In a significant incident at the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Thibodaux, a 36-year-old alligator, had to undergo emergency surgery after zookeepers discovered a shocking total of seventy coins in his stomach. This alarming find occurred during a routine check-up last week, and thankfully, the surgery to remove the coins was completed successfully, preventing any harm to Thibodaux. Dr. Christina Ploog, who was at the forefront of this critical procedure, suggested that the coins ended up in the alligator’s stomach due to visitors throwing them into his living space, an action that poses serious risks to animal health.
Dr. Ploog, an experienced veterinarian at the Omaha-based zoo, orchestrated the delicate surgery. She detailed how Thibodaux was carefully anesthetized and intubated to ensure the safety of both the alligator and the medical team during the coin removal process. A specialized camera and other instruments were used, facilitated by a plastic pipe to protect Thibodaux’s mouth, ensuring a smooth operation and the successful retrieval of all coins, as confirmed by a follow-up X-ray.
After the operation, Thibodaux was able to return to his habitat, healthy and unharmed. This incident underscores the importance of the zoo’s commitment to providing top-notch care for its animals, as highlighted by Taylor Yaw, the director of animal health, who praised the skilled intervention by the zoo’s veterinary teams.
The zoo has issued a strong plea to its visitors, urging them not to throw coins into animal enclosures and instead utilize designated areas for making wishes, such as the coin wishing well located in the Desert Dome’s atrium, or to exchange spare change for keepsake coins at various machines around the zoo premises.
