ENTEBBE — The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has completed a comprehensive health assessment of 18 big cats at the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre (UWEC) in Entebbe as part of efforts to strengthen animal welfare and conservation.
The exercise, conducted by UWA’s Veterinary Services and Ex-Situ Conservation teams, involved 12 lions and six tigers undergoing detailed veterinary examinations.
According to UWA, the assessment included diagnostic sampling, blood tests, dental examinations, morphometric measurements, claw care and treatment of identified health conditions.
The routine health surveillance is intended to ensure that the animals remain in good health while enabling veterinary teams to detect and manage potential diseases and other health challenges at an early stage.
UWA said regular monitoring of animals in captivity is an important component of conservation because it supports animal welfare, disease prevention and the long-term viability of ex-situ populations.
The authority added that maintaining healthy ex-situ populations also contributes to the preservation of valuable genetic and biological resources that can support conservation efforts in Uganda’s wild ecosystems.
The health assessment forms part of broader conservation efforts aimed at ensuring that wildlife under human care is properly monitored and managed while contributing to Uganda’s wider wildlife conservation objectives.
UWA has continued to emphasise the importance of scientific veterinary care and regular health surveillance in safeguarding the country’s wildlife heritage for present and future generations.
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