Boki, a two-year-old European brown bear, is set to undergo groundbreaking brain surgery today due to his ongoing seizures and vision problems. The young bear, born to parents rescued from a Spanish circus, has been struggling with these issues for the past five months. MRI scans have revealed that Boki is suffering from hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by a build-up of fluid inside the skull, exerting pressure on the brain. While hydrocephalus is not uncommon in humans, affecting one in every 500 births, it is believed to be rare in animals.
Specialist vets at the Wildwood Trust, located near Canterbury, where Boki resides, will be performing the surgery to insert a tube into his brain to drain the excess fluid and alleviate the pressure. Mark Habben, the zoological director at the trust, described Boki as “charismatic and a lot of fun,” noting that his condition tends to worsen after periods of high energy. The goal of the surgery is to enable Boki to engage in normal bear activities like climbing trees and swimming without any negative impact on his health.
The three-hour operation will be conducted by Romain Pizzi, an Edinburgh-based specialist known for taking on challenging cases. This procedure involves creating a small hole in Boki’s skull to insert a tube that will run from his brain, under his skin, down to his bladder to drain the excess fluid. While the vet has only performed this surgery once before on an Asiatic black bear in Laos, the success of that operation has given the Wildwood Trust confidence in its effectiveness for Boki.
Mr. Habben emphasized that Boki is in good physical condition and is rapidly gaining weight, indicating a positive outlook for his recovery. The decision to proceed with the surgery was prompted by Boki’s upcoming torpor, a period of winter dormancy similar to hibernation. Performing the surgery now allows for better monitoring and immediate care if needed post-surgery, without having to wait for months until Boki wakes up.
As Boki recuperates from the surgery, his progress will be closely monitored to determine when he can resume his normal activities as a young bear. The trust remains optimistic about the outcome of the surgery, with Mr. Habben stating that they would not undertake such a procedure if they did not believe it would lead to a successful and happy ending for Boki.
Boki’s journey from being born at Port Lympne wildlife park in Kent to his current home at the Wildwood Trust has been marked by challenges, including being rejected by his family. The decision to proceed with this pioneering surgery underscores the dedication of the veterinary team to ensure Boki’s well-being and quality of life.