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With Cataracts Gone, Gorilla Rediscovers World

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Oct 6, 2009 8:30 am US/Eastern

With Cataracts Gone, Gorilla Rediscovers World

Reporting
Lisa Cilli
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MIAMI (CBS4) ― A 42-year old lowland gorilla at Miami's Metrozoo is back on exhibit after undergoing state-of-the-art surgery that has restored her sight.

Josephine the gorilla underwent surgery Friday to remove severe cataracts and implant new lenses in each of her eyes. The procedure, performed less than a dozen times on gorillas, was a success.

In a photo of Josephine taken by Metrozoo spokesperson Ron Magill, he says "it's a picture worth a thousand words."

That's because before the surgery, Josephine was practically blind and could only see shadows but with her vision restored, she's amazed by the "new" world around her. She's seeing things as if it were for the very first time and the image captured by Magill shows her focused on a very small twig in her hand. Her eyes full of amazement as they reflect at the wondrous object in her hand.

Magill stated, "This is a magical moment when, thanks to the efforts of many dedicated and caring individuals, a beautiful endangered primate is rediscovering the world. It's as if a light switch has been turned on in her life and all of the little things can once again be appreciated."


(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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