Operation on maned wolf watched by students

A rare maned wolf had to have three teeth extracted after getting a twig stuck in her mouth.

The seven-year-old wolf named Ruby, from Shepreth Wildlife Park in Cambridgeshire, underwent the hour-long operation at Cambridgeshire University's vet school.

Though the twig that had been stuck in Ruby's mouth was removed, the gums had been exposed and were prone to infection, so the decision was made to remove three teeth.

A risk assessment was carried out before taking Ruby, who is part of a European Endangered Species Programme, to the vet school for treatment. Around 20 students watched the operation, where the wolf laid on a "hot dog" and was covered with a "bear hugger" to keep her warm while anaesthetised.

Rebecca Willers, curator of the wildlife park, said: "Those teeth were not moving - they were rock solid, but the gums had receded so it had to be done."

She said Ruby was up and about the next day and is being fed on soft and palatable wolf food at the moment, but will be back on her normal omnivorous diet soon, which is 50 per cent fruit.