This morning a complete revision was carried out on Noel, the first sambar (Cervus unicolor) that arrived at this space dedicated to the dissemination of biodiversity and its conservation in 2006 to join the group of this species, which belongs to the family of cervids.

Noel has reached 15 years of age, which for this species is quite an advanced age, since in the wild they usually live for about 15 years. Noel’s keepers saw some changes in his coat, such as a decrease in the shine of his hair, changes in pigmentation, loss of volume in general, slight weight loss and excessive growth of the hooves.

Noel is one of the park’s senior animals and these changes in his physical condition have motivated the decision to carry out a full geriatric check-up.

In order to carry out the review, 7 people was necessary because anaesthesia and a safe area is required for wild animals so they can complete the review under surveillance.

Treatment will consist in administration of vitamin complexes, deworming and long-acting anti-inflammatory drugs.

Noel’s veterinary examination has been focused on treating the animal as a geriatric patient. He has undergone a general physical examination, review of the mouth and teeth, extraction of a blood sample and stool analysis to determine the adequate state of health by performing a complete analysis with hematology and biochemistry.

Geriatric care in other animals

The veterinarians also carry out other checks on the oldest animals in the park such as flamingos or ocelots, which in the latter case have exceeded the life expectancy of this species that in the wild can live up to 12 years, while the ocelot couple from Terra Natura Benidorm has already reached 18 years old.

In general, the oldest animals in the park are specially controlled and chronic treatments are administered for ailments according to their age such as arthritis in order not to affect quality of life and even improve it.

With the increase in animals of advanced age in the park, a geriatric plan will be established applying a series of prevention measures such as frequent check-ups, specific preventive diagnoses, as well as balanced diets at their advanced age.