NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- The Virginia Zoo's lion cub, Emery, had his 7-month check up on Monday.
During his 3-month checkup vet's were concerned about a few developmental abnormalities with his kidneys and liver. He also had enlarged lymph nodes. Everything was functioning properly, but the Zoo's veterinarians kept a close eye on the cub.
A month after the health concern update, the Virginia Zoo said the little lion cub was free of cancer, viruses and bacterial infections.
The Zoo’s Veterinarian, Dr. Colleen, decided to make plans to do routine exams more often to ensure Emery is healthy. His most recent exam showed a great deal of improvement.
According to the zoo, Emery is 83-pounds! Zookeepers expect Emery to be as big as his parents, Mramba and Zola in no time.
The lion cub had an ultrasound, bloodwork, and a few x-rays done to check for any issues. Staff determined that his kidneys are not "normal," but their overall appearance greatly improved. His formally swollen lymph nodes also appear to be normal.
“Although Emery’s kidneys still aren’t quite normal in structure, I am very pleased with the improvement noted in the exam,” said Dr. Colleen in the Zoo's blog. “It is likely that Emery had some developmental abnormalities early on in life, but one certainly couldn’t tell just by looking at him. It’s been such a joy to watch him learn and explore. We will continue to monitor him closely as he grows to ensure that he lives a healthy, happy life."
Emery is officially on exhibit full-time. Guests can visit him, and his parents, anytime in the Africa-Okavango Delta.
To learn more about the Virginia Zoo, click here.
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