Dentists for Boo the aardvark at Africa Alive Kessingland

But that was the scenario on Halloween, as much-loved aardvark Boo was given a seasonal treat - with some dental treatment.

Vet Elliot Simpson Brown and Dr Gerhard Putter undergoing Halloween dental treat-ment on Boo the aardvark. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) Female aardvark Boo, who is 16-years-old, has been at Africa Alive! in Kessingland, Lowestoft for around 10 years.

With her park keepers at the zoological park on Whites Lane, noticing that she had been having trouble eating recently, further checks led to the discovery of a small lump on her jawline.

Zoe​​​​ Nunn, animal manager at the park for The Zoological Society of East Anglia, said: "It was noticed by her keepers that she had been having a little difficulty eating on the left side of her mouth and she also had a lump appear.

Vet Elliot Simpson Brown and Dr Gerhard Putter undergoing Halloween dental treat-ment on Boo the aardvark. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes) "So we had the vet come out, he had a look and we're now having to perform a dental on her.

"She has bred successfully as part of a breeding programme so we've actually had two youngsters from her - they have gone on to other collections, and the most recent one actually went to Whipsnade."

With vet Elliot Simpson Brown called in to assess the aardvark ahead of treatment, he said: "Boo was anaesthetised today for a procedure to investigate a swelling under her jaw, which, based on previous radiographs obtained of Boo's head, had confirmed a dental issue with a lower cheek tooth.

Dr Gerhard Putter carrying out the Halloween treat-ment for Boo the aardvark. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"The veterinary dentist - due to the long nature of aardvarks' noses - approached via a surgical approach to explore, and confirmed that the problematic tooth had indeed already shed.

"The pocket was investigated and flushed, and the small surgical site closed.

Africa Alive! The ZSEA. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"We are wishing Boo a speedy recovery from this procedure, and, given a thorough review of her other teeth, have no other concerns or cause to believe that we can't now get her comfort levels and general health back to her usual bouncy self."

The dental procedure was carried out by Dr Gerhard Putter, with vet Elliot Simpson Brown also present throughout the morning to monitor Boo throughout the procedure.

Boo the aardvark after dental surgery at Africa Alive! Picture: Africa Alive (Image: Africa Alive)

Zoe​​​​ Nunn, animal manager at the park, added: "We are pleased with how the procedure went and Boo is being closely monitored by Amy Reeve, deputy team leader, as she come round from the anaesthetic."

Bouncy Boo the aardvark prior to dental surgery. Picture: Africa Alive (Image: Africa Alive) A park spokesman added: "It's not every day an Aardvark goes to the dentist - and with Halloween coming up, Boo the Aardvark fits in quite perfectly."