Join us to #SupportSelma

Over the past several months, Lehigh Valley Zoo’s veterinary staff has been closely monitoring our 14-and-a-half-year-old Canada Lynx, Selma, due to signs of potential health issues. Through a recent diagnosis, the zoo team was sad to learn that Selma is dealing with non-regenerative anemia, likely caused by cancer.

The veterinary staff first discovered Selma had significant medical issues in the fall during a dental procedure. She was given a full physical exam at that time, which included routine blood testing that revealed several concerning values.

The next step was to get a better understanding of what was causing these abnormalities in her bloodwork. Selma underwent two exams for more advanced diagnostic testing at Valley Central Veterinary Referral Center(VCVRC) — including an ultrasound, gastroscopy and a CT scan. Additional bloodwork taken during these procedures confirmed she may being dealing with cancer. 

After reviewing the test results and conferring with the veterinarians at VCVRC, the zoo team decided that the best option for Selma is to treat her with oral medications aimed at sending the cancer into remission and stimulating red blood cell production. While Selema is currently active and eating well, she is being closely monitored by Animal Care staff for any indication of lethargy, inappetence, or discomfort. The goal is to keep Selma, who has been at the LV Zoo since 2018, as happy and healthy for as long as possible.

How can you help? The zoo is asking for you to share any of your favorite Selma photos in order to lift the spirits of her caretakers and guests that list Selma among their favorite LV Zoo animals (to tell her apart from her habitat mate, Sasquatch, Selma is smaller in size, more grey in color and has longer ear tufts). You can also make a donation specific to her care by clicking HERE.

#SupportSelma