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The Big Cat Sanctuary

An adolescent lioness rescued from conflict-ridden the war zone has undergone critical dental surgery to extract a severely infected fang resulting from an infection.

The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on 14 March following a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to fund her and four other rescued lions.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was carried out on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"When I examined Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see right away the damaged fang was severely infected," said the dentist.

He thought the infection was caused by a trauma sustained more than a year ago, leading to germs producing harmful substances inside the tooth.

"My philosophy is animal dental problems need to be treated in the safest, the most conservative and most secure manner," he said.

The expert explained that as Lira no longer required to catch prey, extraction was the most "logical and humane option."

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The rescue center said the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and close the large wound with multiple absorbable stitches.

He also performed a root canal treatment on the corresponding top fang, which was also found to be infected.

The curator, manager at the facility, declared the operation was a "total triumph."

She noted the staff had spotted "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to determine "the extent of the problem."

"Lira will be somewhat sore to begin with, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will begin improving over the coming days," added the curator.

This vital operation marks a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.