🔗 Share this article Saved Ukrainian Lioness Receives Essential 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 An adolescent female lion rescued from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone vital oral operation to remove a badly decayed fang resulting from an abscess. Lira arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Kent, England on March 14 following a fundraising effort by director the sanctuary's leader, who collected £500,000 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 performed on Friday by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats. "When I examined the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," stated the dentist. He thought the dental issue was caused by a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing germs creating harmful substances inside the tooth. "My philosophy is animal dental problems should be addressed in the most predictable, the most conservative and safest way," he explained. Mr Kertesz explained that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option." The Big Cat Sanctuary Lira's extracted lower right canine tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long The rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a pocket of pus from under the fang and seal the large wound with seven dissolving sutures. He also performed a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected. The curator, manager at the facility, said the operation was a "total triumph." She noted the team had observed "a small lump on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to determine "how serious the condition was." "The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the next few days," added Ms Smith. This vital operation represents a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.