Hank, an 11-year-old, 246-pound sloth bear, was immobilized and taken to Zoo Miami’s animal hospital this week for a comprehensive physical exam, part of a preventive medicine program and in preparation for his relocation to his new home.
The examination included weighing, blood and urine samples, and a series of x-rays. The reptile also underwent ultrasounds of its heart, liver and spleen, a dental exam and an endoscopy to evaluate its gastrointestinal health. Finally, it received a rabies vaccination and was dewormed. These procedures were supervised by Zoo Miami’s Assistant Veterinarian, Dr. Rodney Schellbach, with assistance from the Animal Health and Animal Science teams.
Tests showed no abnormalities and Hank has since made a full recovery. He will be transferred to a separate habitat at Zoo Miami where he will have the opportunity to show off his natural behavior. Solitary behaviour. Previously, he shared the sloth bear habitat with Keematy and her two young cubs.
Sloth bears live solitary lives and inhabit the moist and dry forests of the Indian subcontinent. They feed mainly on fruit and insects, especially termites. As they lack the two upper front teeth, they use their long lips to create straws that allow them to suck up termites and other insects quickly and effectively. Their long, shaggy fur, lacking an undercoat, helps them stay cool in the warm climate of their habitat and protect them from biting insects.
Hank was born on December 19th at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo.NumberHe was born in 2012 and arrived at Zoo Miami on November 30, 2016.
Zoo Miami is proud to have directly contributed thousands of dollars to Indian sloth bear conservation efforts through the Zoo Miami Foundation’s Ron McGill Conservation Fund.
About us:
Want to know more about Miami’s community news? Check out Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online newspaper group covers a variety of topics in the local community and beyond. Miami Community Newspapers provides daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers up to date. Covering a wide range of topics from local news to community events, Miami Community Newspapers is the ideal source to stay up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company produces more than a dozen local publications. magazinea special section on our website, our newsletter, and in print throughout Miami-Dade County. Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral GablesBrickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print edition provides local news, eventbusiness updates, lifestyle features and local initiatives within their respective communities.
In addition, the paper reported in an exclusive Miami Community Podcastgives listeners an in-depth look into Miami culture. If you’re looking for Miami local news and podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspaper is your best bet. For more information, please visit: https://communitynewspapers.com.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us by email. michael@communitynewspapers.com or grant@communitynewspapers.com
#CommunityNews #CommunityNewspaper #MiamiDe #MiamiDeCounty #That’s the community #MiamiCommunityNews #Coral reefs #Palm Bay #SouthMiami #Doral #Aventura #Pinecrest #Kendall #Broward #BiscayneBay #WestPark
Connect with customers and grow your business
click here
