Medical and behavioral implications of cataracts and cataract removal in a juvenile captive african black-footed penguin A. Vargas, Zoo Keeper, N. Finch*, Zoo Keeper Tautphaus Park Zoo Idaho , USA In late 2008, a juvenile African black-footed penguin named Ajani was diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes. Ajani was underweight as a hatchling, but swiftly gained weight once keepers took over his care. He has exhibited abnormal behavioral patterns throughout the duration of his care by keepers. Workers at Tautphaus Park Zoo and veterinarians involved in Ajani’s care searched peer-reviewed literature and discussion boards for information regarding similar cases of cataracts in penguins, but determined that there have been no other reported cases of cataracts in a juvenile penguin. Ajani was initially treated with Prednisolone acetate eye drops in attempt to reduce or halt progression of cataract development. Failure of the eye drops to slow or halt cataract growth led Tautphaus Park Zoo officials to seek medical treatment for Ajani. He had surgery in early 2009 to remove both cataracts. The cataracts were successfully removed, and care for Ajani since surgery has been focused on encouraging him to learn normal feeding and swimming behavior, and on integrating him into the 23-member colony at Tautphaus Park Zoo.
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