WORLD'S FIRST CATARACT SURGERY PERFORMED ON CHIMPANZEE
Sight Restored to Blind Chimpanzee

PORTLAND, Ore. – History was made in January 2004 when the world’s first cataract removal surgery was successfully performed on a chimpanzee. The two-stage procedure took place far removed from modern medical facilities, at the Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center, in a remote forest in Cameroon, West-Central Africa.

Jacky, a 40-year-old male chimpanzee, can now see clearly again after degenerative cataracts robbed him in 2002 of vision in both eyes. In Defense of Animals – Africa (IDA-Africa), a project of IDA, a California-based animal advocacy organization, rescued Jacky in 1999 from a small cage where he had been living for 30 years. At the Rescue Center, staff became aware of Jacky’s failing eyesight when he was no longer able to act as alpha male, a role he had assumed over a family of other chimpanzees.

The cataract-removal surgery was identical to that performed on humans. It was carried out by medical ophthalmologist Dr. James Tidwell, a U.S. Navy Commander who takes part in humanitarian efforts around the world. He was assisted by Dr. Sheri Speede, a U.S. veterinarian and director of the Rescue Center.

Reflecting on his journey half-way across the world, Dr. Tidwell said, "Occasionally one is called upon to step beyond their comfort zone and extend their skills in a new direction. Regardless of the outcome, the voyager usually becomes a better person in the process. I was doubly privileged to be able to do just that, but also to do it for a good cause: restoring the sight of Jacky, the alpha male chimpanzee at the Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center. In today's world, one of the major challenges facing us all is to stop viewing differences and begin viewing similarities. We must look beyond the perspective that the gift of sight is the privilege of humans. This was an opportunity to share current medical technology within similar species."

Added Speede, Certainly, a few of the most joyful moments in my life came on that day after the successful surgery on Jacky’s first eye, as I watched him gaze in wonder at trees, birds, and my face as if he were seeing it for the first time. And the little boy chimps who for months had been stealing Jacky’s food from under his nose got quite a surprise that day."

Safety protocols would not permit administration of eye-drops after each operation to control possible infection, so antibiotics were given to Jacky in his milk. Back to his old self, Jacky is now enjoying life with other resident chimpanzees, all who were rescued as orphans of the illegal bushmeat trade and currently have a second chance at life in a large forested enclosure at the IDA-Africa Chimpanzee Rescue Center in Cameroon.

Continued Tidwell, "It is my sincere hope that the knowledge of the success of this type of procedure in chimpanzees will stimulate others to participate, as well as to broaden the scope of further efforts to benefit all non-human primates."

For additional information on IDA-Africa, pictures of the operation, or for interviews with Dr. Sheri Speede, please contact Edmund Stone in the USA at (503) 643-8302 or info@ida-africa.org.

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