It was an extraordinary day at The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent, where three of the most iconic predators in the animal kingdom — a tiger, a cheetah, and a clouded leopard — all underwent specialist CT scans to uncover a baffling and persistent medical mystery. The simultaneous health concerns among the big cats have sparked both scientific curiosity and concern, as experts scramble to determine what has caused the trio’s sudden mobility issues.
For animal lovers and conservationists alike, the event represents a rare intersection of advanced veterinary medicine, wildlife care, and the unpredictable challenges of safeguarding endangered species in captivity. The Big Cat Sanctuary, known for its commitment to conservation, welfare, and education, found itself at the centre of an unprecedented operation when three of its residents began showing signs of discomfort and movement difficulties.
Despite multiple examinations and close monitoring, the root cause of their condition remained elusive. On Monday, a team of expert veterinarians, radiographers, and sanctuary staff came together for an ambitious plan: to bring a specialist mobile CT scanning unit directly to the sanctuary’s grounds, allowing the cats to be diagnosed safely in a familiar environment.
The patients — Luca, a four-year-old Amur tiger; Mo, a Southern African cheetah of the same age; and Django, a ten-year-old mainland clouded leopard — each underwent the intricate process of sedation, scanning, and careful recovery, as part of what was described by sanctuary curator Briony Smith as “a brilliant demonstration of collaborative animal welfare.” The event has drawn attention from zoological professionals across the UK, both for its logistical sophistication and the concerning mystery of three unrelated species developing similar symptoms around the same time.
An Unusual Health Mystery Unfolds
It began quietly, as keepers noticed that some of the sanctuary’s most majestic residents were not moving as fluidly as usual. In large cats, mobility is everything — it affects their ability to stretch, leap, climb, and even play. When these patterns change, it signals that something serious might be wrong. Luca, the Amur tiger, was among the first to show signs of stiffness and discomfort, often favouring one side when walking or resting. Soon after, Django the clouded leopard and Mo the cheetah exhibited similar issues, each appearing less agile and more hesitant in their movements.
Given that these three animals belong to entirely different species and age groups, the simultaneous onset of similar symptoms puzzled the veterinary team. Environmental factors, diet, genetics, infection, or even unseen toxins were all considered potential causes. Routine examinations, X-rays, and blood work revealed no conclusive answers. Faced with this medical puzzle, the sanctuary made the decision to take the investigation to the next level using advanced imaging technology — a step rarely undertaken on such a scale outside of major zoological hospitals.
Arranging CT scans for a single big cat is already a major undertaking involving precise planning, sedation protocols, and careful transport. To conduct scans on three large carnivores in one day required an unprecedented level of coordination. But as Briony Smith explained, the welfare of the animals was the top priority, and bringing a mobile CT unit to Kent was the safest and most efficient solution. This ensured that the cats could be scanned without enduring long journeys to external veterinary facilities, minimizing stress and risk during sedation.
The mobile scanning centre, operated by Burgess Diagnostics, was set up directly on-site. Each cat was sedated in its enclosure by veterinarians from the International Zoo Veterinary Group, ensuring a calm and controlled process. Once asleep, they were transported with great care into the scanning unit, where high-resolution images of their bones, joints, and internal structures were captured. Luca, the massive Amur tiger, was seen lying with his paws extended in front of him, his immense frame filling the scanner’s table.
Three big cats received CAT scans at an animal sanctuary in Kent, England.
— Sky News (@SkyNews) October 30, 2025
Scans were taken for all three cats in an effort to source 'unexplained and persistent motility issues' pic.twitter.com/DIsmflxwFr
For the veterinary team, this was an invaluable opportunity to look inside the anatomy of these rare animals with unprecedented precision. A CT scan, or computed tomography scan, uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. It allows doctors — and in this case, veterinarians — to detect even subtle abnormalities that would be invisible on standard X-rays. The goal was to uncover whether the cats’ mobility issues stemmed from joint degeneration, spinal problems, nerve compression, or an underlying systemic illness that might affect multiple species.
Inside the Sanctuary’s Extraordinary Operation
The day of the scans began before sunrise, with a team of keepers and veterinarians finalizing preparations. Every detail mattered — from the ambient temperature of the transport area to the timing of sedation and the monitoring of vital signs. Each of the three cats was sedated inside its enclosure, a method designed to reduce anxiety and avoid unnecessary handling. Once fully asleep, they were carefully transferred to the mobile CT unit, where a team of radiographers and technicians operated the scanning equipment under the supervision of specialist vets Elliot Simpson-Brown and Valerie Freeman.
