Elephant becomes first in Europe to have contact lens fitted

AP

An elephant at a zoo in Amsterdam has become the first in Europe to have a contact lens fitted.

The 44-year-old elephant, called Win Thida, damaged her cornea when she was playing with friends at the Artis Zoo in Amsterdam.

AP

Win Thida was under anaesthetic, but couldn't lie down as it would have affected her breathing.

So the vet had to climb a stepladder to fit the lens, in an operation that took over an hour.

She is said to be recovering well, and much more comfortable than before, according to the Mirror.

The Artis Royal Zoo is in the middle of the city of Amsterdam, and boasts 900 species of animals as well as 200 species of trees.

It also features beautiful 19th century architecture, like the Aquarium, and is described as being a "remarkable place where culture meets nature".


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