As London Zoo marks its remarkable 200th anniversary, a captivating new photographic exhibition offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of those who work tirelessly to ensure the wellbeing of its inhabitants. Photographer David Levene spent a year shadowing the dedicated veterinary team, documenting the extraordinary challenges they face while caring for some of the globe’s most endangered species.
A Year of Challenges and Triumphs
How do you safely transport a sedated rhino? Can you effectively administer anaesthesia to a dormouse? What medical protocols are in place for a lion with a uniquely narrow ear canal? These are just a few of the intricate questions that arise in the daily operations of the remarkable veterinary staff at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). Levene’s year-long journey behind the scenes at both London and Whipsnade Zoos vividly captures the complexities of animal care.
When Levene encountered King Arthur, the king cobra, immediately after it had been anaesthetised, he was met with an unexpected reaction. “I was the first person he saw after he’d been jabbed in the tail, and he reared up, spitting at me,” Levene recalls. Thankfully, he was safely behind glass, but the experience encapsulated the unpredictability of working with such formidable creatures.
The Veterinary Team: A Unique Collective
The ZSL has assembled a remarkable team of professionals dedicated to animal health. This select group comprises five veterinarians, six nurses, a pathologist, and specialists in molecular diagnostics and microbiology. This unique structure ensures that the zoo’s residents receive comprehensive and expert care, a rarity among British zoos.
Levene’s first face-to-face encounter with a lion, specifically Bhanu, who had been suffering from recurrent ear infections, was indeed a baptism by fire. Under general anaesthesia, the veterinary team conducted a thorough examination, including dental checks vital for the lion’s overall health. The level of expertise and dedication displayed by the team is nothing short of inspiring.
Pioneering Veterinary Practices
Over the past two centuries, ZSL veterinarians have pioneered advancements in animal care. The meticulous records kept by the zoo’s first medical attendant, Charles Spooner, date back to the early days, detailing treatments for various ailments in exotic animals. From the groundbreaking work of herpetologist Joan Beauchamp Procter in the 1920s to the invention of the handheld dart gun by Oliver Graham-Jones in the 1950s, ZSL has continually pushed the boundaries of veterinary medicine.
Levene’s access to the veterinary hospital was the result of months of negotiations, and once granted, he was immersed in a world where the welfare of animals reigns supreme. The complexity of procedures, such as anaesthetising a 177kg gorilla named Kiburi for a CT scan, required not just veterinary expertise but a coordinated effort from a multitude of staff members.
Insight into the Emotional Bonds
The emotional connection between the keepers and the animals is palpable. While the vets strive for a level of professional detachment during procedures, the keepers’ relationships with the animals are much more intimate. “The keepers live with the animals every day and really get to know them,” Levene notes. This bond enhances the level of care provided, as the keepers often have to balance their emotional attachment with the necessity of ensuring the safety of both the animals and themselves during anaesthetic procedures.
Levene’s experience culminated in moments that transcended the clinical. He was invited to hold a sedated lion’s paw, a tactile reminder of the sheer magnificence of the creatures they care for.
Bridging Science and Conservation
ZSL is not merely a zoo; it serves as a critical hub for global animal science and conservation. Founded by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles, the institution was initially created to advance zoological studies. Today, ZSL integrates research, education, and conservation efforts, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding wildlife.
The pathology department, led by Simon Spiro, plays a vital role in understanding animal health. By determining the causes of death in zoo residents, the team not only contributes to transparency but also reinforces the veterinary care provided. “We need to understand why animals are dying to effectively prevent further loss,” Spiro asserts.
Why it Matters
The dedication exhibited by the veterinary team at London Zoo serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate balance between animal welfare and conservation. As we face an escalating biodiversity crisis, the work conducted within the walls of this celebrated institution extends far beyond its borders, influencing global efforts to protect endangered species. By fostering a deep understanding of animal health and behaviour, ZSL is not merely a sanctuary for wildlife; it is a beacon of hope for conservation efforts worldwide.
