Chimps at Wellington Zoo Undergo Dental Treatment
Two of Wellington Zoo’s most popular residents have undergone dental treatment.
Samantha the chimp and her baby daughter, Malika, were treated by vets at the zoo earlier this week. Samantha, a 28 year old chimpanzee, had four teeth removed under general anaesthetic. Her keeper, Kate Baker, said that Samantha was suffering from decay and needed three incisors and a canine tooth removing to prevent pain.
Keepers decided to give Samantha’s daughter, Malika, who is just one year old, a check-up at the same time. Kate Baker said that the team had decided to check Malika’s teeth at the same time as operating on her mum, so that the pair was not apart for too long, with the baby chimp being so young.
Chimps care for their young until they are fairly old and Samantha would not have wanted to leave Malika with the other chimps, so it was also useful to check the baby’s teeth to make sure they are developing well.
After her three hour dental session, Ms Baker said that Samantha was recovering well.
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