Look How Many People It Takes To Spay A Lion At Zoo Miami

What’s News In This Story

–Zoo Miami spayed an 8-year-old lioness Monday in a routine operation that showed just how much manpower it takes to take care of big cats.

**-A video shared with RISE NEWS by Zoo Miami’s Ron Magill, walks through the full extent of the operation.**

-The procedure was done on Kashifa because there were fears that continued breeding by her would mean an over-representation of her line.

-She has already had three males and two female cubs- all but one of which now live at other zoos.

-While under anesthesia, vets also took blood and checked her eyes and teeth to make sure they are healthy.

-Kashifa’s daughter Amira will have the same procedure next week to avoid inbreeding.

-Kashifa is expected to make a full recovery.

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Miami Zoo Closed Over Fears That Lions May Swim Over Protective Moats

By Rich Robinson

Zoo Miami has been closed since Saturday over concerns about animal safety after torrential rains have flooded the southern-most section of Miami-Dade County.

According to the AP, nearby Miami Executive Airport had already tabulated more than 13 inches of rain in December by Tuesday morning.

The incredible deluge has made much of the park unusable and unsafe for human visitors.

According to the AP, fish from a nearby lake were spotted swimming under benches meant for human visitors and many walkways are underwater.

The more concerning issue for zoo officials is the threat to animal life that sustained flooding can have.

According to the Miami Herald, some animals, including the lions are usually kept from the public by a moat system. With the water at such a high level, the lions could easily swim across the moat and enter the public area.

“With a high water level, there is no longer a barrier,” Zoo Miami Communications Director Ron Magill told the Miami Herald. “In reality, most animals can swim.”

According to WPLG TV, the animals are being kept in their “night houses” so they remain safe.

WATCH: WPLG (Local 10 Miami) Report On Zoo Miami Flooding

The zoo could open again Wednesday morning as the region begins to dry out from the unseasonably large amount of rain.

Cover Photo Credit: Peter Harrison/ Flickr (CC By 2.0)