Kiara Piura (where she was rescued) usually referred to as Kiara 2 (the second Kiara we rescued in Peru!) had surgery on Christmas Eve.

Many will remember that a year ago, Dr Caldwell warned that the cataract on Kiara’s eye would at some stage reach the point where the eye needed to be removed. Problems have been controlled with medication but this week it became seriously inflamed and causing her discomfort and she was taken to Old Chapel Veterinary Clinic where Dr Caldwell performed surgery to remove the eye. Dr Caldwell also removed a small tumor from Kiara’s inner thigh. Kiara is recovering in hospital.

Eye problems due to early age malnutrition in the circus are a common problem amongst our rescued lions. However, those who have needed to have eye’s removed, currently Kiara Cusco and Smith, have adapted well.  Kiara2 has already adapted to severely restricted vision in one eye and it hasn’t stopped her leaping onto her crate or platforms, to watch Smith in the neighboring habitat – so we don’t expect her to have any trouble adapting.

All of our thoughts are with Kiara and we look forward to her being back with sister Africa as soon as possible. Our Resident Welfare Team at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary will be spending extra time with Africa and providing some extra treats, while Kiara is in Hospital.