Sept. 17 (UPI) — San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance introduced its veterinarians have carried out the first-ever cesarean part start for a North American porcupine.

The wildlife alliance mentioned Maizey, a feminine North American porcupine dwelling on the San Diego Zoo, suffered problems throughout labor that necessitated a C-section process to guard her life and that of her male child.

“This landmark process highlights the important function that our veterinary groups play in species conservation, not simply in emergencies, however as a part of a legacy of management in wildlife care,” Greg Vicino, vice chairman of wildlife care with San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, mentioned in a information launch. “The success of Maizey’s C-section is one other instance of our veterinarians’ unwavering dedication to preserving the well being and longevity of wildlife.”

The male porcupette, who has not but been named, is being hand-reared by zookeepers to permit Maizey to get well from the C-section.

“For the North American porcupine, this process represents a big step ahead to enhance long-term survival charges and contributes to broader conservation efforts geared toward securing its future within the wild,” mentioned Michele Goodman, director of animal care with Elmwood Park Zoo and veterinary advisor for the North American porcupine Species Survival Plan.