🔗 Share this article Rescued from Ukraine Lion Receives Critical Dental Operation A Wildlife Rescue Center A lioness named Lira receiving essential dental care to extract a badly infected tooth An adolescent lioness saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has undergone critical dental surgery to extract a badly decayed fang resulting from an abscess. Lira arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on 14 March following a fundraising effort by managing director Cam Whitnall, who collected £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 surgery was performed on last week by veterinary dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats. "When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the damaged fang was severely infected," stated the dentist. He thought the dental issue was due to a trauma sustained over twelve months back, causing bacteria producing toxins within the fang. "My philosophy is animal dental problems need to be treated in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said. The expert clarified that as the lioness did not need to hunt for food, extraction was the most "logical and humane option." The Animal Rescue Facility The removed fang measured 8 centimeters, equivalent to 3.14 inches The rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and seal the large wound with multiple absorbable stitches. He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected. Briony Smith, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the operation was a "total triumph." She noted the team had spotted "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "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 start to feel much better over the coming days," added Ms Smith. The successful surgery marks a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.