A team of veterinarians at Marwell Zoo successfully performed root canal surgery on a 170kg Siberian tiger named Bagai after he broke one of his teeth.
The incident came to light when a zookeeper noticed that the 11-year-old tiger had chipped one of his large 3.5-inch canines, prompting the zoo’s veterinary team to take action.
Given Bagai’s age and existing health issues, the zoo described the procedure as high-risk, emphasizing the importance of everything going according to plan. Despite the complexity, veterinary dentist Rachel Perry led the operation with precision.
She performed the root canal by removing the damaged dental pulp, sterilizing the inside of the tooth, and sealing it, ensuring Bagai’s tooth was restored successfully.
During the procedure, a team of registered veterinary nurses closely monitored Bagai’s anesthesia and vital signs, ensuring his safety. Dr. Elyse Summerfield-Smith, the zoo’s veterinarian, supervised the operation.
She highlighted the level of trust and responsibility among the all-female team, noting that they were not only responsible for Bagai’s life but also each other’s safety during the high-stakes procedure.
“Working together, communicating effectively, and fulfilling our responsibilities to the best of our abilities were key to the operation’s success,” Dr. Summerfield-Smith remarked.
Following the procedure, Bagai fully recovered and is back to enjoying his meals, thanks to the team’s care and professionalism.
The zoo celebrated the efforts of their all-female team, with Carrie Arnold, the animal team leader for carnivores, being the first to alert the team about Bagai’s broken tooth. She expressed her gratitude for being able to collaborate with such talented professionals.
Arnold noted, “Coordinating and managing high-profile procedures like this alongside such incredible women is an honor.”
Bagai’s 3.5-inch canines dwarf human teeth, which generally measure 0.7 to 1 inch. Even the teeth of the largest domestic dogs typically reach only 1.5 to 1.7 inches.
Victoria Sissons, an animal keeper, also appreciated being part of the operation. She said learning from and working with such an experienced and skilled team was a privilege.
Siberian tigers, also known as Amur tigers, are the largest big cats in the world and are critically endangered due to threats like hunting and deforestation.
According to the Zoological Society of London, only an estimated 265 to 486 of these majestic animals are left in the wild, primarily in the Russian Far East.
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