Inside Dublin Zoo: Hippo eye surgery, orangutan birth and elephant herpes battle

Niamh McGill reveals the emotional highs and lows of treating hippos, elephants, penguins and primates at Dublin Zoo

Niamh Gill with eastern bongo calf Nia shortly after her birth. File picture

Whether she’s drawing blood from an elephant or performing cataract surgery on a hippo, Niamh McGill's unwavering dedication to her patients knows no bounds.

During her four years with Dublin Zoo, the specialist vet has seen it all. The mother-of-two opened up about the incredible medical cases she has dealt with, which required both creative and pioneering solutions in equal measures. She also detailed some of the health issues experienced by the animals, including an inflamed uterus in a Humboldt penguin.