AssetID: 54523330
Headline: RAW VIDEO: London Zoo's Smallest Primates Take A Trip To The Dentist
Caption: Two of the tiniest residents at London Zoo recently paid a special visit to the dentist. Five-year-old Endangered pygmy slow loris Ernest and black-capped squirrel monkey Nuka underwent dental operations at the conservation zoo’s veterinary hospital after routine checkups flagged potential gum infections. To provide top-tier dental care, London Zoo’s veterinary team enlisted Dr. Rachel Perry, a European Veterinary Specialist and Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Specialist in veterinary dentistry. Both primates were placed under general anaesthesia, allowing vets to perform thorough health checks while the dental procedures were carried out. X-rays revealed the source of Ernest’s discomfort - a broken tooth hidden beneath his gum, responsible for the swelling - while Nuka needed extractions for two problematic teeth, a canine and an incisor. Dr. Perry and her team swiftly removed the affected teeth, using delicate stitches to close the tiny incisions before safely waking up the two patients and returning them to their keepers. London Zoo veterinarian Stefan Saverimuttu shared, “Ernest and Nuka were star patients. Both of their dental operations went really well. Ernest is doing much better now that the troublesome tooth has been removed. “Nuka was a bit wobbly after his anaesthesia, but within minutes, he was back to his usual antics. He’s been opting for softer foods while his mouth heals, which isn’t too much of a hardship for him - he’s always had a soft spot for bananas.” Now back on the mend, Ernest has even moved into a new section of his habitat to join a new mate. “The two have been given a breeding recommendation, which means they can hopefully play a vital role in the European breeding programme to support this Endangered species,” added Saverimuttu. Both primates are now on a course of anti-inflammatory medication and remain under close supervision by their keepers and vets.
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