Veterinarians at Israel’s Wildlife Hospital in Ramat Gan saved a wild striped hyena’s life on Sunday.
The male hyena was badly injured after being caught in an illegal snare trap. The trap is a thin wire noose that tightens itself the more the animal struggles against it.
“The area of the foot was damaged 360 degrees up to the level of the bone and there is a dislocation of several toes,” said Dr. Matan Or, who performed Sunday’s operation.
“We had to treat the wound itself initially because it was completely infected, so that there would be healthier tissue,” Or explained.
Veterinarians also made skin flaps to cover the injuries.
They hope to see the hyena eventually returned to the wild.
The Wildlife Hospital treats 2,500-3,000 animals per year, according to its website. It is located at the Zoological Center Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan, commonly known as the Ramat Gan Safari.
The hospital notes that anyone encountering an injured animal should be very careful because an animal under stress—even if that stress is not apparent—may attack people trying to help it.
If one finds a wounded animal, the hospital advises lining a box with something soft, like a towel, fabric or leaves. If it is safe to do so, carefully place the animal in the box, and keep it in a warm, dark and quiet place. Food may be placed in the box, but the hospital stresses not to force the animal to eat.
