Summary of MedVet and Zoo are the Purrfect Partners to Help Baby Cheetah:
The Cincinnati Zoo is part of the Cheetah Breeding Centers Coalition, which works together to maintain and grow the population of cheetahs in North America. Tearza, a cheetah at the zoo, recently became a mother to three cubs. One of the cubs, Amy, had trouble eating, experiencing regurgitation and fainting episodes. The zoo brought her to MedVet for a CT scan and endoscopy, but no significant issues were found. The zoo has since changed Amy’s feeding strategy, and she is now doing well. They will continue to monitor her as she grows.
Summary:
– The Cincinnati Zoo is part of the Cheetah Breeding Centers Coalition, working to maintain and grow the population of this endangered species in North America.
– Tearza, a seven-year-old cheetah, became a first-time mom at the zoo’s breeding center, and her three cubs, Amy, JJ, and Dutch, are now 8 months old.
– Amy, one of the cheetah cubs, had trouble eating, and the zoo sought the help of MedVet to diagnose and treat her condition.
– Although Amy’s CT scan and endoscopy didn’t reveal any significant issues, the zoo has changed her feeding strategy, and she has shown improvement.
Did you know that the Cincinnati Zoo is not just a place to see amazing animals but also a vital contributor to the conservation of endangered species? One of the projects they are involved in is the Cheetah Breeding Centers Coalition, a group of ten accredited facilities that work together to maintain and grow the population of cheetahs in North America. These organizations, including the Cincinnati Zoo, are members of the Cheetah Species Survival Plan (SSP) and collaborate on various aspects of cheetah husbandry, breeding, and research.
One proud achievement of the Cincinnati Zoo’s breeding center is Tearza, a seven-year-old cheetah who recently became a first-time mom. Tearza has shown excellent maternal instincts, and her three cubs, Amy, JJ, and Dutch, are now 8 months old. However, as with any living beings, these young cheetahs can face health challenges.
One day, the keepers noticed that Amy, one of the cheetah cubs, was having trouble eating. Like many young cheetahs, she often ate too quickly when excited and dining with her siblings. Unfortunately, this led to episodes of regurgitation and even mild fainting. While these episodes were short-lived, it was essential to investigate the cause and ensure Amy’s well-being.
The Cincinnati Zoo’s veterinary team initially conducted an examination using their equipment. However, they couldn’t identify any apparent issues with Amy’s throat or chest. Concerned about her health, they decided to collaborate with MedVet, a reputable veterinary hospital, to perform a CT scan on Amy’s throat and chest. This scan would provide a detailed look at the structures in that area and help pinpoint any potential problems.
Under anesthesia, Amy also underwent an endoscopy of her esophagus, allowing the veterinarians to observe any subtle changes contributing to her symptoms. The good news is that the CT scan and endoscopy revealed no significant abnormalities that would require immediate surgery or pose a significant threat to Amy’s life. However, to further investigate the root cause of her symptoms, the veterinary team collected tissue biopsies of her esophagus, which are currently awaiting analysis.
While waiting for the biopsy results, the Cincinnati Zoo implemented a new feeding strategy to manage Amy’s condition. And so far, it’s proving successful! Amy hasn’t experienced any regurgitation or fainting spells while eating, which is a positive sign. The keepers and veterinarians will continue to monitor her closely as she grows into an adult cheetah. She may “grow out” of these episodes altogether and live an utterly everyday life in the future.
It’s fascinating to witness the collaborative effort between the Cincinnati Zoo and MedVet to provide the best care for Amy and ensure her well-being. Zoos, like the Cincinnati Zoo, are not just places for entertainment and education; they play a significant role in conservation efforts and safeguarding endangered species. By joining forces with veterinary hospitals like MedVet, zoos can access specialized expertise and advanced diagnostic tools that contribute to the overall health and happiness of the animals under their care.
As visitors to the zoo, we can contribute to these conservation efforts by supporting zoos directly or indirectly. Visiting zoos provides educational opportunities for individuals of all ages and generates revenue that can be reinvested in animal care and conservation programs. Additionally, by spreading awareness about the importance of these initiatives, we can inspire others to take action and support zoos or other organizations working towards wildlife conservation.
Next time you visit the Cincinnati Zoo or any other accredited zoo, take a moment to appreciate the incredible efforts behind the scenes to ensure the well-being of the animals. Ripley’s, believe it or not, takes partnerships like the one between the Cincinnati Zoo and MedVet to help baby cheetahs like Amy overcome health challenges and thrive. Together, we can make a difference in protecting and preserving the magnificent wildlife we share this planet with.
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