Rare Cancer Surgery Saves Sri Lanka's Only Sea Lion

COLOMBO (News 1st): For generations of visitors to the Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens, Botham has been more than just an attraction. The playful sea lion has delighted children and adults alike with her performances and playful nature, becoming one of the most recognizable residents of Sri Lanka's oldest zoo.

However, behind the scenes, a serious battle for survival was unfolding.

Sri Lanka's only sea lion, Botham, has been given a renewed chance at life following a complex and highly specialized surgery to remove a cancerous condition, in what zoo officials describe as an achievement for veterinary medicine in Sri Lanka.

The 16-year-old female sea lion, originally brought to Sri Lanka from Nagoya Zoo in Japan under an animal exchange programme, had enjoyed years of good health before veterinary examinations revealed that she was suffering from squamous cell carcinoma, a form of cancer.

According to Dr. Dhamikka Dasanayake, Director of Animal Health and Nutrition at the Dehiwala Zoo, the diagnosis presented a major challenge.

"Our sea lion had been suffering from cancer for some time. We identified the condition through a series of examinations. It was diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma."

She explained that in many countries, the conventional response to such a condition in a sea lion is often euthanasia.

"In many parts of the world, the usual course of action in a case like this is humane euthanasia. That was the challenge we faced. We needed to find specialists with experience in handling such a condition because this was the first time we had encountered a situation like this."

Determined to save the animal, the zoo's veterinary team, together with the Department of National Zoological Gardens and the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, began searching for international expertise.

"Together with our Director General and veterinary team, we worked closely with experts and veterinary institutions to identify specialists with experience in treating this condition. We were eventually able to connect with a veterinary team based in Hong Kong that possessed the specialized knowledge we needed."

The international team arrived in Sri Lanka on July 28, with the operation scheduled for July 30.

Before the surgery, the specialists conducted extensive examinations and assessments.

"After carrying out all the necessary tests and preparations, we successfully performed the surgery under general anaesthesia on July 30. It was a successful operation, and the animal is now doing well."

Zoo officials say one of the key figures behind the effort was Dr. Dinuka Sonnadara, the veterinarian responsible for the sea lion section.

"Dr. Dinuka Sonnadara worked tirelessly to coordinate the process, gather the required information and liaise with the relevant experts. Our Director General Dr. R.C. Rajapaksha, the Ministry Secretary and the entire veterinary team also extended tremendous support, helping us successfully complete this mission."

Botham remains one of the most popular animals at the Dehiwala Zoo, often drawing crowds during her performances.

"She is a female sea lion named Botham. Many visitors already know her well because she has been one of the animals that frequently participated in our demonstrations and educational shows. She had remained healthy until this condition was detected."

While Botham's public appearances have been temporarily suspended, veterinarians say her recovery is progressing well.

"At present she is resting comfortably and recovering. We continue to monitor her condition closely, and we believe that before long she will make a full recovery and be able to return to activities enjoyed by our visitors."

At 16 years old, Botham has already reached an age considered significant for a sea lion.

"Sea lions generally have a lifespan of between 15 and 20 years. Our hope is to ensure that Botham receives the best possible care and enjoys the longest and healthiest life possible under our protection."

Dr. Dasanayake emphasized that the zoo's commitment extends to every animal in its care, regardless of size, popularity or value.

"Many people may not realize this, but we strive to provide the highest level of care for every animal under our responsibility. Whether it is a sea lion, an elephant, a rabbit or a deer, our goal is always the same: to ensure they receive proper nutrition, shelter, healthcare and the opportunity to live the fullest life possible."

The operation was made possible through an unprecedented collaboration involving local veterinarians, international specialists, wildlife experts and government authorities.

"The overseas veterinary team even volunteered their expertise free of charge and helped provide treatments and medicines that were not available locally. With the support of the Director General, the Environment Ministry and veterinary experts from across Sri Lanka, we were able to make this operation a reality."

Botham is now the only sea lion remaining at the Dehiwala Zoo after the death of the male sea lion approximately two years ago.

For now, she remains away from the public eye, recovering under close supervision.

But for the veterinary team who refused to give up, and for the countless visitors who have grown up watching her playful performances, Botham's story is more than a successful medical procedure.

It is a story of determination, international cooperation and a refusal to accept that a beloved animal's final chapter had already been written.

And if her recovery continues as planned, Sri Lanka's only sea lion may soon return to the spotlight, healthier, stronger and ready for a new lease on life.