Say ‘RAAAH’: Sheru the lion opens wide for dental checks
Stress-free dental checks are a roaring success at Werribee Open Range Zoo with Sheru the lion mastering the skill of voluntarily opening his mouth for keepers to check his teeth and gums.
Stress-free dental checks are a roaring success at Werribee Open Range Zoo with Sheru the lion mastering the skill of voluntarily opening his mouth for keepers to check his teeth and gums.
Responding to verbal cues and a meaty treat, the six-year-old pride male bares rows of impressive, sharp teeth for keepers and veterinarians to easily and safely monitor his oral health.
The 180 kilogram big cat has steadily gained confidence since arriving from Sydney Zoo in March last year [2022], and is now leading his family pride of two lionesses, Nilo and Asali, with the ease of a true lion-king.
African River Trail Zookeeper Danielle Ridgway said Sheru’s gentle, curious and calm personality really shines through during his open-mouth training sessions.
“Sheru is a fast learner and enthusiastically participates in his own healthcare,” Ms Ridgway said. “He voluntarily keeps his mouth open for a few seconds while we check for fractures, decay or any medical issues, which is an incredible achievement in under a year.
On his keepers cue, he can also reach up and stand tall on his two hind paws against a supporting barrier, which helps us to get a great view of his body condition and proactively monitor his health.”
Sheru is often seen basking alongside and affectionally engaging with his female pride members, which Ms Ridgway said is a positive sign towards a litter of cubs.
"When he came to us from Sydney he had only been around his brothers and our lioness Nilo was the one flirting with him,” Ms Ridgway said.
“But since then, he’s really taken the lead and is doing all the right things, so we’re feeling
positive about cubs.”
Lions are classified as vulnerable in the wild, with their species in decline due to hunting and habitat destruction.
It is estimated as few as 23,000 individuals remain in sub-Saharan Africa.
Sheru is an important part of an international and regional breeding program that aims to maintain a genetically diverse pride that can support conservation of wild lion populations.
Animals of all shapes and sizes are participating in the open-mouth training program at Werribee Open Range Zoo –from large animals such as rhinos, giraffes and gorillas, to smaller species including monkeys, meerkats, reptiles and tortoises.
The animal training program is a Zoos Victoria-wide initiative that also occurs at Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary and Kyabram Fauna Park.
Visitors may be lucky enough to see this roar-some training in action when they visit Werribee Open Range Zoo’s African River Trail.
Zoos Victoria and Werribee Open Range Zoo visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au.
Zoos Victoria Members no longer need to book but are required to scan their Membership card for entry.