On September 9th and October 15th, we conducted routine health checkups for two Domestic Pig kept at the "Children's Zoo STEP" at Ueno Zoo. We conduct these routine health checkups every year around autumn, and here we will give you a detailed account of what happened during those checkups.

Unlike humans, animals need to be anesthetized to undergo a thorough examination. Therefore, the animal was first anesthetized at Children's Zoo STEP, then transported to the Animal Medical Center in East Garden for CT scans, ultrasound examinations, oral cavity checks, and blood draws. They also had their nails trimmed and ears cleaned, leaving them feeling refreshed!


Ayo's Kamade is wrapped in a net and undergoing a CT scan. She is asleep under anesthesia.
Nabi (female), an Domestic Pig pig, showed no major health problems during her recent checkup. However, we are continuing our diet plan to address her obesity, which had been pointed out previously.


Navi waiting to wake up from anesthesia
Sneaking through the window... Onlookers Kotaro (male), a Tokara horse.

Navi is wide awake and waiting for food.
Ayo's "Kamade" (female) originally had uterine adenocarcinoma, but no significant progression was observed during this checkup. Regular blood tests will continue under non-anesthetic to monitor the progression of the cancer. Since the health checkup, a skin abscess has been observed on her forelimb. Currently, the affected area is being disinfected and medication is being administered.


Kamade after awakening
This time we shared information about Domestic Pig' regular health checkups, but Children's Zoo STEP is still managing the health of many other animals. We hope to introduce them to you again when we have the opportunity.

◎Related News
・ Introducing the native breeds of beef cattle "Mishima Beef" and native breeds of pigs "Domestic Pig" and "Ayo"! (December 12, 2008)
・ Domestic Pig has a new member joining the family! (September 23, 2009)
・ About Domestic Pig kept at "Children's Zoo STEP" (August 4, 2021)
・ Regarding the health status of "Kamade," Domestic Pig (Ayo) at Children's Zoo STEP (May 12, 2023)

[Ueno Zoo Children's Zoo Staff]

(November 9, 2023)