Pygmy Hippo Undergoes Surgery

On May 24th, pygmy hippo “Aubergine” underwent critical surgery to repair a birth defect that had the potential of becoming a life-threatening condition! A prestigious team of physicians and veterinarians pooled their skills to repair a secondary palate defect in Aubergine where his soft palate was abnormally short, allowing food to enter the nasal cavity when he swallowed.

Dr. Brandon Rein, a Board Certified human anesthesiologist, worked with Zoo Miami veterinarians, Dr. Gwen Myers, Dr. Gaby Flacke, Dr. Jimmy Johnson, and Dr. Marisa Bezjian, to manage Aubergine’s anesthesia while also collecting blood, inserting catheters, and clearing the nasal passages. Human plastic surgeon, Dr. Miguel Medina of the Miami Cancer Institute, teamed up with Dr. Raul Cortes of the Miami Hand Center and veterinary surgeon, Dr. Brianna Danie lson, and her team to surgically extend Aubergine’s soft palate in hopes of preventing the intrusion of food into the nasal cavities which could lead to serious respiratory complications.

The entire procedure took approximately three hours and following the surgery, Aubergine was safely returned to his barn where he was reunited with his mother and has since recovered well!