Briony Smith, the sanctuary’s curator, emphasized the teamwork that made the day possible. “Ensuring the comfort and safety of our cats is always our top priority,” she said. “Bringing the mobile CT unit here allowed us to achieve that goal smoothly and efficiently. The crucial partnership between The Big Cat Sanctuary, our specialist vets, and Burgess Diagnostics has been vital in taking this significant next step towards understanding and resolving the mobility issues for Luca, Django and Mo.”
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The scans themselves required careful precision. Sedation times were closely monitored to ensure that each animal remained safely asleep but not under deeper anaesthesia than necessary. Radiographers worked quickly to capture the necessary images, while keepers stood by to assist with handling and observation. Once the scans were complete, each cat was returned to its own enclosure, where the anaesthetic was gradually reversed.
The animals were kept under close supervision until they were fully awake, ensuring a safe and comfortable recovery. Witnesses described the operation as a seamless collaboration of expertise and compassion. From the handling of the animals to the technical execution of the scans, every step was performed with quiet efficiency. For the staff who work daily with these cats, the experience was emotionally charged. The health of these animals is deeply personal to those who care for them — each cat is known by name, personality, and history.
To see them struggle with an unexplained illness is distressing, but the sanctuary’s proactive approach demonstrates its unwavering dedication to their well-being. The sanctuary later confirmed that the scans will now be analysed by a team of veterinary radiographers, whose detailed reports are expected within two weeks. These findings may finally shed light on whether the cats are suffering from a shared condition or if their symptoms are coincidental.
What Comes Next for the Big Cats and Their Keepers
For now, Luca, Django, and Mo have returned to their respective habitats at The Big Cat Sanctuary, where they continue to be closely observed by keepers and veterinarians. The scans represent a major step forward in diagnosing their mysterious ailments, but much depends on what the radiographic analysis reveals. The results could indicate anything from a previously undetected degenerative disease to environmental factors affecting multiple species.
Experts point out that mobility issues in big cats can arise from a variety of causes. In older animals, arthritis and spinal degeneration are common, while younger cats may experience musculoskeletal injuries or nutritional imbalances. However, the fact that these three cases occurred almost simultaneously suggests a possible underlying link. Veterinary pathologists will be examining the scans for subtle patterns — lesions, inflammation, or bone irregularities — that might connect the dots.
Meanwhile, life at the sanctuary continues, though with a renewed sense of vigilance. Staff have been adjusting the cats’ routines to reduce physical strain, providing softer surfaces, and limiting unnecessary climbing or leaping activities until more is known. Diets and supplements are being reviewed to ensure that all nutritional requirements are optimized for joint and bone health.
The episode has also sparked broader discussions within the zoological community about the importance of advanced diagnostic technology in wildlife care. While CT scans are routine in human medicine, they remain relatively rare in zoological practice due to the logistical and financial challenges involved. The use of a mobile CT scanner in this case illustrates how modern technology can be adapted to meet the complex needs of animal welfare.
For conservationists, the incident underscores another crucial point: the fragility of captive populations of endangered species. The Amur tiger, Southern African cheetah, and clouded leopard are all species facing threats in the wild, from habitat loss to poaching. Sanctuaries like the one in Kent play a vital role in protecting these animals, not just through breeding and education but also through the kind of intensive medical care that ensures their long-term health.
Briony Smith’s remark that the day represented “a brilliant demonstration of collaborative animal welfare” captures the essence of what unfolded — a moment when technology, expertise, and compassion came together for the sake of animals who cannot speak for themselves. The sanctuary’s transparent approach has earned praise from the public, many of whom follow the lives of its residents online through educational programs and conservation campaigns.
In the coming weeks, as the radiographic results come in, the staff and supporters of The Big Cat Sanctuary will be watching closely, hoping for answers and, above all, for recovery. Whether the scans reveal a treatable condition or an ongoing challenge, the sanctuary’s handling of this event has set a benchmark for how zoological institutions can respond to complex health crises with both precision and humanity.
For now, Luca the tiger, Mo the cheetah, and Django the clouded leopard rest under careful observation — three magnificent creatures united not just by their species’ wild beauty, but by a shared mystery that has brought together some of the best veterinary minds in the country. Whatever the diagnosis, their story stands as a testament to the evolving relationship between humans and the great predators they strive to protect: one of respect, responsibility, and relentless pursuit of understanding.