Pierre’s Eyesight Journey

Meet Pierre, Chimp Haven’s first chimpanzee cataract surgery success story!

At 54 years old, this longtime Chimp Haven retiree was a beloved fixture at the sanctuary and for many years served as the alpha of his social group.

But when Pierre began to withdraw, it didn’t take long for his care team to determine he was having challenges with his eyesight. Over the next year, he would go completely blind due to cataracts.

As many of the Chimp Haven retirees enter their geriatric years, the Chimp Haven team is determined to help them thrive in their golden years. With Pierre, his care team, and visiting ophthalmologist Dr. Pierce all working together, the sanctuary performed its first ever cataract surgery for a chimpanzee.

Watch Pierre’s inspiring journey from diagnosis to the moment he world came back into focus below. Thank you for your support of Chimp Haven, which made this incredible story possible.

Chimp Haven