Evaluation of BAM (butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine) in captive African lion (Panthera leo) immobilization.

Objective: The combination of butorphanol, azaperone and medetomidine (BAM) with subsequent antagonism by naltrexone-yohimbine or naltrexone-atipamezole was evaluated for reversible immobilization of captive African lions (Panthea leo).

Study Design: Prospective, clinical trial.

Animals: Twenty lions, 11 males and nine females, weighing 38-284 kg were immobilized in South Africa.