San Francisco Zoo Wolverine First Of Species To Receive Specialized Eye Procedure

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Hugh Jackman is a mere actor compared to Edward the wolverine, one of the toughest residents of San Francisco Zoo that became the first majestic beast of its kind to undergo a specialized eye procedure this month.

Edward, a 2-year-old wolverine, had an intraocular lens implanted in his left eye following cataract surgery, according to a news release from the zoo on Wednesday.

The lens will help alleviate the effects from the surgery and correct far-sightedness.

Zookeepers noticed cloudiness in the 30-pound wolverine's right eye in May and later noticed the left eye was getting cloudy.

"We were surprised to see what appeared to be a cataract forming in the eye of such a young animal," said Dr. Nick Dannemiller, a veterinarian at the zoo. "So, we called an ophthalmologist to further evaluate Edward's condition."

Edward was treated by Dr. Kate Freeman, a veterinary specialist who works with marine mammals, exotic animals, and animals in captivity. Freeman said in a statement that surgery over the summer on the little guy's right eye was successful but that it left him far-sighted. When the left eye developed its cataract, Freeman said she was determined to find a solution since Edward would not thrive with two far-sighted eyes.

"In a cataract surgery, the contents of the lens, that normally refract light to the retina, are removed because they have become clouded, obscuring vision," Freeman said. "In humans, and even in cats and dogs, there are manufactured replacement lenses made specifically for those species. At the time of Edward's first surgery, there were no artificial lenses made for a wolverine."

Freeman consulted her mentor, veterinary ophthalmologist Dr. Christopher Murphy, professor emeritus at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, who helped research solutions based on his experience finding unorthodox medical assistance for different species.

Murphy contacted a colleague who had helped him do the same procedure on a falcon and an eagle, Dr. Donald Mutti, a professor at The Ohio State University College of Optometry.

"The amount of farsightedness in Edward's eye without an implant would be extremely high," said Mutti.

"A high level of farsightedness in a person is about 10 diopters, units of optical power. My guess is that Edward was at about a level of 50 diopters, where he'd be able to see whether lights were on or off and maybe some gross motion, but there would be no capability for detail vision in Edward's eye," he said in a statement provided by the zoo.

Edward's eye was measured using a special piece of medical equipment called a keratometer that was loaned for the procedure by a medical supply company and measures eye curvature.

A lens manufacturer then made a lens specially for the wolverine, creating a hierarchy in the species not previously known.

Edward is doing well after the implant, according to the zoo, and received eye drops two to three times a day. The zoo said he was guarding his right side less, as he had been after the first surgery.

He also reportedly out-hunted his competitor, Molly, by catching a small rodent that made its way into their habitat. The zoo said in a statement that it showed he was improving and had more energy, and said that Edward did not usually hunt rodents, but said he does love taco seasoning.

"He can't get enough of it," Dannemiller said. "He loves taco seasoning on everything. Even if you sprinkle a little in his habitat, he will tear through the exhibit trying to find it."


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