Pacific Radiology and Wellington Zoo are working together to ensure the welfare of animals at The Nest Te Kōhanga, the Zoo’s hub for wildlife care in the Wellington region.
The Zoo’s veterinary team, in collaboration with Pacific Radiology’s imaging team, has been able to successfully diagnose and treat many precious animals at the Zoo, often saving their lives in the process.
Jo Burrell, Regional Manager at Pacific Radiology Wellington/Manawatu, says:
"We are excited to be part of the team committed to the welfare of these special patients right here in Wellington - and to support our local community at the same time."
There are several stories with happy endings to come out of the partnership between Pacific Radiology and The Nest Te Kōhanga. The teams used a highly-detailed MRI scan to help diagnose a Kiwi Pukupuku Little Spotted Kiwi which was suffering from neurological symptoms. The MRI scan, which uses radio waves to create pictures of internal organs including the brain, showed that the bird had toxoplasmosis, an infection which can be fatal. Because of the clarity of the images, the Zoo’s vet team were able to quickly make a treatment plan to save the kiwi’s life.
Another success story was a CT scan for female Sumatran Tiger Senja, who had a chronic ear infection. A CT scan is a special type of x-ray often used to diagnose and monitor disease. Again, the precision of the scan provided life-saving insights to help Zoo vets to plan Senja’s treatment - and the tiger has since made a full recovery. Specialist surgeons also used detailed CT images of lioness Zahra and chimpanzee Cara to plan surgery, saving the lives of these precious animals.
Many of the animals treated at Wellington Zoo are endangered, so keeping them healthy is important for their welfare both within the Zoo and to raise awareness for the protection of their counterparts around the world. Sumatran tigers, for example, are sadly critically endangered, with fewer than 400 tigers estimated to remain in the wild.
The veterinary team at The Nest Te Kōhanga is grateful for the support of Pacific Radiology:
"Pacific Radiology has always been incredibly accommodating in caring for patients from Wellington Zoo. The staff generously donate their time, expertise and equipment to ensure the best outcomes for our animals. We couldn’t do what we do without them."
Senja the Sumatran Tiger prepares for a CT scan.
