Chester Zoo names penguin chick after life-saving vet

Zoo staff have thanked Iona Mathieson, clinical director at Linnaeus-owned Eye Vet in Sutton Weaver, Cheshire, for her vital help and expertise by naming the chick Iona in her honour.

A Chester Zoo spokesperson praised the experienced veterinary ophthalmologist for her incredible lifesaving work and dedication to the popular conservation zoo.

They explained: “The team chose this name in honour of Iona, the vet who saved the eyesight of this chick’s dad Munch – and more than likely saved his life, too.

The baby penguin who Chester Zoo have named Iona after the Eye Vet ophthalmologist.

“Without Iona’s expertise and generosity, Munch may not have been able to survive with his diminished eyesight.

“He had cataracts in both eyes and was struggling to feed himself as his vision was so poor that he couldn’t catch any fish to eat.

“Iona was incredible. Not only did she save Munch’s sight, she donated her time and even asked some of the team at Eye Vet if they’d be happy to donate their time for Munch’s operation.

“She also approached several companies which manufacture specific items they needed for the surgery to see if they’d kindly donate them. Amazingly, they all agreed!”

After the operation, Munch and his long-term partner Wurly – both named after confectionary and snacks – had to be kept separate from the other penguins for a couple of weeks and he wasn’t allowed to go into the water until his eyes had fully recovered from the surgery.

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They clearly put that time alone to good use and the renewed twinkle in Munch’s eye soon saw the pair produce a male chick this summer.

What’s more, ‘Daddy Munch’ is back in the pool and can feed himself again, so it’s safe to say everything is going swimmingly for him and his family.

Vet Iona, an advanced practitioner in veterinary ophthalmology, said: “I was very touched when the zoo told me the news. I really didn’t expect it at all but I’m very pleased.

“At first, they simply asked me if I’d like to pick the colour of the chick’s identity tag which goes on his wing and I chose my favourite colour, blue.

“I thought that was a nice touch but then they sent me a photo of the chick with the blue tag fitted and that’s when they said he had been named after me.

“It’s a real thrill. I’ve loved penguins all my life and used to go to the zoo to see them, although I never thought I’d one day be working with them, let alone have one named after me. I can definitely retire happy now!”

However, Iona has revealed her first glimpse of her namesake was a bit of a bummer, adding: “It was when he was quite small and still in his nesting burrow with his very protective mum. I managed to get a little peak but could only see his bum!”

Eye Vet Referrals is a fully equipped referral clinic with cutting edge ophthalmic equipment which enables them to provide gold standard veterinary care.

For more information, visit https://www.eye-vet.co.uk/ or search for Eye Vet on social media