🔗 Share this article Saved from Ukraine Lion Undergoes Essential Dental Operation The Big Cat Sanctuary A lioness named Lira receiving essential dental care to extract a badly infected tooth A three-year-old female lion saved from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received critical oral operation to remove a badly decayed fang resulting from an infection. Lira arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a campaign by director Cam Whitnall, who collected £500,000 to fund her and several other lions from Ukraine. The Rescue Center Two lions, Amani and Lira, were among the animals rescued from Ukraine and brought to the sanctuary The procedure was performed on last week by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats. "Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz. He believed the dental issue was caused by a trauma sustained over twelve months back, causing germs producing harmful substances within the fang. "My philosophy is animal dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said. The expert explained that as the lioness did not need 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 said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a pocket of pus from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures. He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected. Briony Smith, manager at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the procedure was a "total triumph." She noted the staff had observed "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been difficult to assess "how serious the condition was." "Lira will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added the curator. This vital operation represents a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.