Download Open wide - dental work for Howletts` tiger

Press Release
5th December 2014
Open
Wide:
London West End
Dental Surgeon
Performs Tiger
Tooth Procedure
Amir, a Sumatran tiger at Howletts Wild Animal Park
Keepers and vets at Howletts Wild Animal Park, one of Kent’s most popular visitor attractions, had an
unusual animal treatment on their hands, when a male Sumatran tiger named Amir, broke three of his
front teeth, including his right upper canine.
The team at the wild animal park, near Canterbury, called on the services of Dental Surgeon and founder
of Zoodent, a specialist zoo species dental practice – Peter Kertesz, to perform the delicate procedure.
Ben Warren, Head of Carnivore Section said: ‘Amir is a lovely tiger and although the broken teeth weren’t
causing him any discomfort we knew that a filling would be the best course of action to prevent any
deterioration.’
Weighing in at approximately 130 Kilos, nine year old Amir was sedated and transported to the onsite
hospital for his treatment.
Jane Hopper, Head of Veterinary Services at Howletts said: ‘The Vet Department sedated Amir whilst the
specialist dentist prepared the hospital for Amir’s filling. This is a difficult procedure in a tiger as the canines
tooth’s root can be six times longer in a tiger than a human. The whole procedure was a complete success
and we’d like to thank Peter for coming down to Howletts. Amir has recovered well, but we’ll keep an eye
on him over the next few weeks.’
Howletts Wild Animal Park, near Canterbury is home to two Sumatran tigers, two Amur or Siberian tigers
and two Bengal or Indian tigers. All tigers are classified as endangered or critically endangered in the wild,
poaching and habitat loss are the main causes of their dramatically dwindling numbers.
For further information including park opening times and entry prices please visit
www.aspinallfoundation.org/howletts
Editor’s Notes

Dr. Peter Kertesz is a practising Dental Surgeon in Central London. Qualified at King’s College Medical and
Dental School, London in 1969 as a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, University of London and Licenciate of Dental
Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons of England.
In 2003 he was elected an Honorary Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, for special
services to veterinary science and the veterinary profession.
Peter has been involved in veterinary dental care since 1978 and founded ZOODENT International in 1985.

Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Reserve work with The Aspinall Foundation, a world leading
conservation charity. The parks, in Kent are two of the County’s most popular visitor attractions. Profits
from the parks in Kent and accommodation at Port Lympne Reserve go towards helping The Aspinall
Foundation’s efforts to save rare and endangered species, both in the UK and overseas.

Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Reserve in Kent, working in conjunction with The
Aspinall Foundation, are some of the most successful breeders of captive endangered animals in the
world. With unrivalled achievements in husbandry, the conservation charity boasts 135 gorilla
births, 33 black rhino, 123 clouded leopards, 33 Javan gibbons, 104 Javan langur and 20 African
elephants

Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Reserve were awarded Best Leisure and Tourism
Business at the 2012 and 2013 KEiBA awards.

Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Reserve are members of VisitEngland’s accreditation
scheme for quality visitor attractions VAQAS.

Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Reserve are members of the UK Inbound organisation –
one of the leading trade associations in the UK Tourism industry and the only association to focus
exclusively on the inbound tourism sector.

The Aspinall Foundation is proud to be celebrating 30 years of animal conservation in 2014. Since it
was founded in April 1984, the charity has become world-leaders in animal conservation; helping to
protect a wide range of critically endangered species internationally, including western lowland
gorillas and black rhino, and has pioneered ground-breaking reintroduction projects.

The Aspinall Foundation manages conservation projects in Congo, Gabon, Indonesia and
Madagascar, as well as providing financial support to various partner projects around the world. The
conservation charity’s important work helps prevent some of the most endangered species on the
planet from becoming extinct.
Information
Follow Us
Howletts Wild Animal Park
Bekesbourne
Nr Canterbury
Kent CT4 5EL
www.facebook.com/howlettsanimalpark
@howlettspark
howlettspark
Contacts
For further information / Use of pictures / Interviews
The Aspinall Foundation: +44(0)1303 234 184 / +44(0)1303 234 161
Amanda McCabe: [email protected]
Kim Downes: [email protected]
Ends