London Zoo shares CT scan of ‘world’s ugliest’ pig
The CT scan revealed minor infections in two of Ubi the babirusa's tusks.
The veterinary team at London Zoo has shared CT scan images of a babirusa, an animal that is sometimes nicknamed ‘the world’s ugliest pig’.
Ubi, a male babirusa, underwent a CT scan as part of a dentist check-up after veterinary surgeons suspected he was in discomfort.
The babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa) originates from Indonesia. Their hairless bodies and gnarly tusks, which are teeth growing through their noses and curling backwards, has led to them being termed ‘demon pigs’ or ‘world’s ugliest pig’.
Ubi’s tusks appeared to be causing him discomfort, so his keepers booked him a check-up. A CT scan and veterinary examination revealed that two of Ubi’s tusks had a minor infection.
The Zoo called in a veterinary dental specialist to treat Ubi’s tusk infection.
Using the CT scan as a guide, the specialist trimmed Ubi’s tusks to the site of infection. The tusks were then sealed with a resin – the equivalent of a filling.
Stefan Saverimuttu, a veterinary surgeon with London Zoo, said: “Babirusas’ tusks are actually canine teeth which can reach up to 40cm in length and grow through their skin. Following Ubi’s CT scan, we were able to see that two of Ubi’s tusks had a minor infection. These tusks had to be treated so they didn’t end up causing any discomfort.”
He added: “Ubi was a star patient – he’s made a brilliant recovery, and we’re confident that his tusks shouldn’t cause him any further issues.”
Ubi’s scans were shared as part of London Zoo’s Vets in Action event. This week-long campaign showed children and their families the work involved with caring for thousands of animals.
Visitors got hands-on with veterinary activities, carried out CT scans and learned how animals are trained to do their own veterinary care.
Stefan said: “Our keepers know the animals they care for so well, so they’re able to detect when something isn’t right, which means we vets can respond quickly and call in the right experts to help our animals. This is such important work, and it’s brilliant that our visitors get to give it a go at Vets in Action.”
Image © London Zoo
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
