AssetID: 55850229
Headline: San Diego Zoo Gorilla undergoes first-of-its-kind mastoidectomy surgery
Caption: BY MARK WORGAN A gorilla at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park has undergone what is believed to be the world's first mastoidectomy performed on the species, after developing a serious infection that had spread into part of his skull. Mizani, a 12-year-old male western lowland gorilla, underwent the five-hour operation after wildlife health specialists diagnosed mastoiditis - an infection of the bone behind the ear - alongside sinusitis. The procedure was carried out by a multidisciplinary team from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and surgeons from UC San Diego Health. Wildlife care staff first became concerned in March 2026 after noticing that Mizani was reluctant to open his mouth fully, had a reduced appetite and displayed behaviours associated with head pain, including holding his head while squinting. A CT scan at the Safari Park's Harter Veterinary Medical Center confirmed the infection. Specialists believe the condition had probably developed before Mizani arrived at the park in November 2024 because of the extent of the disease. Although mastoiditis can affect both humans and gorillas, researchers said they found no published record of the procedure previously being performed on a gorilla. The surgical team adapted techniques commonly used in human skull base and ear surgery while accounting for anatomical differences between humans and great apes. Jeffrey Harris, an ear, nose and throat surgeon at UC San Diego Health, said the operation required extensive preparation. "Our surgical team regularly performs complex mastoid and skull base procedures but applying that expertise to a critically ill gorilla required meticulous planning," said Dr Harris. "After carefully analyzing CT scans, we adapted our approach to account for the significant anatomical differences and proceeded with delicate microsurgery. We're proud to bring this level of specialized care beyond the traditional clinical setting and we are incredibly gratified by Mizani's recovery." The operation involved making an incision on the left side of Mizani's head to drain the infected area before removing diseased bone and tissue from the mastoid. More than 20 veterinarians, doctors, veterinary nurses, wildlife care specialists and support staff took part. Ryan Sadler, senior veterinarian at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, said the case had provided valuable insights. "This case was particularly unique because this disease is rarely seen in gorillas, making it a valuable learning opportunity for everyone involved," he said. "Even after working with gorillas throughout my career, I'm still learning something new every day. Procedures like this highlight how medicine can be remarkably similar across species, while also requiring very different approaches depending on the animal. I'm incredibly proud of how quickly our team and the doctors from UC San Diego Health came together for this monumental procedure." Mizani has continued to recover well since the surgery, according to the zoo. A follow-up examination in early June found no signs of complications, and veterinarians believe the operation successfully resolved the infection. He has since returned to his troop and resumed his normal diet, activity levels and daily routine. He will continue to be monitored, with another examination scheduled in a year's time unless further symptoms develop. The case comes as the Harter Veterinary Medical Center marks its 25th anniversary. Since opening in 2001, the facility has treated more than 50,000 animals representing hundreds of species.
Keywords: feature,photo,video,gorilla,operation,nature
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