Operation Orangutan!
Experts in animal AND human medicine unite to save ape
THESE incredible photographs show the moment a bunged-up orangutan went under the knife so that she could breathe more easily.
Vicky, a 30-year-old mother of two, had two operations performed by experts in human and animal medicine to alleviate her severe congestion.
The two-hour life-saving surgery, carried out only once before in Britain, took place at her home, Blackpool Zoo. The 108lb Bornean orangutan was given anaesthetic as she lay on a patient trolley and soon her eyelids began to droop.
She was then hooked up to a ventilator and other tubes and monitors before a large team of surgeons and medical staff went to work.
Ear, nose and throat surgeon Jawed Tahery said: ‘I have carried out this procedure many times, but it is rare to get the opportunity to operate on an animal. The aim was to restore drainage in the sinuses and increase ventilation of the nasal cavity. I’m delighted with the results.’
Vicky rejoined her daughters Summer and Cherie and the male of the group, Ramon, less than 24 hours after the operation. Animal manager Peter Dillingham said she was recov- ering well. This is the second time Vicky has had surgical treatment for chronic sinusitis and air sacculitis, in which the air sacs become inflamed or infected. However, this is the first time two procedures have been carried out at the same time.
Vet Karen Archer said: ‘The teamwork between top human and animal medical specialists was the key to its success. We drained Vicky’s air sac, which is used for vocalisation, and sutured it open to prevent any further congestion.’ Fellow vet Andrew Moore said: ‘This type of surgery goes a long way to limiting the risk of potentially life-threatening complications.’