A highly specialized ophthalmological intervention developed between the Veterinary Clinical Hospital of the CEU Cardenal Herrera University (HCV CEU) and BIOPARC Valencia has managed to eliminate the bilateral cataracts suffered by a red-collared lemur and, for the first time, implant personalized intraocular lenses to restore its vision.
Pioneering surgery of BIOPARC Valencia and CEU UCH to restore sight to a critically endangered lemur.
Having top-level professionals is essential in institutions with a great responsibility towards animal welfare and the protection of natureEspecially when the challenge involves critically endangered species within international programs that seek to ensure their survival.
First, have been implemented intraocular lenses adapted to the small size of the lemur's eye and its dioptric power, with the aim of achieving greater visual acuity and better adaptation to the environment.
This action demonstrates the importance of establishing alliances between entities committed to biodiversity conservation.
This “red vari”, as it is also known, arrived last year from the Veszprém Zoo (Hungary) on the recommendation of European Programme for Endangered Species (EEP) in which BIOPARC participates to accompany another 18-year-old male.
In the usual veterinary protocols carried out when there is a new addition, the team detected an opacity in both eyes that hindered their natural behavior and initiated a diagnostic process to determine the origin of the problem and assess the therapeutic options.
Various tests confirmed that he was suffering from cataracts in an advanced stage Therefore, to guarantee the quality of life of such a young animal, it was a priority to act and to prevent progressive deterioration of vision.
The challenge required weeks of planning and a prior study of the unique patient's anatomical characteristics. The defined purpose was to restore his visual capacity through a cataract surgeryThe good condition of the retina was verified through specific tests and measurements were taken on a healthy lemur. to manufacture custom-made intraocular lenses by the Spanish company AJL Ophthalmic.
Following a post-operative period, which included veterinary follow-up and medication, with optimal progress, The adaptation to the outdoor installation has begun.
The young animal is already enjoying well-being in the area of Madagascar which, with 6 species, is home to the greatest variety of lemurs in Spain.
The exceptional recreation of Madagascar BIOPARC Valencia is home to the greatest variety of lemurs in Spain with 6 different ones, another kind of "vari", with a black and white collar (Varecia variegata), red-fronted (Eulemur rufus)mongoose (Eulemur mongoz), with a red belly (Eulemur rubriventer) and ring-tailed (Lemur catta), very popular because of the “King Julien” from the animated film.
Endemic to the extraordinary island, these primates are found seriously threatened according to the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In this sense, its protection is vital, both from the BIOPARC Foundation collaborating on-site in the Sahamalaza Project, as ex situ in the BIOPARC of Fuengirola and Valencia where, in addition, they can be seen "face to face" to raise awareness and motivate a change of attitude towards the preservation of this wonderful biodiversity.
