National Zoological Gardens and University of Pretoria team up for a complex dental procedure
Binga, a 23-year-old silverback gorilla at the Pretoria National Zoological Garden, recently underwent a unique dental procedure after an abscess was discovered on his lower right mandible during routine monitoring on Monday, 25 November 2024.
Initially, the zoo’s veterinary team attempted to treat the condition with antibiotics, but Binga refused oral medication. Recognising the urgency, the team organised a specialised procedure under general anaesthesia.
“Zoo animals like Binga undergo annual health checkups to ensure they remain in optimal condition,” explains Dr. Agustina Fitte, Wildlife Specialist at the National Zoological Gardens. “Since wild animals do not normally show signs of distress, which would be seen as a sign of weakness to their peers and predators, these checkups are essential for early diagnosis and treatment.”
Annual examinations for zoo animals are comprehensive and include dental evaluations, blood work, ultrasounds of the heart and abdomen, vision tests, chest X-rays, and even reproductive examinations. However, dental issues, like Binga’s abscess, can occur unexpectedly, requiring immediate attention.
The zoo partnered with the University of Pretoria to assemble a multidisciplinary team of specialists for this high-stakes operation. Anaesthetising a gorilla comes with inherent risks, as keeping them under anaesthesia for longer than two hours can be dangerous. This is why collaboration and efficiency are crucial. The operation involved a team of specialists from both the National Zoological Gardens and the University of Pretoria, including Prof. Gerhard Steenkamp, Veterinary Dentist; Prof. Katja Koeppel, Wildlife Specialist; Dr. Giovana Martins, Veterinary Resident; Dr. Nicolene Hoepner, Diagnostic Imaging Specialist; Dr. Agustina Fitte, NZG Clinical Veterinarian and hospital team as well as Mr. Radion Khoza, Gorilla Conservation Officer and his team.
“This type of procedure is far too complex for a single veterinarian to handle,” says Dr. Fitte. “We needed a dental specialist to address Binga’s teeth and a diagnostic imaging expert to perform an advanced ultrasound of his heart using an eco-doppler machine. Prof. Katja Koeppel’s extensive experience in immobilising gorillas, having worked with over 400 in her career, was critical. Her expertise ensured that Binga was in the safest possible hands throughout the procedure.”
Dr. Fitte also highlighted the challenges of working with highly intelligent and potentially dangerous animals. “Gorillas have an incredible memory and capacity to identify threats. Given my ongoing training sessions with Binga, I didn’t want him to associate me with the immobilization process. Positive reinforcement training plays a vital role in preparing animals like Binga for veterinary procedures, minimising stress and enhancing safety for both the animal and the team.”
The team performed a molar extraction, an echocardiogram, and an ultrasound of Binga’s heart, ensuring his overall health. Positive reinforcement training allowed Binga to participate calmly in pre-procedure preparations making the process smoother for everyone involved.
“Binga is now healthy and pain-free,” says Prof. Koeppel. “If he could share a message, it would likely be: ‘don’t forget to brush your teeth!
The partnership between the National Zoological Gardens and the University of Pretoria showcases the value of collaboration in wildlife care. “We are grateful for the University of Pretoria’s expertise and the incredible learning opportunity they provided to our students and clinicians,” says Leslie Mudimeli, Executive Director at the National Zoological Garden. “Binga’s successful procedure is a testament to the dedication, teamwork, and specialised knowledge required to care for one of nature’s most extraordinary species.”
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Nontsikelelo Mpulo
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Email: n.mpulo@sanbi.org.za
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