Kenya Wildlife Service veterinary officers on Monday came to the aid of an injured lioness in the Meru National Park following a suspected rough encounter with prey.
In a statement on Tuesday, KWS said the three-year-old lioness had a significant swelling on her lower jaw which was sustained during an apparent buffalo hunt.
"She displayed signs of discomfort while caring for her two roughly 3-month-old cubs. The team successfully immobilised her and a physical examination revealed no major structural damage to her jaws and teeth," KWS said.
Lions kill anything, from mice and lizards to wildebeest and other large animals to feed the pack.
However, encounters with big prey like wildebeest, buffalos and elephants occasionally end tragically.
Big prey herds like buffalos practice mobbing tactics by capitalising on their numerical advantage to chase off or even kill predators that dare attack them.
KWS said the lioness likely suffered this fate and whereas the injury was not life-threatening, there was noticeable inflammation and swelling of the gums.
"To prevent potential infections, she was administered anti-inflammatories and long-acting antibiotics."
KWS said the successful intervention was made possible through the collaborative efforts between its professionals and invaluable support from Sheldrick Trust.
Sheldrick Trust works to conserve wildlife and wilderness areas in Kenya, including the rescue, rehabilitation and release of orphaned baby elephants.
