Kansas City Zoo photo gallery: Zuri's immobilization

Anesthetic mask

Dr. Kirk Suedmeyer demonstrates the anesthetic mask to be used for Zuri, the lion. An immobilization is the process of anesthetizing an animal at the zoo for treatment or preventive care, as in Zuri's case.

Equipment transportation

A large tackle box serves as a container for storing and transporting the equipment used for immobilizing patients.

Anesthesia delivery

Charging the dart that will deliver Zuri's initial anesthetic medications intramuscularly.

Pressurized dart

A close up look at the pressurized dart that will deliver the anesthetic drugs intramuscularly to Zuri.

Blowpipe

Dr. Suedmeyer holds the blowpipe and prepares to dart Zuri.

Watching Zuri

Dr. Meredith Wainstein and senior technician Andrea Lowery wait for the initial anesthetic drugs to take effect. They keep time and medical records and observe for any problems. Dr. Suedmeyer leaves Zuri's line of sight so that his presence will not continue to agitate her and the drugs can take effect more smoothly.

Zuri's enclosure

Zuri’s enclosure, waiting for the initial anesthetic drugs to take effect.

Oxygen for Zuri

Once Zuri has completely responded to the initial anesthetic drugs contained in the dart, she receives oxygen by mask and is taken back to the hospital in the transport van. Here, Dr. Suedmeyer is palpating Zuri’s trachea in anticipation of placing an endotracheal tube.

Placing the endotracheal tube

Dr. Wainstein placing the endotracheal tube. She uses a stylet and laryngoscope with a very long blade.

Placing a larger tube

After checking the cuff of the endotracheal tube, the team determines that a larger tube is needed. Dr. Wainstein replaces it and does not use a laryngoscope the second time.

Plane of anesthesia

The second endotracheal tube is securely in place and Zuri reaches a level plane of anesthesia for her procedures.

Transport van

The transport van, ready to take Zuri back to her enclosure.

Back to the enclosure

Zuri being returned to the van.

The process of waking up

Returning Zuri to her enclosure. She is returning to consciousness smoothly, just as anticipated.

Last one to leave

After removing the endotracheal tube, Dr. Suedmeyer positions Zuri for maximum comfort and safety.

Recovery

Zuri will spend the afternoon recovering from her morning spent with her Animal Health Team.

The complete package

Back to the "Day in the life of a zoo veterinarian" home page

Three-part blog about the zoo encounter

Immobilization and exam for Zuri the lion

Video: An ounce of prevention - examining a lion

Photo galleries of Zuri and her caretakers:

   > Meet Zuri, a 5-year-old lioness

   > Zuri's immobilization

   > Procedures performed on Zuri

   > The technicians' day

   > Dr. Meredith Wainstein's first patient as a resident

A typical day for two zoo veterinarians

Video: A typical day at the zoo hospital

Photo gallery: Tour the zoo hospital

Video: Gorillas and goats - all in a day's work

Practicing high-quality medicine

Video: Preventive medicine at the zoo

Video: Technical innovations benefit zoo animals

Challenges at the zoo

Video: The challenges of practicing veterinary medicine in a zoo

Video: The most difficult animal

All animals treated equally

Video: Chicken vs. elephant

Video: Not playing favorites

Video: Special patients

Communication strategies

Video: Easy team communication - take a cue from this zoo tech

Video: Communication and zookeepers as clients

The economy's effects

Video: Effects of the Great Recession on the zoo

Video: Fundraising for the zoo