Veterinary day for Ruben, Leo and Lupe

We went live on Facebook from the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary for veterinary day. Dr Peter Caldwell checked up on some of the lions and tigers rescued by ADI from circuses and zoos around the world. First up was Ruben who was rescued from a private zoo in Armenia last year. Ruben arrived with extreme mobility difficulties and Dr Caldwell is overseeing a regime to improve his walking and all round movement. After a thorough examination of Ruben, he was really pleased with his progress. Ruben has been cleared to start using his bigger half-acre habitat. The grass slopes leading up to the viewing platform will be good for Ruben’s muscles. Watch the live of Ruben’s checkup here.

Next up was Leo. This 21-year-old warrior is still going strong! Thankfully, the lump by his tail is not a tumor, it is a hernia, and we are very relieved. Leo is too old for surgery and his tissue in that area is too thin for fitting a mesh, but it is not causing him a problem. He’s received a series of injections including vitamins and minerals, and his overgrown hind claws were trimmed successfully.

Leo is very elderly, at least 21 years old and possibly 2 or 3 years older than that. Many supporters who have lived with elderly domestic cats will know how they get thinner and smaller in very old age. Leo is carefully fed the correct food, continues to have a good quality of life, and although slower, he continues to explore his approx. 4-acre Abbey Habitat at ADIWS. Watch the live of Leo’s examination here.

Lupe is epileptic and receives medications, but Dr Caldwell did blood tests to monitor her, and says she is in “beautiful condition”. She was weighed and got her teeth checked too! Dr Caldwell is monitoring a sore spot on her abdomen. Watch the live of Lupe’s examination here.