Top Predators Face Different Challenges At ZooMiami

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Two top predators faced very different challenges at ZooMiami and received some special care.

A 19-year old jaguar named Nieve underwent surgery to remove what was believed to be a cancerous tumor on her abdomen that was the size of a grapefruit.

The surgical team was able to successfully remove the tumor and also spayed the cat.

The prognosis for Nieve is extremely guarded but the surgical team did find the tumor had apparently not spread to other critical areas of the body.

Zoo officials said Nieve has made a remarkable recovery since the three hour procedure and is slated to be returned to her exhibit at Amazon and Beyond within the next several days.

For another well known predator, the struggle to get better is still ongoing but progressing.

Khaos, the 17-year old Komodo dragon, has been suffering from very limited mobility in his hind quarters that sometimes resembles paralysis.

Zoo officials said a veterinary team is working with staff to develop a program that combines traditional medicine, deep tissue massage,a range of motion exercise and hydrotherapy in hopes of restoring some of his mobility.

Click here to see more pictures of the animals. 

This week showed promise, zoo officials said, and the hope is to schedule continued therapies on a regular basis.

Zoo officials said the Komodo dragon is the largest, most powerful lizard in the world and normally could not be handled for these types of therapies but this particular dragon was hand raised from the time he hatched out of an egg here at the zoo.