Brevard Zoo’s 43-Year-Old Siamang ‘Sapphire’ Recovering Well After an Exploratory Surgery
By Space Coast Daily // February 13, 2022
Sapphire recovered well from her surgery with her companion Pete in Brevard Zoo's hospital
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Brevard Zoo is happy to share that their 43-year-old siamang, Sapphire, is recovering well following an exploratory surgery. Sapphire underwent this surgery recently after her animal care team noticed that she was experiencing more frequent and severe episodes of pain, lethargy, and lack of appetite.
A CT scan performed prior to surgery revealed an abnormal uterus was the likely cause of pain. During the recent surgery, Brevard Zoo’s veterinary staff performed a hysterectomy after finding that Sapphire’s uterus had significant abnormalities.
They were assisted in this surgery by Dr. Jeffrey Christiansen of Superior Veterinary Surgical Solutions and Animal Specialty and Emergency Hospital in Rockledge.
Biopsy results of these abnormalities confirmed that they were caused by endometriosis, a disorder in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. This surgery should relieve Sapphire of this disorder and its symptoms.
Sapphire recovered well from her surgery with her companion Pete in Brevard Zoo’s hospital. While Pete is not ill, the pair are very attached, and Brevard Zoo’s animal care team felt they should not be separated.
Pete did undergo a routine check-up during his stay, and Brevard Zoo’s veterinary team found that he is healthy.
Their animal care team will continue to keep an eye on Sapphire with the hope the pair will return to their island soon. Because Sapphire and 44-year-old Pete are considered geriatric, their quality of life will continue to be monitored once they return.
