Adelaide Zoo’s much-loved Bolivian Squirrel Monkey, Benito, is bouncing back after a series of medical check-ups to investigate a persistent watery eye. With the help of some cutting-edge equipment – and expert collaboration with the team at Austin Vets – Benito has now been given the all-clear.
Fourteen-year-old Benito was brought in for veterinary investigation after keepers noticed one of his eyes looked teary. Adelaide Zoo Veterinarian, Dr Adelaide Martin, conducted an initial examination using a specialised tool known as a Slit Lamp to check for ectopic cilia – a condition where eyelashes grow inwards and can irritate the eye. Thankfully, this was ruled out.
To ensure nothing was missed, Benito was also referred to Austin Vets for a CT scan, where specialist radiologist Dr Xander Huizing looked for signs of a nasolacrimal duct blockage – the tiny duct that helps drain tears from the eye. Again, the results were clear.
“We’re really pleased to say Benito’s eye is healthy and we’re now treating it as a possible allergy,” said Dr Martin. “He’s begun a course of antihistamines and we’ll keep a close watch – but so far, he’s responding really well.”
Benito lives in a lively troop of Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys, a species known for their playful and social behaviour. While not currently threatened in the wild, they are an important ambassador species to help raise awareness of primate health and habitat conservation.
“We’re so grateful to Austin Vets for their support and expertise – having access to this level of diagnostic imaging means we can give animals like Benito the very best care,” Dr Martin added. “As a not-for-profit conservation charity, partnerships like these are absolutely invaluable and help us go above and beyond for the animals in our care.”
