Silverback gorilla undergoes oral procedure to remove abscess

Thanks to a partnership between the Pretoria National Zoological Garden and the University of Pretoria (UP), a 23-year-old silverback gorilla named Binga recently underwent a complex dental medical procedure.

The procedure was scheduled after an abscess was discovered on his lower right mandible on November 25.

The zoo’s veterinary team originally tried treating Binga with antibiotics, but he refused to take oral medication.

With the situation worsening, stakeholders decided to conduct the medical procedure on December 12 while Binga was sedated.

“Zoo animals like Binga undergo annual health checkups to ensure they remain in optimal condition,” explains Dr Agustina Fitte, wildlife specialist at the zoo.

“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,” Dr Fitte said.

Dental issues, like Binga’s abscess, can occur unexpectedly, requiring immediate attention.

The zoo partnered with UP to assemble a multidisciplinary team of specialists for this high-stakes operation.

Anaesthetising a gorilla comes with inherent risks, as keeping them sedated for longer than two hours can be dangerous.

The operation involved a team of specialists from both the zoo and UP, 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

– Mr Radion Khoza, gorilla conservation officer and his team.

“This type of procedure is far too complex for a single veterinarian to handle. 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 echo-doppler machine,” Dr Fitte said.

“Prof 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.”

Fitte also highlighted the challenges of working with highly intelligent and potentially dangerous animals. He said gorillas have an incredible memory and capacity to identify threats.

Fitte has had ongoing training sessions with Binga, thu, the right approach was essential as he did not want to be perceived as a threat.

“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,” he said.

The team performed a molar extraction, an echocardiogram, and an ultrasound of Binga’s heart, ensuring his overall health.

Koeppel said, “Binga is now healthy and pain-free.

Asked if he wanted to share a message, it would likely be: “Don’t forget to brush your teeth”.

Leslie Mudimeli, executive director at the National Zoological Garden, said the operation emphasises the importance of collaboration in wildlife care.

“We are grateful for UP’s expertise and the incredible learning opportunity they provided to our students and clinicians. 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,” Mudimeli said.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.