Vets’ risky procedure on lioness

VETS have carried out the dangerous task of giving a 24-stone lioness a contraceptive implant.

Lioness Teekay is one of the star attractions at Blair Drummond Safari Park, near Stirling.

Already mum to Libby, 5, and Karis, 3, the 18-year-old female had the long-lasting implant inserted under her skin to prevent her having more cubs.

Experienced vet Colin Scott coaxed Teekay in to a narrow cage to administer a dose of anaesthetic, before inserting the implant.

But staff had to be on hand with a gun in case she woke up unexpectedly.

It took a team of four men to lift the lioness back in to her compound, before she was given a reviving injection.