Heads or tails? Tiger vets told to get to the bottom of it but don't make it snappy

By Bridie Smith, Science Editor
Updated February 28 2017 - 11:13am, first published January 11 2017 - 2:54pm
Melbourne Zoo's female tiger Binjai on the operating table after having her teeth checked and an anal gland removed.  Photo: Joe Armao
Melbourne Zoo's female tiger Binjai on the operating table after having her teeth checked and an anal gland removed. Photo: Joe Armao
Sumatran tiger Binjai during her operation at Melbourne Zoo. Photo: Joe Armao
Sumatran tiger Binjai during her operation at Melbourne Zoo. Photo: Joe Armao
Sandbags hold Melbourne Zoo's female tiger Binjai in place as vet staff prepare to ultrasound her bladder. Photo: Joe Armao
Sandbags hold Melbourne Zoo's female tiger Binjai in place as vet staff prepare to ultrasound her bladder. Photo: Joe Armao
14-year-old Sumatran tiger Binjai positioned on the X-ray table at Melbourne Zoo. Photo: Joe Armao
14-year-old Sumatran tiger Binjai positioned on the X-ray table at Melbourne Zoo. Photo: Joe Armao

It was a tough call as to who had the more unenviable job. The answer depended which end of a large and potentially dangerous predator you would rather be working on: the head (read canine teeth) or the tail (read anal gland).