The practice of immobilizing large wild carnivorous animals in a national park

In the conditions of the Serengeti National Park (Tanzania), female lions were immobilized in order to conduct clinical, physiological and special studies using xylazine and ketamine, and atypamezol as an antidote. The first signs of immobilization in lionesses after the use of xylazine and ketamine occur in 4.8±0.8 minutes, and the restoration of mobility after the use of the antidote - in 1.5 minutes. Depression of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems in lionesses and disorders of the general condition after the use of the above-mentioned drugs were not noted, which allows us to recommend the use of such a combination of drugs for immobilizing wild animals in national parks, nature reserves and zoos.