MAY 2020 | EYEWORLD | 73
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However, rejoining the rest of the troop
meant that Dr. Heichel also had to contend
with Leslie's dad, Winston, a 400-pound silver-
back gorilla. When he went to examine Leslie,
he found her and Kokamo standing behind
Winston. Dr. Heichel said he had to try very
hard not to appear challenging. Kokamo, seem-
ingly, intervened. "She got the idea that I was
in some way trying to help Leslie and actually
brought her next to me so that I could look at
her," Dr. Heichel said.
The last time Dr. Heichel examined Leslie,
the attitude of the gorillas in the enclosure
had changed. Her siblings were vying for his
attention, Kokamo was relaxed, and Winston
was sitting casually nearby. "That was a very
special day. It was like they had accepted me,"
Dr. Heichel said.
Leslie ultimately healed well, and Dr.
Heichel said he enjoyed the whole experience,
encouraging other practitioners to seize similar
opportunities when they arise.
Contact
Heichel:
cheichel@cornea.ucsd.edu
Leslie, a gorilla at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, in surgery on December 10, 2019
Source (all): © Ken Bohn, San Diego Zoo Safari Park
