Penguin chick at Edinburgh Zoo has eye removed in life-saving surgery

A baby penguin who needed life-saving surgery to remove an eye infection at Edinburgh Zoo has made a full recovery.

Zoo staff previously noticed Poly, the Northern rockhopper penguin chick, was suffering after finding the injury during a routine check.

And after failed attempts to treat her with medication, the charity’s expert vets were forced to try surgery to remove her infected eye.

Stephanie Mota, veterinary surgeon at RZSS, said, “We were really concerned when Poly’s eye ulcer didn’t respond to medication, and we knew we had to act quickly. Surgery is always a last resort due to the additional risks it carries, especially for such a young chick.

“But in this case, it was the only option left to keep her comfortable. Eye problems can be painful, and unfortunately, there was no way to save the eye.

“Poly required intensive care after the surgery. She was very sick, and for a while, everyone feared she wouldn’t make it.

“Our dedicated keepers and vets went above and beyond, coming in for extra shifts as early as 6am and as late as 10pm to ensure she had everything she needed, including extra feedings.

“They did an incredible job keeping her comfortable and it’s fantastic to see her thriving again.

After her gruelling surgery, Poly was cared for in a specialised creche – away from the main penguin colony.

And after showing good recovery sings, she was reintroduced and reunited with her parents who, without hesitation, took her back under their wing.

Daily checks from vets and ongoing medication continued to ensure her recovery continued with no issues.

Stephanie added, “It’s especially exciting because not only is Poly a sweetheart, but due to the rockhopper’s endangered status, every new addition to the colony is a meaningful step toward securing the future of the species.”

Poly has been cleared by the vets and is off her medication, no longer requiring daily monitoring.

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