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A Wildlife Rescue Center

A three-year-old female lion rescued from conflict-ridden Ukraine has received vital oral operation to remove a badly decayed canine tooth caused by an infection.

Lira arrived at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 following a fundraising effort by managing director the sanctuary's leader, who raised £500,000 to support her and several other lions from Ukraine.

The Rescue Center

The surgery was carried out on Friday by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"Upon inspecting Lira's jaw and mouth, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.

He believed the dental issue was due to a trauma experienced over twelve months back, causing germs producing harmful substances inside the tooth.

"My philosophy is non-human oral health issues should be addressed in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he said.

Mr Kertesz explained that as the lioness did not need to catch prey, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The rescue center reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to remove a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with multiple absorbable stitches.

He additionally conducted a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was also found to be infected.

Briony Smith, curator at The Big Cat Sanctuary, said the operation was a "total triumph."

She noted the team had spotted "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to assess "how serious the condition was."

"Lira will be a little uncomfortable to initially, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will begin improving over the coming days," added Ms Smith.

This vital operation marks a major milestone in Lira's recovery after her rescue from Ukraine.