Chimp gets special tooth surgery

By CLIO FRANCIS - Stuff.co.nz

Last updated 13:06 07/05/2009

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SMILE TIME: Dr Russell Tucker performing dental surgery on Lucifer at Hamilton Zoo.

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An elderly chimpanzee with a bad case of tooth-ache will soon be flashing his pearly whites again.

The 20-year-old chimp, named Lucifer, underwent dental surgery at Hamilton Zoo yesterday to remove a badly broken tooth.

Auckland veterinary dentist Dr Russell Tucker performed the complicated three hour surgery yesterday morning after Lucifer received a hand-held anesthetic injection.

Hamilton Zoo director Stephen Standley said it was the first time a chimp had been removed from the enclosure for veterinary treatment at the zoo's facility.

"It was crucial that we had an experienced veterinary dentist carry out this work as the large size of chimpanzee canines, which have a total length of 60mm, meant part of the jawbone needed to be removed to allow access to the tooth roots."

Lucifer is now back in his enclosure and doing well.

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