Gilbert the giraffe receiving anesthesia. RZSS via SWNS)
By Lauren Beavis
Video shows a team of experts giving a giraffe a massage as he underwent an operation on his face.
Gilbert the giraffe recently underwent a general anesthetic at Edinburgh Zoo - which required over 20 experts to investigate an unusual swelling.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) said the complex operation required weeks of planning and coordination, and an expert team was brought together from across the UK and Europe.
Alongside the wildlife conservation charity’s vets and zookeepers, specialist veterinary anesthetists and equine dentists from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, as well as vets and nurses from Chester Zoo and Copenhagen Zoo, all collaborated "to ensure Gilbert received the highest standard of care."
RZSS vet Harry Winrow said: “A lot of time was spent working out every detail from start to finish.
"Our priority was to make the procedure as safe as possible for both Gilbert and everyone involved.
“While the procedure itself took less than an hour, it involved multiple teams working simultaneously.
"One focused on anesthesia and monitoring, another trimmed Gilbert’s hooves and provided limb massages to promote circulation, and a third examined and cleared his mouth to determine the cause of the swelling.”
The team said once the procedure was completed, Gilbert made a smooth recovery; however, results from both visual examinations and X-rays revealed no clear cause for the buildup of food in his cheek.
Gilbert the giraffe. (RZSS via SWNS)
Harry explained: “The findings were unexpected.
"With no dental or jaw abnormalities identified, we suspect the swelling may have a behavioral cause, especially since he quickly refilled his cheek pouch with food right after it was emptied!”
The team says they are celebrating a successful outcome - despite a definitive diagnosis not being concluded.
Investigations have shown no reason to suspect that Gilbert is experiencing pain or discomfort, and he remains in good health, experts determined.
Harry added: "This case demonstrated that with careful planning, general anesthesia and complex veterinary procedures can be performed safely on adult giraffes.
"Gilbert is expected to continue thriving with his usual charm, albeit with a slightly lopsided look.
"With ongoing training, keepers hope to help him improve his oral hygiene by regularly flushing the cheek pouch with water."
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