Oldest Animal at Brookfield Zoo Receives Successful Medical Procedures

BROOKFIELD, IL — The oldest animal at Brookfield Zoo recently received successful dental and orthopedic procedures. According to a release from the zoo, Ramar, a 49-year-old Western Lowland Gorilla, is experiencing the same ailments as elderly people.

The zoo said the veterinary staff of the Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) conducts routine preventive examinations to carefully monitor the welfare of all the animals at Brookfield Zoo, particularly those that are older and affected by geriatric health conditions.

According to the release, in March, during a regular examination on Ramar, veterinarians noticed mild periodontal disease affecting several of his molars, prompting the need for follow-up dental care. They decided to take the opportunity to also address age-related degenerative arthritis affecting the aging gorilla’s knees. For several years, Ramar has been receiving Celebrex and Lyrica (the same pain relievers people are prescribed) to help keep him comfortable.

“Keeping Ramar and all of our animals comfortable and active during the golden years of their lives is of great emphasis for our team,” Dr. Michael Adkesson, vice president of clinical medicine for the Society, said in a release. “With the high level of professional care found in zoos today, animals live longer and can develop age-related conditions their wild counterparts would not be able to survive.”

The zoo said on June 29, a board-certified veterinary dentist and an orthopedic surgeon joined the society’s team of clinical veterinarians to assist with the two procedures. Dr. Stephen Juriga of River Heights Veterinary Hospital assisted in treating Ramar’s periodontal disease. At the same time, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mukund Komanduri from MK Orthopaedics aided the society’s veterinarians in performing an arthroscopic examination of the great ape’s knees.

According to the release, this minimally invasive procedure allowed debridement (tissue removal) of meniscal and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears along with reduction of synovitis (inflammation) associated with the arthritis. Following the exam, Ramar received in each knee an injection of a synthetic joint lubricant and platelet rich plasma, both of which are shown to improve comfort in people with similar arthritis issues.

“We are grateful for the assistance provided today by Drs. Juriga and Komanduri, as well as the support of Arthrex in providing the equipment to make this procedure possible,” Adkesson said in a release. “Similar to the care provided to an elderly person with degenerative arthritis, our goal is keep Ramar active and comfortable. Today’s care will provide immediate and significant benefits.”

Ramar is not only Brookfield Zoo’s oldest animal, he is also one of the oldest western lowland gorillas in the population in North American zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, according to a release. He quickly became a favorite among guests after arriving at Brookfield Zoo on a breeding loan in October 1998 at age 30. During his years as the dominant male of the zoo’s gorilla group, Ramar sired three offspring: a son, Nadaya, in 2001 with Baraka, a daughter, Kamba, in 2004 with Koola, and another son, Bakari, in 2005 with Binti Jua.

According to a release, Ramar even participates in his own health care. Animal care staff have taught him a wide repertoire of behaviors, including presenting various body parts (shoulder, arm, hand, foot, open mouth, etc.) for treatment and for physical therapy.

According to the release, Western lowland gorillas are listed as “critically endangered” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List.

Photos provided by Chicago Zoological Society.