First-ever surgery performed to repair a rhinoceros's fractured leg

A rhinoceros with a broken leg is back on its feet after a world-first operation.

Amara had to wear a special cast for four weeks | Knowsley Safari

Amara, a southern white rhino at Knowsley safari park, underwent keyhole surgery and needed to wear a cast for a period of four weeks.

Due to the scarcity of information on injured rhinos, surgeons utilized their knowledge of performing surgeries on horses and adapted it for Amara's case.

A group of 10 veterinarians participated in the procedure, labeling it as "unlike any other experience we've had before".

Specialist equine surgeons from the University of Liverpool treated the rhino | Knowsley Safari

Earlier this year, Amara started to limp on her right front leg, and X-rays revealed that the rhino had a fractured ulna.

The operation at the Merseyside safari park was performed by a team of specialist surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses, animal keepers, and support staff.

In her enclosure, Amara underwent a lengthy operation under anesthesia, which included keyhole surgery on her "wrist".

Amara stayed in her enclosure for some time after the operation | Knowsley Safari

Dr. David Stack, a Senior Lecturer in Equine Surgery at the University of Liverpool, described Amara's surgery as unprecedented in our experience.

Although we were able to insert the camera into her joint, the unique nature of the procedure meant that we were unsure about the operating space available or the extent of visibility into the affected area.

Following the operation, Amara had her leg supported with a full limb cast and was kept in her enclosure to prevent excessive movement.

To ensure her comfort, Knowsley Safari's animal keepers housed Amara with her mother Meru, lined her stall with rubber mats and straw, and provided ample mud for her.

Amara has been housed with her mother Meru during recovery | Knowsley Safari

Dr Stack said: "We were unsure if the cast would be strong enough and how Amara would cope with such a restriction on her limb.

"We hoped that she would accept it and that she would be able to move around, get down and, importantly, back up again but this was unchartered water."

Eventually, Amara was on her feet again and able to enjoy life outdoors once more, graduating from a small paddock and to the open space of the park's Safari Drive.

The surgical team injected Amara's affected joint with platelet-rich plasma, a solution derived from Amara's own blood, to help with Amara's ongoing healing.

Dr Stack concludes: "Treating Amara has been a truly ground-breaking veterinary journey incorporating many firsts which we will now document should another animal team encounter similar scenarios in the future, though we very much hope the notes are never needed."

Amara's birth in October 2022 was showcased on Channel 4's Secret Life of the Safari Park.

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