Updated August 2, 2023:
We've added an update on "Kamadee." Please see here for more details.

---

Domestic Pig (female), a pig (Ayo) kept at Ueno Zoo 's "Children's Zoo STEP," has been diagnosed with uterine adenocarcinoma following medical examinations. We would like to inform you of the circumstances leading up to this and the future treatment plan (you can find updates on Kamade's condition since August 2021 here).


Ayo's "Kamade" (Photo taken on May 12, 2023)

background

In 2019, cancer was found in Kamade's endometrium. Her condition stabilized after a hysterectomy and oophorectomy and medication, but since then, she has undergone regular health checkups using blood tests and computed tomography (CT) scans.

From autumn to winter of 2022, we began to notice occasional bleeding from her genitals. In January 2023, she became ill and was hospitalized at an animal hospital. During the cold winter months, we kept her in a warm indoor environment as a precaution.

However, since the bleeding from her genitals continued, we waited for Kamadee to recover her strength and then performed another examination. This revealed that she had developed uterine adenocarcinoma in the remaining tissue after the hysterectomy.

Regarding future treatment

Kamade has already had her uterus and ovaries removed. This time, the tumor was found to be located inside the pelvis, so it was determined that surgical removal would be difficult.

Furthermore, since administering anticancer drugs places a significant burden on Kamade's body, we have made an overall decision to focus on palliative care, such as pain management, and prioritize maintaining Kamade's quality of life (QOL) in his treatment going forward.

Currently, Kamade has a good appetite and shows signs of wanting to go outside. However, we will continue to manage his care while considering his health and the weather, so there may be times when we have to suspend public viewing. All of our staff are doing their best to ensure that Kamade can continue to live a peaceful life, and we would appreciate your understanding.

[Ueno Zoo Children's Zoo Staff]

Update on Ayo "Kamade" (Added August 2, 2023)

Compared to last summer, this year I've noticed that my breathing becomes more labored when the temperature rises.

Kamadee sometimes shows signs of wanting to go outside, but we decide whether or not to let him out based on his physical condition and the weather on that day.

This summer will likely see many extremely hot days, so please understand that I may spend more time indoors.

Kamade	Take a break while cooling down

(Date of photo: July 29, 2023)
[Ueno Zoo Children's Zoo Staff]

(May 12, 2023)
(August 2, 2023: Added an update on Ayo "Kamadee")