Poly the one-eyed penguin is rock-hopping again, thanks to treatment from Dick Vet ophthalmologists. Ophthalmologists from the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies worked closely with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s veterinary team to successfully treat Poly, a rockhopper penguin with one eye. The young penguin had her right eye removed last year after it was badly damaged. Several months later, she developed a large swelling around her right eye socket, which did not respond to treatment. The swelling became so pronounced that she was unable to close her beak. Investigation and surgeryPoly was referred to our Hospital for Small Animals for further investigations. Advanced imaging, including a CT scan, was used to assess damage to surrounding tissues and helped the team identify a large abscess in the penguin’s eye socket.The ophthalmology team, supported by vets from the Hospital's Exotic and Anaesthesia services, performed surgery to remove the wall and contents of the abscess along with damaged tissue, before thoroughly cleaning and sterilising the area. A drain was fitted to allow residual fluid and material to drain safely during the penguin’s recovery. Following surgery, the penguin received appropriate antibiotics to reduce the risk of recurrent infection and fluid accumulation. Poly was fitted with an adapted surgical suit. Photo credit RZSS Supported recoveryPoly was also fitted with a modified recovery suit originally designed for cats, adapted by the team at Edinburgh Zoo to allow her to move comfortably with her drain in place. The drain was removed four days after surgery, enabling Poly to return to the main colony at Penguins Rock, just in time for January snow. The keepers and veterinary team at the Zoo continue to monitor Poly closely, but she is recovering well. Poly was fitted with a modified recovery suit to allow her to move comfortably with her drain in place. Photo credit RZSS Poly was a pleasure to treat and has a special place in my heart. Her resilience and incredible temperament throughout her investigations were remarkable - she really is a very special penguin. Dr Chloe Fontaine Veterinary Ophthalmologist, Hospital for Small Animals Poly is a remarkably strong and courageous little penguin. Making sure she receives the highest standard of care is our top priority. We’re incredibly grateful to our colleagues at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies for their help and availability. Their world-class expertise has been of huge value in supporting Poly’s treatment and recovery. Dr Stephane Mota Acting Head Vet at Royal Zoological Society of Scotland About the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to more than 800 staff and almost 1400 students, all of whom contribute to our exceptional community ethos. The School comprises: The Roslin Institute The Roslin Innovation Centre The Hospital for Small Animals Equine Veterinary Services Farm Animal Services Easter Bush Pathology The Animal Welfare Centre We represent the largest concentration of animal science-related expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge. Tags News Small Animals Vets Publication date 20 Jan, 2026
