Today started with a little excitement, as we prepared a dart for one of the peccaries who had managed to make an unscheduled escape from her pen. Unfortunately, she also has an open wound near her eye, so we need to catch her asap.
The plan was to anaesthetise her so we could get a closer look and carry out a full health check. This would include taking blood samples, scanning her microchip (just to make sure we know exactly who we’re dealing with!), checking her teeth and carrying out a general body examination. We’d also assess the wound and decide on the best treatment and wound management.
One of the fascinating things about this place is its very well-equipped laboratory. It’s not just used by the staff here, but also by biologists and scientists who travel from all over the world to carry out research and work with the animals.
Unfortunately, our little patient wasn’t cooperating with the morning’s plans, and we weren’t successful in getting her anaesthetised. There’s always tomorrow, or perhaps another attempt this afternoon!
The biggest challenge at the moment, however, is the heat. Temperatures are reaching anywhere between 40 and 48°C, so timing is absolutely critical. We need to choose the safest time for the procedure, both for the peccary and the people involved.
Fingers crossed we get her this afternoon or tomorrow morning.
