A veterinarian examines a black bear cub's paw.Photo/ GT

A natural affinity

There are currently about 15 animal doctors working in the zoo, and most possess a natural affinity with animals and can relate easily to them. These vets can calm small, frightened animals and reassure large aggressive beasts.

Zhang Qiong is the director of the veterinary hospital. A dozen years ago, when she began working at the zoo, Zhang looked after an orangutan named Sentai. Nowadays whenever Sentai sees the vet nearing her enclosure, she is obviously very happy, pounding her chest and pulling happy faces.

These days Zhang also monitors Sentai's health closely. "She is reaching her twilight years and has high blood pressure and hyperlipemia. But on the whole, the older animals like Sentai, are fairly stable here at the zoo," Zhang said.

Near the veterinary hospital is a quarantine section where a lion is waiting to be cleared after completing the health checks. Gui Jianfeng is the vet responsible for the lion's daily health checks and whenever he approaches, the big animal looks at him steadily and quietly, not showing a hint of his ferocious nature.

"Most wild animals are sensitive by nature. They have a very strong sense of self-protection and can tell an enemy from a friend immediately," Gui said.

The Shanghai Zoo also helps rescue and protect wild animals across the country. According to the vets here, they often take in wounded and unidentified wild animals to care for them. The hospital puts these animals in quarantine and treats them where necessary before deciding whether to set them free back in the wilderness or keep them in the zoo.