VIDEO: Cataract Surgery On 47-Year-old Bird At Zoo Miami

MIAMI, FL — Zoo Miami has successfully performed double cataract surgery on a 47-year-old Sarus Crane, which are considered to be the world's tallest flying birds. The surgery was conducted by veterinary ophthalmologist, Dr. Lorraine Karpinski, earlier this week.

"I’ve been here nearly 39 years and have witnessed a lot of procedures, but this one ranks right up there as one of the most amazing," explained Zoo Miami's Ron Magill.

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Zoo officials released a video of the procedure, which was performed Wednesday at the facility.

"There is a portion of the video where you see the exact moment that the cataract is dissolved with the help of a carefully placed needle, thanks to the amazing work of veterinary ophthalmologist, Dr. Lorraine Karpinski," Magill added.

Karpinski said that the bird was having problems navigating her enclosure and became very reclusive as a result. "So, this attempt will be to try and improve her quality of life," she said prior to performing the surgery. One of the cataracts was newly formed but the other had been in the bird for some time.

Both cataracts were successfully removed.

"We're hoping now that this improves her ability to see," Karpinski noted

Photo and video courtesy Zoo Miami