A female sun bear has undergone a rare and unusual veterinary procedure to protect the future of her species.

Kyra the sun bear is part of a crucial European conservation breeding programme but she has not been able to conceive with her mate despite being together at Hertfordshire Zoo since April 2023.

Last month, veterinarians discovered cysts in her womb which they believe are the cause of her fertility issues.

On Wednesday, specialist doctors travelled from Germany to remove the cysts.

Tyler Whitnall, managing director at the zoo in Broxbourne, said: “This is a complex and unusual procedure, but one that is vital for Kyra and for the international breeding programme.

“If this operation is successful, it offers a real chance to boost the European population and contribute directly t

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