Zoo Miami Animal Hospital Visits

Rita the Bald Eagle

On November 30, the female bald eagle known as “Rita” underwent surgery to repair a critically fractured right wing at Zoo Miami’s Animal Hospital. She had been brought to Zoo Miami on November 28, 2022, by staff at Wildlife Rescue of Dade County, after being brought to them by Florida Wildlife Commission officers. She was originally found in critical condition in northwest Miami-Dade County the evening prior.

After receiving immediate critical care to stabilize her, the effort was focused on saving as much of the wing as possible. The Animal Health team tried a series of treatments that included laser therapy, acupuncture, peripheral limb infusion, physical therapy, and a variety of topical, oral, and injectable medications.

Though Rita initially surpassed expectations, showing significant improvement, she eventually began showing signs of infection and loss of circulation and viable tissue in the extremity of the wing that was progressively getting worse. The very difficult decision was made to amputate part of her wing to prevent the spread of infection.

She will now go through an intensive recovery period initially done at Zoo Miami until she is transferred to Wildlife Rescue of Dade County for her rehabilitation. She will ultimately be placed by U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFW) in a facility where she will remain under human care for the rest of her life. As per an agreement with Native American tribes, she will first be offered to tribes that maintain aviaries that house eagles so that their naturally molted feathers can be utilized for tribal ceremonies. If there are no requestsfrom any Native American tribes, she will be placed in an educational facility where she can serve as an ambassador for her species.

Black Rhino

On October 3, 2022, “Eddie,” the 23-year-old black rhino, underwent a series of exams that included having a team of veterinary reproductive specialists collect and evaluate his semen. The 3,000-pound pachyderm was sedated and immobilized and in addition to his reproductive exam, his eyes and teeth were examined, blood samples were taken, a pedicure was performed, and he received rabies, equine encephalitis, and tetanus vaccinations. His semen his being banked for future artificial insemination procedures!

Black Bear

On October 5, 2022, our 12-year-old American black bears, “Laurel” and “Libby,” were anesthetized and brought to the hospital to receive their wellness exams. Each bear received a series of radiographs, an ultrasound exam, dental cleanings, manicures, eye exams, and blood collection, as well as an overall body assessment. Initial indications are that both bears are in good health!

Otter

On October 11, 2022, our male giant river otter, “Zimuco,” underwent a series of wellness exams, including radiographs, an ultrasound, blood collection, vaccinations for rabies and distemper, and a dental cleaning. Initial indications were that Zimuco is in good health!

Cinereous Vultures

On October 19, 2022, Zoo Miami’s cinereous vultures were brought to the hospital for routine wellness exams, including eye and mouth exams, blood collection, vaccinations for West Nile virus, an evaluation of body condition including range of motion, and confirmation of microchip identification. Other than very slight heart murmurs, all three birds appear to be in good health.

Gorillas

On November 8, 2022, “Barney,” a 29-year-old silverback lowland gorilla and his brother, 33-yaer-old “Shango,” underwent a series of exams as part of a preventative medicine program at Zoo Miami. In addition to the normal procedures which include blood collection, x-rays, and a general physical, the great apes were examined by specialists with specific attention to respiratory and cardiac concerns. These exams included a bronchoscopy to evaluate the conditions of the bronchi and lungs as well as echocardiograms to assess the heart chambers and function. Both brothers have been on medication for previously diagnosed heart disease, and the exams confirmed that their treatments are successfully managing their conditions.