A sloth has had pioneering dental surgery to cure toothache.
Rico is believed to be the first sloth to undergo such an operation, which was carried out by a team at Chester Zoo working alongside dental experts from Newcastle University.
The two-toed sloth went under the knife after keepers noticed swellings on the sides of its face, with investigations showing two root abscesses.
Dentist Fiona Beddis said the university's team had never carried out the procedure on a sloth so it "really was a step into the unknown, so we are all delighted with the successful outcome".
Ms Beddis said treating Rico had been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it was "a great privilege to treat such a rare and beautiful animal".
Rico, who is 25 years old, had a three-hour operation at Chester Zoo's animal care centre, with the infected tissue surrounding two of the sloth's teeth removed.
Unlike a typical root canal, the dental experts went in through the bottom of Rico's tooth.
