‘Belvedere’ The Bontebok On The Mend At Turtle Back Zoo In N.J.

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Things are bucking up for Belvedere the Bontebok in Essex County.

The Turtle Back Zoo’s eight-month-old bontebok - a species of South African antelope - recently underwent surgery for a cataract in his left eye, but is recovering well and already has improved vision, Essex County officials reported Tuesday via social media.

Veterinary ophthalmologist Dr. Vygantas of Emergency Trauma and Specialty Veterinary Clinic NorthStar Vets (NSV) in Robbinsville performed the surgery, county officials stated.

“The day of the surgery, Belvedere was walked into the zoo’s animal trailer and driven to NSV,” county officials wrote. “Once at the hospital, he was sedated and transported to the ophthalmology suite for an hour-long procedure. The cataract was removed using an ultrasonic device, which breaks up and then removes the cataract from the eye. After coming back to the zoo, his post-operative care included multiple eye drops daily and close monitoring for any complications.”

According to county officials, incoming animal residents of the Turtle Back Zoo undergo physical exams when they arrive, as well as weekly visual exams by the zoo’s veterinarian. In addition, animals’ annual physicals include x-rays, dental cleaning, nail trimming, grooming, vaccination, abdominal ultrasound and blood work.

“In the wild, a cataract might result in a bontebok succumbing to predation or starvation,” officials said. “But in Belvedere’s case, he is back out on exhibit and looking forward to an improved quality of life.”

Photo: Turtle Back Zoo / Essex County

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