3 July 2009

Getting too close to a lion is a dangerous thing to do.

How then, do you give a lion a very important eye check-up?

Recently we went behind the scenes to observe our ageing lioness, Jespah, as she received a full medical check-up.

At 18 years old, Jespah is an elderly lion. This means her general health and well being will need even closer monitoring than usual, particularly as we head into the winter months. 

Jespah was tranquilised to ensure the vet team's safety, but they still needed to work quickly to perform all the necessary tests.

Opthalmologist, Rachael, checks Jespah's eyes for any age-related problems, such as cataracts.

As well as an eye exam, Jespah had x-rays to check for arthritis, blood tests to check all her organs are functioning properly and a quick trim of those razor-sharp claws. 

The lion's claw is retracted when not in use which maintains its sharpness. Heavy duty clippers were required to give them a trim!

Shortly after the medical exam, Jespah returned to her favourite spot in the sun.

As a result of her tests she was administered a course of antibiotics to relieve some inflammation. She doesn't move as quickly as she did when she was a youngster, but she passed her eye exam with flying colours.