Kwame, the lion at Zoo Miami, has successfully passed his routine physical exam. The 17-year-old big cat, tipping the scales at nearly 400 pounds, was sedated and scrutinized from furry head to tufted tail yesterday. WSVN reports that Kwame's tests included the full monty: x-rays, vaccinations, a dental cleaning, and what zookeepers likely joked as a "mani-pedi."

In the meantime, the lion king is recovering in his own regal quarters at the animal facility. According to Local10, these health checkups are critical as they allow Zoo Miami's Animal Health Team to keep monitoring the zoo inhabitants, given that wild animals often don't show signs of illness until it's nearly too late.

In the wild, animals like Kwame would normally push up the daisies at around 12 years due to a decrease in physical prowess and the tough love of natural competition from fellow lions. But under human care, these feline seniors can enjoy their golden years into their late teens or early twenties. Ron Magill, the zoo's Communications Director, said in a press release that the extended lifespan is a testament to the high-quality care, absence of predators, and the lack of rival showdowns.

As part of his physical, Kwame was subjected to blood and urine tests, radiographs, and abdominal ultrasound, and was given a clean bill of health in return. His claws were also trimmed and cleaned, cause even a king has to look sharp for his subjects. "The results show that Kwame, who weighs 396 pounds, is in good health for his age," Magill told Local10. Moreover, these procedures go beyond vanity, they're vital as lions are currently classified as vulnerable, with a harrowing 43% decline in population since the 1990s, the press release added.