When most people think of chiropractic care, they picture a person face-down on a table or maybe a dog getting a quick adjustment before agility practice. But here’s a wild twist—literally. At a wildlife sanctuary near Gainesville, Dr. Philip of Synchrony Chiropractic recently got hands-on (carefully, very carefully) with a patient that roars instead of barks: a 14-year-old African lion.

Yes, a lion. And no, he didn’t ride in on a safari jeep, but he did bring his A-game.

From Roar to Restore: The Lion in Need

This majestic feline—let’s call him Simba for the sake of storytelling—wasn’t quite himself. Caretakers noticed he was stiff, sluggish, and frankly, grumpy. His usual king-of-the-jungle swagger had turned into more of a royal shuffle. That’s when Dr. Philip, known throughout Central Florida as the go-to mobile Florida animal chiropractor, got the call.

Dr. Philip specializes in treating everything from senior pups to high-performance horses, but this call was different. Treating exotic animals isn’t just about skill—it’s about precision, teamwork, and knowing exactly when to move (and when to not move) around a 400-pound cat.

Adjusting a Lion: Not Your Average House Call

After a carefully supervised sedation by the sanctuary’s vet team (because even chiropractors know better than to poke an awake lion), Dr. Philip got to work. During the evaluation, he found restricted movement in the lion’s mid-to-lower spine—think of it like a kinked-up garden hose causing all kinds of downstream drama.

With years of experience in equine and canine chiropractic under his belt, Dr. Philip adapted his techniques to suit Simba’s unique anatomy. Over three sessions, he used gentle, specific adjustments to restore motion and relieve tension. And wouldn’t you know it—Simba started moving like he just remembered he’s apex predator royalty.

The Results? They’ll Make You Purr

Within days of his first adjustment, Simba was eating better, walking smoother, and even engaging in some playful swatting with his enclosure mate. (Enrichment toy sales may have also spiked.) The veterinary staff saw a clear improvement, and the sanctuary team was thrilled.

Dr. Philip didn’t just stop at the adjustment table. He worked with the caretakers to create a follow-up plan that included regular chiropractic check-ins, smarter enclosure layout, and nutritional support to keep Simba feeling fierce.

Why It Matters (Even If You Don’t Have a Lion)

While most folks in Ocala or Orlando don’t have big cats in their backyard (we hope), this case shines a spotlight on how chiropractic care can make a massive difference in animal wellness. Zoo animals, livestock, pets—they all benefit from aligned spines and pain-free movement.

Veterinarians, zookeepers, animal caregivers: chiropractic isn’t just for the domesticated. It’s for any animal that moves—and especially for those that are starting to slow down.

Ready to Think Outside the Crate?

Whether you’re managing a wildlife sanctuary, running a veterinary practice, or just curious about how chiropractic can help your four-legged (or four-pawed) friends, Dr. Philip and the Synchrony Chiropractic team are ready to roll. Literally—we’re mobile and come to you.

Reach out today and discover how Synchrony Chiropractic can bring the roar back to your animals—no safari required.