Banham Zoo completes first-ever on-site CT scanning day

Banham Zoo has successfully carried out a landmark day of veterinary care, bringing a specialist mobile CT scanner on-site for the first time.

Working alongside veterinary imaging experts Burgess Diagnostics, the zoo completed a series of advanced scans across a range of species, supporting routine health assessments and the investigation of a small number of ongoing conditions.

From a tiger and cheetah to penguins, a sloth and a vulture, the CT scanner provided detailed internal imaging not possible through standard techniques – giving vets a clearer picture of complex or long-standing conditions.

By bringing this advanced equipment directly to the zoo, animals were treated in familiar surroundings, minimising stress and avoiding the need for transportation wherever possible.

Animals assessed during the day included:

• Mishka, an Amur tiger
• Tana, a cheetah
• Jim and Bob, African black-footed penguins
• Arlo, a two-toed sloth
• Foster, a Rüppell's griffon vulture
• Grub, a meerkat

The majority of cases relate to precautionary checks or ongoing monitoring, with the aim of ensuring any issues are identified early and managed effectively.

Each case was prioritised based on clinical need, with experienced veterinary and keeper teams ensuring animals were safely sedated, closely monitored, and handled with the utmost care throughout.

Initial scans have now been completed, with results set to be analysed in detail by veterinary specialists. These findings will help inform any ongoing treatment plans or confirm that animals remain in good health.

Ross Snipp, Zoo Director, said: “Every animal here matters, and we are constantly looking at ways to improve the care we provide. Bringing a CT scanner on-site is a major step forward – it allows us to gain a much deeper understanding of health conditions and make more informed decisions about treatment and long-term wellbeing.

“This isn’t just about the animals we’ve cared for today. What we learn will help build knowledge that can support conservation efforts for these species globally, which is something we’re incredibly proud to contribute to.”

While focused on individual care, the work also supports wider conservation efforts. Many of the species involved are part of international breeding programmes, meaning insights gained can help improve the long-term management and protection of these animals both in zoos and in the wild.

The CT scanner arrived early on Friday morning and operated throughout the day, transforming part of the zoo into a temporary advanced imaging suite.

Banham Zoo is part of the Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA), a conservation charity working to protect threatened species, support global conservation projects, and inspire people to care for the natural world.