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A Wildlife Rescue Center

A three-year-old female lion saved from war-torn the war zone has undergone critical dental surgery to extract a severely infected fang resulting from an infection.

Lira arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 after a campaign by managing director Cam Whitnall, who raised half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.

The Rescue Center

The procedure was performed on last week by dentist Peter Kertesz, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see right away the broken tooth was highly inflamed," said the dentist.

He thought the infection was due to a injury experienced over twelve months back, causing germs creating harmful substances within the fang.

"My philosophy is non-human dental problems need to be treated in the most predictable, the least invasive and safest way," he explained.

The expert clarified that as Lira did not need to hunt for food, removal was the most "logical and humane option."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The sanctuary reported the removed fang was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with the dentist having to remove a accumulated infection from under the fang and close the large wound with multiple absorbable stitches.

He also performed a dental procedure on the opposing upper canine tooth, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

Briony Smith, curator at the facility, said the procedure was a "total triumph."

She said the staff had spotted "a minor swelling on Lira's jawline" but it had been difficult to determine "how serious the condition was."

"The lioness will be a little uncomfortable to begin with, but now that the infectious materials are out of her body, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added the curator.

This vital operation marks a significant step in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.