Amara the rhino recovers from broken leg at Knowsley Safari Park

Amara, a southern white rhinoceros at Knowsley Safari Park, suffered a broken leg earlier this year, prompting a team of over 10 veterinary specialists to intervene. After observing her limp, the team provided pain relief and rest before bringing in equine surgeons from the University of Liverpool for a thorough diagnosis. Radiographs revealed a fractured ulna, a rare injury for rhinos, leading to a complex surgical procedure that included key-hole surgery on her wrist. The operation was unprecedented, as there were no prior records of similar injuries in rhinoceroses. The surgical team faced challenges in determining the operational space and visibility within Amara's joint. Post-surgery, she was fitted with a full limb cast to support her leg, and the keepers created a comfortable environment for her recovery, ensuring she remained with her mother, Meru, and had access to mud and rubber mats. Amara's recovery process was closely monitored, with concerns about her ability to adapt to the cast and limited movement. Fortunately, she gradually regained her strength and mobility, eventually transitioning from a small paddock to the larger Safari Drive area of the park. To further aid her healing, the surgical team injected her affected joint with platelet-rich plasma derived from her own blood. This groundbreaking treatment not only helped Amara recover but also provided valuable insights for future veterinary practices involving similar cases. The team hopes that the documentation of this experience will serve as a reference for any future incidents, although they wish such notes would remain unused.