In a monumental medical achievement, veterinarians have successfully performed a world-first surgical procedure on a spirited two-year-old female southern white rhino named Amara.
Known for her lively and rambunctious nature, Amara faced a significant challenge when she developed a limp caused by a fractured ulna. Using techniques typically reserved for equine surgery, a team of specialist veterinarians charted new territory to heal Amara’s injury and restore her mobility.
Amara, a southern white rhino from Knowsley Safari Park in northwestern England, is part of the most common rhino species in Africa.
Born into the park’s conservation program, Amara quickly became known for her playful antics, earning a reputation as the park’s most boisterous resident. However, earlier this year, her lively demeanor was dampened by a noticeable limp in her right front leg.
Knowsley Safari Park staff grew increasingly concerned and enlisted expert help.
According to the park’s statement, “The Knowsley Safari team brought in specialist equine surgeons from the University of Liverpool to help with the diagnosis, where radiographs confirmed a fractured ulna.”
This injury, affecting the medial bone in Amara’s front leg, is comparable to the ulna in humans, which connects the elbow to the wrist. For a rhino like Amara, such an injury is rare and posed a unique challenge for veterinary science.
The surgical procedure presented uncharted territory, as no documentation or precedent existed for treating a rhino with this type of injury. However, veterinarians turned to equine surgical techniques as their guide. Rhinos, like horses, belong to the order Perissodactyla, or odd-toed ungulates, making the crossover in surgical methods plausible.
The operation, conducted in Amara’s enclosure, required an exceptional degree of planning and coordination.
“Under anesthesia in Amara’s enclosure, the large team performed a lengthy operation, including key-hole surgery of Amara’s wrist, in a procedure lasting five hours,” Knowsley Safari Park explained.
Dr. David Stack, senior lecturer in Equine Surgery at the University of Liverpool, highlighted the uncertainties involved to ABC News.
“We were unsure if the cast would be strong enough and how Amara would cope with such a restriction on her limb. We hoped that she would accept it and that she would be able to move around, get down, and, importantly, back up again, but this was uncharted water,” he stated.
Following the groundbreaking operation, Amara’s arm was secured in a full cast to support her recovery. To ensure her safety and prevent further strain on her limb, she has been confined to her enclosure, minimizing movement while still allowing her some freedom to adjust to the cast.
Despite the risks and complexities, Amara’s recovery appears to be progressing well. The safari park noted that her spirited nature is slowly returning as she adapts to the restrictions. For a young rhino that loves roughhousing, this temporary setback is being handled with exceptional care and patience.
Amara’s journey is far from over however, as her recovery will require continued monitoring and care. However, her progress is a testament to the dedication of the veterinarians, surgeons, and park staff who worked tirelessly to ensure her well-being.
As Dr. Stack and his team reflect on this unprecedented accomplishment, they have not only improved the life of a playful young rhino but also expanded the boundaries of veterinary medicine, offering hope for similar cases in the future.
See more about this incredible accomplishment in the video below.
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