EXOTICS NEWS

The latest from the world of exotic animals

New studies show the T-Rex probably had lips

A new study has indicated that dinosaurs, such as the Tyrannosaurus rex, did not have exposed teeth, as popularly depicted in TV and cinema, but instead had scaly, lizard-like lips.

This suggestion debunks the dinosaurs’ appearance widely circulated in both science and popular culture, with an international team of researchers now suggesting a small but impactful change of image for theropod dinosaurs.

Theropods were two-legged dinosaurs, characterised by hollow bones and three toes and claws on each foot. Some of the better-known examples of the subgroup include the T. rex and Velociraptors, with the new findings potentially altering the appearance of some of the most recognisable dinosaurs.

Instead of the fearsome bared teeth we currently associate with these species, research into their jaw and tooth structure suggests that they would have had immobile lips, like that of a lizard, or the tuatara, a survivor of an order of reptiles from the dinosaur age.

Derek Larson, co-author of the study and Collections Manager and Researcher of Palaeontology at the Royal BC Museum said: “It’s quite remarkable how similar theropod teeth are to monitor lizards. From the smallest dwarf monitor to the Komodo dragon, the teeth function in much the same way.

“So, monitors can be compared quite favourably with extinct animals like theropod dinosaurs based on this similarity of function, even though they are not closely related.”

Modelling of mouth closures conducted during the study showed that, with the currently accepted exposed tooth structure, the lower jaw would have had to either crush the surrounding bones or disarticulate the jaw joint to fully close the mouth.

These demonstrations suggests that the previous school of thought that some theropod teeth were too large to have been sealed by lips is incorrect, and that lips would have actually been necessary for the dinosaurs to survive.

New human antibody for snake venom

An international team of researchers have developed a new prototype treatment for snakebite that effectively counteracts the venom of African and Asian Elapid snakes.

Effective against some cobra, mamba and krait species, the new discovery is entirely devised from antibodies of human origin. Traditionally, snakebite antivenom depends on antibodies from immunised animal blood, but these treatments can cause severe reactions, making the discovery of a new way to treat snakebite imperative.

As reported in our article on the devastating effects of snakebite in our October 2022 issue, this development brings a much-needed potential counter to the 5.4 million cases of snakebite worldwide every year, with between 81,000 and 138,000 of them resulting in death.

The new discovery also outstrips

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existing treatments in that it has the potential to neutralise the toxins of a broad range of species, even from different continents, instead of targeting those of just one type of venom.

While the treatment is still being developed and its capabilities established, the team hope to broaden the scope of their antivenom testing, while also investigating its potential in neutralising toxins from other animals, diseases and even in developing cancer treatments.

Human fist-sized bladder stone removed from 80-year-old tortoise

A bladder stone the size of a human fist has been removed from 80-year-old California desert tortoise, Tortie.

The 12-pound reptile went to live with Cal Dalrymple and his wife, Michelle, after Cal’s parents recently passed away. After doing some research into tortoise care, they decided to arrange a wellness check for Tortie before his winter hibernation.

Rare Giant Otter triplets born at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) has welcomed a second litter of Giant Otter pups in the space of eighteen months, bringing the total number of the species at the park to nine.

This is believed to be the highest number of Giant Otters in a single zoo or wildlife park in Europe, a significant achievement for YWP considering Giant Otter breeding in zoos is not always successful.

The new arrivals are also a boost for global numbers of Giant Otters which have been classified as endangered. Found primarily in the Amazon basin in South America, they are poached for their fur, valued for its waterproof properties, and meat, but are also under threat from deforestation and gold mining in their habitats.

Aquatics Team Leader, Kelsie Wood gave an update on the progress of the growing family: “Mum Alexandra is very relaxed this time- you can see she is an experienced mother. She will keep a careful eye on the pups as they start exploring. At the moment, they are mainly staying indoors.

“This second litter, which is the third time Alex has given birth, is testament to our commitment to the conservation of endangered species, and we believe these pups will inspire our visitors to learn more about these incredible animals.”

During the check-up, an x-ray revealed the sizeable mass in Tortie’s bladder, resulting in a referral to exotic animal specialists at UC Davis veterinary hospital.

While the stone could have been accessed through an incision in the bottom of the shell, Dr David Guzman, chief of the Companion Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery Service, and resident Dr Mariana Sosa Higareda, decided to try a less invasive procedure, instead entering through an area in front of the back leg, known as the prefemoral fossa. The stone was then broken up and removed from the same area.

Had the stone been left to grow any bigger, it would have caused further damage to Tortie’s vital organs, making the success of the procedure even more essential. For Dr Guzman, Totie’s case demonstrates the importance of annual wellness examinations.

“Thankfully, his owners decided to get a hibernation consultation, but the stone could have been identified even earlier with annual examination, and that smaller stone could have been removed much easier,” he said.

After three hours of surgery, Tortie made a full recovery, waking up after 24 hours. This long recovery period is typical of reptiles post-surgery due to their slower metabolism and Tortie was monitored closely and fitted with a feeding tube to ensure he received the proper nourishment and hydration after his ordeal.

Rare Mexican giant leaf frogs successfully bred in UK

Cotswold Wildlife Park (CWP) has successfully bred rare giant Mexican leaf frogs (Agalychnis dacnicolor) in what’s thought to be only the second successful attempt by a zoological institution of its kind.

Describing the challenges of the metamorphosing stages of the breeding process, curator Jamie Craig said: “[It] can be very tricky and we are delighted to have had success with our Mexican leaf frogs.”

Breeding the frogs is made more difficult by their remarkably specific breeding habits. Due to the extreme nature of the conditions in their natural habitat, the dry forests of Mexico, they have evolved to breed during only a few hours each year.

The team of keepers at CWP were able to successfully recreate these conditions, resulting in the first successful breeding attempt at the park.

Stolen alligator is returned to Texas zoo after almost 20 years

An 8-foot-long alligator named Tewa has been returned to the Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo after being discovered at a nearby home.

The homeowner did not have the necessary permit to keep alligator and has since been issued with two citations.

It is thought that Tewa was stolen from the zoo near Austin, Texas twenty years ago as an egg or hatchling by a volunteer and kept in a backyard for many years.

The zoo has stated that Tewa will live out the rest of her days there, where she is being introduced to other alligators and adjusting well to her new environment.

In a statement, the Texas Game Warden Agency which retrieved Tewa said: “Alligators don’t make good pets, y’all.”

Written by Isabelle Thom.