Jabali, Monarto Safari Park’s nearly three-year-old Spotted Hyena, is facing the future with a stronger bite thanks to an expert team effort aimed at improving his health and comfort.
As a young cub, Jabali suffered a bite from a fellow hyena that left a lasting deformity in his upper jaw. Now, with his bones fully grown, the veterinary team at Monarto Safari Park has taken the next step in ensuring Jabali thrives well into adulthood.
A specialist scan for a special hyena
“We’ve been monitoring how his teeth line up and how he eats,” said Monarto Safari Park Veterinarian, Dr Oliver. “Now that he’s reached skeletal maturity, we can see the impact more clearly. His teeth don’t sit properly, and it affects the way he feeds.”
To get a clearer picture, Jabali was taken for a CT scan and assessment at Adelaide Veterinary Dentistry and Oromaxillofacial Services (AVDOS). This team of dental specialists has experience treating exotic animals and provided expert insights into Jabali’s condition.
But getting a 70-kilogram apex predator to the dentist isn’t a simple task. Over several months, keepers trained Jabali to voluntarily accept hand injections. This crucial step allowed the team to safely anaesthetise him without stress. He was then transported in a specially designed crate to the clinic on Glen Osmond Road in Adelaide.
There, Jabali underwent a thorough examination and CT scan that is now helping the veterinary dental team shape a plan for his future care.
Bouncing back strong
Spotted Hyenas are known for their bone-crushing jaws, among the most powerful in the animal kingdom, and Jabali is no exception. Despite his misaligned teeth, he is a fit, healthy young male and coped extremely well with the procedure.
“Because we weren’t doing anything painful, the anaesthetic was kept light, which made it safer for him,” said Dr Oliver. “He recovered really well and was back with the clan by 4 o’clock that afternoon, behaving perfectly normally.”
Jabali’s CT scan results will now inform a treatment plan to improve his dental alignment and ensure long-term comfort. It is just one example of how Monarto Safari Park combines world-class animal welfare, expert care, and innovative partnerships to support the animals who call it home.
“We’re hopeful we can make some changes that will improve his quality of life and help him eat more comfortably,” Dr Oliver added.
Wild hearts, expert care
Spotted Hyenas are highly social animals, and Jabali’s successful return to his clan speaks volumes about the care and planning involved. His story highlights the dedication of keepers and veterinary staff who go above and beyond to ensure every animal receives the best care possible.
