Every cat owner knows how to treat an ear infection: Apply ear drops twice a day and massage them in—for 10 days! Your feline friend doesn’t like this, and usually “thanks” you by extending its claws. In Herberstein, the 15-year-old lion Simba—the zoo’s mascot—has now developed an ear infection, but how do you treat a 250 kg big cat?

Zookeeper Nathalie Christin noticed the first signs: “Simba seems restless, is constantly shaking his head, and is holding it at an angle.” That’s why zoo veterinarian Reinhard Pichler was called in. “The lion must be anesthetized for the examination; that’s the only way to make a diagnosis and determine the next steps in treatment.” Simba will now be treated for 10 days with an antibiotic administered through his food.

Now it’s up to the keepers to hide the medicine in the beef as a “treat” for the big cat and closely monitor whether the medicine is actually being ingested with the food. Let’s hope Simba doesn’t notice the bitter taste and recovers soon.