A female zebra at the Dehiwala Zoological Gardens is scheduled to undergo surgery after veterinary examinations found an obstruction in its digestive tract, the Department of National Zoological Gardens said.
The department said the zebra, one of two female zebras at the zoo, began showing signs of illness on Sept. 29. Samples collected from the animal and a scan revealed an obstruction in its digestive tract.
Director General of the Department R. C. Rajapaksha said veterinary officers at the zoo have been treating the animal, but its condition did not improve.
On Oct. 8, the zebra was examined by Dr. Dammika Perera, a senior lecturer at the University of Peradeniya’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine with expertise in equine species, the department said.
Following further examinations, veterinary officers, acting on specialist advice, recommended surgery after determining that the obstruction could not be resolved through medication alone.
The department said further treatment and care would be provided in accordance with specialist veterinary advice. It added that updates on the zebra’s condition would be issued as necessary. (Newswire)