🔗 Share this article Rescued from Ukraine Lioness Receives Critical Surgery A Wildlife Rescue Center Lira the lioness from The Big Cat Sanctuary undergoing critical dental surgery to remove a severely infected lower right canine tooth A three-year-old female lion saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone vital dental surgery to remove a severely infected canine tooth caused by an infection. The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March following a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised £500,000 to support her and four other rescued lions. The Big Cat Sanctuary Two lions, Amani and Lira, were among the animals rescued from Ukraine and brought to the sanctuary The procedure was carried out on last week by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has cared for hundreds of large felines. "When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the broken tooth was highly inflamed," said Mr Kertesz. He believed the infection was caused by a trauma sustained more than a year ago, leading to bacteria producing toxins inside the tooth. "The approach I follow is animal oral health issues should be addressed in the most predictable, the most conservative and safest way," he said. The expert clarified that as the lioness no longer required to catch prey, extraction was the most "sensible and ethical solution." The Big Cat Sanctuary The removed fang measured 8 centimeters, equivalent to 3.14 inches The rescue center reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures. He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue. Briony Smith, manager at the facility, said the procedure was a "complete success." She noted the team had spotted "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to determine "the extent of the problem." "Lira will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the coming days," commented the curator. The successful surgery marks a significant step in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.