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A Wildlife Rescue Center

A three-year-old female lion saved from war-torn Ukraine has received critical oral operation to remove a severely infected fang resulting from an infection.

The lioness arrived at a wildlife sanctuary in Smarden, Kent on March 14 following a campaign by director the sanctuary's leader, who raised half a million pounds to support her and four other rescued lions.

The Big Cat Sanctuary

The surgery was performed on Friday by dentist an experienced animal dentist, who has treated about 450 big cats.

"Upon inspecting the lioness's oral cavity, I could see immediately the broken tooth was severely infected," said Mr Kertesz.

He believed the infection was due to a trauma experienced more than a year ago, leading to bacteria creating toxins inside the tooth.

"My philosophy is animal oral health issues need to be treated in the safest, the most conservative and safest way," he said.

Mr Kertesz clarified that as Lira no longer required to hunt for food, removal was the most "sensible and ethical solution."

The Animal Rescue Facility

The sanctuary said the extracted tooth was 8cm (3.14 inches) long, with Mr Kertesz having to extract a accumulated infection from beneath the tooth and seal the significant opening with seven dissolving sutures.

He also performed a dental procedure on the corresponding top fang, which was discovered to have a similar issue.

The curator, manager at the facility, said the operation was a "complete success."

She said the team had observed "a minor swelling on the lioness's face" but it had been impossible to determine "how serious the condition was."

"The lioness will be somewhat sore to initially, but now that the toxins are removed from her system, she will start to feel much better over the next few days," added Ms Smith.

This vital operation marks a major milestone in the lioness's healing process after her arrival from the conflict area.