visiting the dentist, for Lucha the elephant it is a comforting experience, due to her regular training and the close relationship she has with us as her keepers.”
The operation was not without its challenges, as anesthetizing a large animal like Lucha required careful planning and execution. However, thanks to her training, Lucha cooperated by lying on her right side, allowing the dental team to safely access her gums and extract the troublesome tooth efficiently.
Lucha is part of a herd of 10 Asian elephants at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, contributing to the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP). Asian elephants, classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List, face numerous threats in the wild, including human-elephant conflicts.
ZSL has been actively involved in conservation efforts, working at the Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary in western Thailand to mitigate these conflicts and protect both elephants and local communities.
Lucha has now returned to his usual happy state after having his painful tooth extracted.
Following the successful surgery, Lucha has returned to her usual happy state, thanks to the dedication and expertise of her caretakers and the collaborative efforts of the dental team. Her story serves as a testament to the importance of conservation and the extraordinary measures taken to ensure the welfare of endangered species.