The Aquarium of Niagara is happy to announce successful cataract removal surgery for the young gray seal, Medusa. Medusa is 2 years old and was rescued completely blind at just 3 months old off the coast of Long Island in March 2016.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Carmen Colitz, a world-renowned veterinarian ophthalmologist, at the Aquarium Thursday morning. She hails from Jupiter, Florida and has performed over 300 cataract removal surgeries on seals and sea lions. Medusa is the second gray seal Dr. Colitz has ever performed this procedure on because there are few gray seals under human care.
During the procedure, it was discovered Medusa’s retinas were almost fully degenerated, so the possibility of her regaining sight has unfortunately been eliminated. This surgery addressed the high risk of ulceration, lens luxation, and glaucoma – which was the primary intent of the procedure. Although Medusa’s vision will never be restored, this surgery performed today will allow her to live more comfortably.
“We will always make animal welfare our top priority” said Gary Siddall, Executive Director “The Aquarium has a dedicated team of animal care professionals, and we selected the best by bringing in Dr. Colitz to perform this surgery.”
The Aquarium of Niagara is the premier facility for blind and visual impaired seals and sea lions. Medusa is accompanied by Della, a 27-year-old gray seal completely blind from cataracts and Sandy, a 37-year-old harbor seal who developed cataracts in the 1980’s. In 1987, Sandy made history by being the first seal ever to receive successful cataract removal surgery.
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