A team of more than two dozen zoo keepers and vets were drafted in to help give a two-ton rhino her dental check-up.<br /><br />The squad helped safely place the huge southern white rhino called Mikumi on a bed of straw while was knocked out.<br /><br />It took four keepers at Whipsnade Zoo, Dunstable, Beds, to hold the 31-year-old rhino's giant jaw open while her teeth were checked.<br /><br />Senior veterinary officer Dr Taina Strike liaised with experts from all around the world to plan the three-hour dental examination.<br /><br />She said: "As humans age they may naturally develop tooth wear and tear, as well as decay, and it's no different for rhinos."<br /><br />Equine dentist Dr Chris Pearce gave Mikumi the check-up after she was anaesthetised on May 16.<br /><br />Her teeth were found to generally be in "excellent condition" although a small fracture in one molar was fixed.<br /><br />A southern white rhino's teeth, which continuously grow throughout their lifetime, help them to crush and grind the grass and other vegetation they eat into tiny pieces.<br /><br />The zoo said it was important to check the condition of older rhinos' teeth to prevent future health issues.<br /><br />Dr Strike added: said: "Mikumi is in excellent health overall, but she is of advancing age.<br /><br />"It was important for us to investigate how her teeth were and prevent any future issues from arising.<br /><br />"Without these large teeth remaining in tip-top condition she would struggle to eat, or poorly digested pieces of plant fibres could make their way into her digestive tract, causing health issues."<br /><br />Mikumi may need another check-up in 18 months' time, as her teeth continue to grow, but for now, she's been given the all-clear. <br /><br />Dr Strike added:" Thanks to Whipsnade's amazing zookeepers and veterinary team looking after Mikumi's health - alongside our nutritionists, who have created a well-balanced and nutritious diet for all our white rhinos.<br /><br />"We will also assess some of our other white rhinos who are also starting to advance in age and look at providing them with dental check-ups too."
