suzneill
"Karen" aka "Kare-Bear"
Sumatran Orangutan-Critically Endangered
Born: June 11, 1992
San Diego Zoo
Karen made medical & veterinary history in 1994 when she was the first orangutan to undergo open-heart surgery. When she was 2 years old it was noted that she was not growing at an appropriate rate. Her health check revealed a penny-size hole in her heart. At the time her weight was 22 pounds and her condition was considered fatal without surgical intervention. A surgical team from UCSD Medical Center in San Diego volunteered their time along side Zoo veterinary staff. A world-famous cardiothoracic surgeon led the team during the 7 hour procedure. More than 100 people including surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, respiratory therapists, nurses, and lab specialists volunteered their time to help this young ape. The surgery made headlines and Karen received get-well cards from around the world. Now, at the age of 27, Karen continues to live and thrive at the San Diego Zoo. If you visit you can recognize her by her signature move rolling across the habitat.
"Karen" aka "Kare-Bear"
Sumatran Orangutan-Critically Endangered
Born: June 11, 1992
San Diego Zoo
Karen made medical & veterinary history in 1994 when she was the first orangutan to undergo open-heart surgery. When she was 2 years old it was noted that she was not growing at an appropriate rate. Her health check revealed a penny-size hole in her heart. At the time her weight was 22 pounds and her condition was considered fatal without surgical intervention. A surgical team from UCSD Medical Center in San Diego volunteered their time along side Zoo veterinary staff. A world-famous cardiothoracic surgeon led the team during the 7 hour procedure. More than 100 people including surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, respiratory therapists, nurses, and lab specialists volunteered their time to help this young ape. The surgery made headlines and Karen received get-well cards from around the world. Now, at the age of 27, Karen continues to live and thrive at the San Diego Zoo. If you visit you can recognize her by her signature move rolling across the habitat.