PREVIEW

A one-eyed Northern rockhopper penguin at Edinburgh Zoo has made a full recovery after a second operation on her eye socket.

Vets from the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) worked with ophthalmology specialists from the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies to treat a serious infection in Poly’s eye socket.

The wildlife conservation charity fitted Poly with a modified recovery suit, which is normally used for cats, to allow fluid to drain while she healed. With the drain removed, she moved back in with the colony at Penguins Rock, just in time to celebrate Penguin Awareness Day (Tue, 20 Jan 2026).

RZSS vets at the zoo will continue to keep an eye on Poly while gradually reducing her medication.