Kibibi's First Exam

Kibibi, the Smithsonian's National Zoo's two-year-old western lowland gorilla, received her first medical exam yesterday, March 9. The Zoo's veterinary team anesthetized Kibibi through a hand injection, gave her her first vaccines, conducted a routine physical exam, drew blood for a baseline health assessment and took radiographs.

According to vets, Kibibi's teeth and eyes look good, her abdomen feels normal and she's growing at the rate of a healthy gorilla. Yesterday she received a clean bill of health.

Kibibi's mother, Mandara, also underwent a medical exam yesterday, including a cardiac examination by a veterinary cardiologist and dental procedure by a veterinary dentist.

Because Kibibi has been healthy and the Zoo's group of gorillas does not have a history of communicable diseases, animal care staff and veterinarians determined that they did not have to conduct a health exam earlier. Instead, Kibibi will continue to follow the same exam schedule as her mother.

Category:

Pets & Animals

[JennNOVA1]

Wow, I'm surprised at the length of time they waited to give the first exam. I'm guessing it's in order to be as natural as it would be in the wild and is essential for their breeding program, but I didn't think it was possible to wait so long when it comes to their health. If something had been wrong they'd see it and act of course but having to wait two whole years? Wow. The dedication of NZ breeding programs never fail to impress.

[CookieToddo]

oh wow awesome... awww is there a part two LOL would love to see him walk away from the blanket..BTW the blanket is nice ((grin))) Glad all is well.

[raythespy]

Aw so cute!