Ophthalmologists at Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) have managed to replace both lenses in the eyes of chimpanzee Fiffy. Fiffy had in a short time developed severe cataracts in both eyes which left her almost blind. She could no longer tolerate light, hid under a blanket or held her hands in front of her eyes.
Our veterinarian Hester van Bolhuis decided it couldn’t go on like this and asked the ophthalmologists for advice. Fiffy, who is estimated to be between 30 and 40 years old, is as far as we know the first chimpanzee to undergo such an operation in the Netherlands.
Exciting operation
After the preliminary examination and the generous supply and installation of the necessary equipment by the company Rockmed, the operation could take place on Sunday, May 23, 2021 in our Chimpanzee Complex in Almere. Veterinarian Hester van Bolhuis said afterwards that the operation, which lasted 2.5 hours, was very exciting for everyone: “For the ophthalmologists it was the first time they operated on an ape. It was also a difficult operation, because especially in the right eye the cataract was very serious and the lens was fused to the capsule. It all went very well. I am extremely grateful for all the help and enthusiasm to give Fiffy her sight back.”
"Fiffy has already had to go through so much in her life, this is the least we could do for her."
Overwhelmed
When Fiffy came to from anesthesia, according to her caretakers, she was overwhelmed by her new sight and never gets tired of looking at her hands and the platform in her enclosure. She now sees the animal caretakers approaching from afar with strawberries. Something she didn’t notice before. The chimpanzee was pre-trained to be drip-fed after surgery, which she reluctantly allows now that she can see again. It will be a special reunion when she is allowed back with her group mates soon. She has only been separated from her group for a few days but has hardly been able to see them for months.
Locked up for years
Chimpanzee Fiffy was rescued in 2008 by AAP from a lonely existence in an attic room. She was raised by her owners as if she was a human child. When they could no longer handle her, she was unceremoniously locked in a welded cage in the attic. At AAP, Fiffy was able to recover and meet other chimpanzees for the first time.
