By Michelle Burgum | Donor Relations Officer
Age: Sub Adult Sex: Unknown Weight: 950gm
Found: On the ground at Rainbow Beach, QLD. Zulu had tried to eat a cooked chicken carcass discarded on the ground and some of the bones had pierced through his head and mouth.
Transported to: The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital by an RSPCA inspector.
Veterinary Assessment: Dr Jackie could immediately see the chicken bones had caused considerable damage. Zulu had suffered a fractured jaw and had two bones piercing through his head and mouth. After further examination and x-rays under anaesthetic, Dr Jackie also found a small sharp bone fragment in his stomach.
Treatment: Dr Jackie removed all the bones from his head and mouth and sutured his wounds. Fortunately Zulu was able to dissolve the bone in his stomach without causing any damage. After strapping his mouth to support his jaw fracture, Zulu was given pain medication, antibiotics and fluids and was placed in a heated terrarium in the reptile ICU for recovery.
Future: Zulu will be kept under close observation whilst his wounds and fracture heals. Once he has made a full recovery he will be released back into the wild but away from any potential risks.
AZWH Fact: A lace monitor’s diet usually consists of small animals however they are also scavengers and will feed on dead animals. It is extremely important to dispose of rubbish correctly to avoid any wildlife becoming injured.
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