Groundbreaking Surgery for a Young Rhino
A spirited 2-year-old female rhino, celebrated for her playful personality, has recently undergone a pioneering surgical procedure to repair her ulna—marking a first in the veterinary world.
Expertise from Equine Medicine
Utilizing the expertise of equine surgeons familiar with similar operations performed on horses, a dedicated team of veterinarians successfully treated the rhino’s leg. Remarkably, they got her back on her feet, complete with a protective cast.
Meet Amara: The Playful Southern White Rhino
Amara, a southern white rhino—the most prevalent species in Africa—was born at Knowsley Safari Park near Prescot, northwestern England. Renowned for her rambunctious behavior, she developed a limp that prompted veterinarians to seek a solution.
Diagnosis and Innovative Treatment
“Earlier this year, Amara began limping on her right front leg,” Knowsley Safari Park reported to ABC News. “The team consulted specialist equine surgeons from the University of Liverpool, and radiographs revealed a fractured ulna.”
A Complex Procedure
The surgical intervention took place in Amara’s enclosure, where she was placed under anesthesia. A large team executed a complex, five-hour operation that included keyhole surgery on her wrist.
Understanding the Anatomy
In both humans and rhinos, the ulna is the bone that runs from the elbow to the wrist on the palm side of the hand. In rhinos, this bone is located in the lower part of their front legs, similar to its position in human anatomy.
A Unique Surgical Challenge
According to the safari park, there was no prior documentation or evidence of a similar procedure leading up to Amara’s surgery. As a member of the same order as horses—Perissodactyla, or odd-toed ungulates—the surgical team relied on techniques traditionally used for equines.
Expert Insights and Concerns
Dr. David Stack, a senior lecturer in Equine Surgery at the University of Liverpool, shared his apprehensions about the procedure with ABC News: “We were unsure if the cast would be strong enough and how Amara would cope with such a restriction on her limb. We hoped she would accept it and be able to move around, get down, and, importantly, get back up again, but this was uncharted water.”
Positive Recovery Progress
The zoo reported to ABC that Amara is currently recovering well. Her arm is supported by a full cast, and she remains in her enclosure to minimize movement during her healing process.