AssetID: 55529205
Headline: Rescued tiger undergoes life-saving dental treatment at British zoo
Caption: A rescued tiger who endured a harrowing past as part of an illegal wildlife trafficking ring has received expert dental treatment from a world-renowned wildlife dentist in a bid to safeguard his future health. The male tiger, named Aqua, was rescued in 2019 along with nine other tigers at the Poland-Belarus border after being trafficked under horrific conditions. Since arriving at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in North Somerset in October 2025, the big cat’s keepers discovered signs of significant dental problems during a routine check-up. These issues, sadly, are common in big cats with troubled pasts, and the team wasted no time in seeking treatment. Aqua’s keepers used a special feeding technique involving kitchen tongs to build trust with the tiger, allowing them to safely conduct regular health checks. Emma Ogborne, the Lead Big Cat Keeper at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, said: “This approach allows us to work with Aqua in a safe, stress-free environment. We are able to spot problems early on, such as the dental work Aqua needed, ensuring we provide the best possible care." To address Aqua’s dental problems, the Zoo called upon Peter Kertesz, a globally recognized wildlife dental expert. The consultant, who has worked with a range of species – including lions and walruses – performed a specialist procedure to treat Aqua’s top two canine teeth, effectively performing a root canal equivalent for the big cat. Chris Wilkinson, Curator at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, commented: “The procedure went smoothly, and Aqua is already on the road to recovery. This is the first step in his ongoing care plan to ensure his dental health is protected for the long term.” Aqua’s incredible journey began when he and nine other tigers were seized from traffickers at the Poland-Belarus border in 2019. The animals had been subjected to appalling conditions, with one tiger sadly not surviving the ordeal. Aqua was rehabilitated by AAP (Animal Advocacy and Protection) in Spain before eventually making his way to Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, where he now lives in a safe and comfortable environment.
Keywords: feature,photo feature,photo story
PersonInImage: