Groundbreaking Surgical Procedure for Gorilla at San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Historic Surgery for Gorilla at the San Diego Zoo

In a remarkable breakthrough for veterinary medicine, Mizani, a 12-year-old western lowland gorilla residing at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, recently underwent a pioneering mastoidectomy. This intricate procedure, believed to be the very first of its kind performed on a gorilla, was necessitated by a severe infection that had spread to parts of his skull.

A Collaborative Effort

The surgery was executed by a specialized team comprised of veterinarians and surgeons from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and the UC San Diego Health system. Dr. Jeffrey Harris, an otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon, along with Kris Suresh, a resident fellow, led the surgical efforts. Their collaboration combined years of expertise in human medicine with the unique challenges presented by gorilla anatomy.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The journey leading up to the surgery began in March 2026 when wildlife care specialists observed that Mizani had become reluctant to open his mouth fully and had lost his appetite. He displayed physical signs of discomfort, such as squinting his eyes and holding his head. A CT scan conducted at the Safari Park's Harter Veterinary Medical Center confirmed the presence of sinusitis and mastoiditis—a rare condition in gorillas that affects the mastoid bone behind the ear.

Surgical Procedure

Given the unusual nature of the case, the team meticulously planned the surgery, drawing heavily from techniques used in human medicine while adapting them to fit the gorilla's anatomy. The operation involved making an incision on the left side of Mizani's head to access the infected area, draining it, and removing sections of the infected bone and tissue.

The entire procedure lasted approximately five hours and involved the efforts of over 20 professionals, including veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, and wildlife care specialists. Each member played a critical role in ensuring Mizani's safety and comfort throughout the surgery.

Post-Operative Care and Recovery

Following the surgery, Mizani exhibited encouraging signs of recovery. His recheck examination in early June revealed significant improvement, with no complications detected. The procedure successfully addressed his infection. Mizani has returned to his troop and is now engaged in his normal diet and daily activities.

Significance of the Case

Ryan Sadler, a senior veterinarian at the Safari Park, remarked on the uniqueness of Mizani’s case, indicating that it was an exceptional learning opportunity for all involved. The surgical success illustrates the parallels between human and animal medicine while underscoring the significant differences that require tailored approaches.

As the Harter Veterinary Medical Center celebrates its 25th anniversary, cases like Mizani’s reaffirm the facility's commitment to innovative wildlife health care. Since its inception in 2001, the center has provided care for over 50,000 animals across numerous species, advancing veterinary medicine through each unique case.

In conclusion, the groundbreaking mastoidectomy performed on Mizani is a testament to the evolving field of wildlife veterinary care and highlights the importance of collaboration between animal health experts and medical professionals. This significant event not only represents a milestone for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park but also sets a precedent for future surgical procedures in wildlife care, demonstrating that advanced medical techniques can and should be applied beyond conventional clinical settings.