Penguin given the gift of sight

Chester Zoo Penguin

Munch, a 4 year old humboldt penguin from Chester Zoo has been given the gift of sight thanks to the team at Eye Vet in Cheshire.His keepers at the zoo said he had been unable to feed himself and had become withdrawn following the loss of vision caused by cataracts. Munch had to be separated from the rest of the penguins, including his ‘wife’ Wurly, and had to be hand fed by the keepers.The team at Eye Vet collaborated with Chester Zoo to perform cataract surgery on both of Munch’s eyes just before Christmas 2020. The surgery was a success and we are pleased to say that Munch has regained vision. Eye Vet director and ophthalmic surgeon Iona Mathieson, who was thrilled with the outcome said “We are all so happy for Munch. He will live a much happier life thanks to the surgery he received. He is now able to find food and has been reunited with his loving wife – much to her delight!”

The surgery was possible due to the caring and dedicated staff at both Eye Vet and Chester Zoo, along with generous donations from Veterinary Speciality Products, Vision Matrix, Visionary Surgical Solutions, Vygon, International Medical Supplies and Direct Medical Supplies limited. A huge thank you to all involved.