World first — hippopotamus has cataract surgery in Dublin

Visually impaired hippo, Imani, has had sight restored to her left eye thanks to a very successful specialist procedure

Imani, the 18-year-old female common hippopotamus at Dublin Zoo. The hippo successfully underwent the first recorded cataract surgery on this species worldwide, performed by Dublin Zoo’s animal care team. Pictures: Patrick Bolger Photography

An 18-year old hippopotamus at Dublin Zoo is back navigating obstacles with ease and even running following successful — and historic — cataract surgery. 

Dublin Zoo’s animal care team has successfully undertaken the first recorded cataract surgery to be performed on a common hippopotamus worldwide. The procedure represents a major achievement in veterinary medicine.