🔗 Share this article

A Wildlife Rescue Center

A three-year-old lioness rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone vital oral operation to remove a badly decayed canine tooth resulting from an abscess.

Lira arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a fundraising effort by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was performed on Friday by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines.

"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the broken tooth was highly inflamed," stated the dentist.

He thought the dental issue was due to a injury experienced more than a year ago, causing germs producing toxins within the fang.

"The approach I follow is animal dental problems should be addressed in the safest, the least invasive and safest way," he explained.

The expert clarified that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures.

He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

Briony Smith, manager at the facility, said the procedure was a "complete success."

She said the staff had observed "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."

"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added Ms Smith.

This vital operation marks a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.