One of the beloved residents of the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium experienced a critical event. An unexpected collection of seventy coins was extracted from the stomach of Thibodaux, a 36-year-old alligator, late last week, during an emergency surgical treatment.
The metallic haul was found by zoo staff during a regular inspection. Fortunately, all of the coins were extracted without a hitch, saving Thibodaux from possible danger. Dr. Christina Ploog, a veterinarian, thinks that people threw the coins into the alligator’s habitat, which is a risky and unwanted behavior.
Christina Ploog, DVM, an associate veterinarian at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, led the treatment. “With the help of her training, Thibodaux was anesthetized and intubated to allow us to safely manage him during the procedure,” Ploog said.
A plastic pipe was positioned to shield his lips and securely transport the instruments needed to get at the coins—including a camera that assisted medical officials in directing the removal of these items.
A second X-ray picture verified that every coin had been effectively removed. After a successful operation, Thibodaux is back in his natural environment.
The director of animal health at Taylor Yaw Zoo, a veterinarian, said, “Though a procedure like the one done on Thibodaux is not always common, it’s a great example of what our animal care and animal health teams do every day across our campus to provide excellent care to our animals.”
It is strongly advised that visitors refrain from tossing coins into any of the zoo’s water bodies. Alternatively, you can use the coin wishing well, which is situated in the Desert Dome’s atrium, or any of the many machines found throughout the Zoo to exchange any spare change for a souvenir coin.
