In a remarkable veterinary procedure, a veterinary dentist extracted a painful, infected molar from Lucha, a 33-year-old female Asian elephant at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.
The issue came to light when Lucha began refusing food, prompting her keepers to investigate the cause. They discovered that a loose tooth had become infected, causing significant discomfort.
Veterinary dental surgeon Dr. Peter Kertesz was called in to assist the zoo’s medical team with the operation, which the keepers carefully captured on camera.
Dr. Nic Masters, head veterinarian at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), explained, “While most people dread visiting the dentist, for Lucha, it was a calm experience thanks to her regular training and the bond she shares with her keepers.”
Due to her training, Lucha could lie down on her right side, allowing the team to access the infected tooth more easily.
This cooperation ensured the extraction could be done quickly, minimizing her time under anesthesia and helping her return to normal as soon as possible.
Lucha and her herd of ten Asian elephants at Whipsnade Zoo are part of the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP).
Classified as endangered by the IUCN Red List, Asian elephants face numerous challenges, including conflicts with humans over territory.
ZSL actively supports conservation efforts in Thailand’s Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary to address these conflicts and protect the elephants’ forest habitat.
