🔗 Share this article Saved Ukrainian Lion Undergoes Critical Surgery The Big Cat Sanctuary 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 lioness rescued from war-torn the war zone has undergone vital dental surgery to extract a severely infected fang resulting from an abscess. Lira was brought to a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a campaign by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions. The Rescue Center Two lions, Amani and Lira, were among the animals rescued from Ukraine and brought to the sanctuary The procedure was carried out on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats. "Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the damaged fang was highly inflamed," said Mr Kertesz. He thought the infection was due to a trauma experienced over twelve months back, leading to germs producing harmful substances inside the tooth. "My philosophy is non-human oral health issues need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and most secure manner," he explained. The expert clarified that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option." The Big Cat Sanctuary The removed fang measured 8 centimeters, equivalent to 3.14 inches The rescue center reported the extracted tooth was 3.14 inches in length, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and close the large wound with seven dissolving sutures. He also performed a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue. Briony Smith, curator 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 assess "the extent of the problem." "The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will begin improving over the next few days," added the curator. This vital operation represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her arrival from the conflict area.