SOROCABA SANCTUARY

On February 25, a multidisciplinary team coordinated by Dr. Michael Vaudano, Assistant Coordinator of the GAP Project for Latin America, was assembled to examine chimpanzee Hulk, after more than two years of the recovery of one of his eyes’ vision.

The same team of the first operation, conducted by the eminent ophthalmologist, Prof. Dr. Walton Nose, accompanied by Dr. Octavian Magalhaes and instrumentor Rosangela Ap Bonati Joseph, with the assistance of Prof. Dr. Marcelo Torres, Professor of Anesthesiology, USP, and Dr. Camila Gentile, veterinarian of  GAP Sanctuary Sorocaba, performed the new operation in Hulk.

It was made a review of the left eye which had undergone a cataract operation previously and had recovered his vision. The right eye, whitened, was examined, but it was not possible to perform the vitrectomy, due to corneal opacity. Dr. Walton advised a corneal transplant, when possible, to Hulk to be able to have total vision in both eyes.

A few months ago Hulk began to show a swelling on the right side of his face. It was made a puncture and extracted pus from an old infection. He also underwent an X-ray of the face, since it was suspected of an old bone fracture that could have generated this chronic infection. Further material was collected for bacteriological and pathological examination.

Given this unusual situation, we decided to organize the fastest as possible a Cornea Bank, similar to what exists forhumans, to ensure corneas available to those who may need them in any of GAP  sanctuaries in Brazil.

Hulk, after anesthesia and review of vision, was desperate to get back to Catarina, by whom he is deeply in love. After 24 hours of isolation for his full recovery, he returned to the arms of his beloved on Sunday (26), in the morning, with the infection of his face already under control, which will undoubtedly makes him feel much better.

All the work of this multidisciplinary team, since the first occasion, which included the transfer of the latest generation equipment to the Sanctuary, was an act of voluntary doctors who ennoble the profession that they embrace. All chimpanzees thank this gesture of solidarity of their fellow human beings.

Related news: https://www.projetogap.org.br/en-US/noticias/Show/4177,pioneer-surgery-gives-back-vision-to-blind-chimp