Royston tiger healing 'really well' after world-first eye surgery

The tiger's left eye was deteriorating before the surgery

A tiger's eye saved in a world first operation has "healed really well", an experienced vet has revealed.

Experts were called to help after Sumatran tiger Ratna showed deterioration in her left eye in 2021 following cataract removal surgery.

They checked on the 20-year-old feline when they returned to Shepreth Wildlife Park near Royston, Cambridgeshire, this year.

And they were "thrilled" to see the procedure had worked.

Vet ophthalmologist Dr David Williams, based at the University of Cambridge veterinary school, and vet Steve Philp, of the International Zoo Veterinary Group, first attended the wildlife park in February 2021.

They carried out a hood graft operation to save Ratna's eye, in what was believed to be a world first for a big cat.

The tiger had been given a corneal ulcer diagnosis by a specialist eye vet prior to the operation.

Tiger Ratna, aged 20, needed an urgent operation to save her left eye

Dr Williams said: "I'm thrilled to report that her eye has healed really well.

"It's great news, because had it not been for the operation the eye would have worsened and she could have lost her eye.

"It's wonderful to see how well the procedure worked."

Ratna had been diagnosed with a corneal ulcer by a specialist eye vet

Rebecca Willers, director of Shepreth Wildlife Park, said she was delighted with the outcome.

"Ratna is an older cat, and with this presents many potential risks to health," she said.

"We are grateful to have such veterinary expertise on our doorstep and the support and enthusiasm in particular of both David and Steve."

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