In pics: Blair Drummond sea lion Bella on the mend after eye operation

Bella the California Sea Lion, fully recovered, giving keeper Alex Wainwright a kiss after having her right lens removed in her eye during an operation (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

A sea lion is recovering after undergoing a major eye operation.

Bella, 22, a California sea lion at Blair Drummond Safari Park by Stirling, needed treatment after developing keratitis in both eyes.

Keratitis is an ocular disease found in more than 60% of sea lions over 14 years old and 100% of sea lions over 26, the park said.

Europe's top veterinarian specialists Ophthalmologist Claudia Hartley and International Zoo Vet Group Andrew Greenwood assisted Blair Drummond Safari park vets Colin Scott and Paddy Day in the operation. (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire) — Europe’s top veterinarian specialists Ophthalmologist Claudia Hartley and International Zoo Vet Group Andrew Greenwood assisted Blair Drummond Safari park vets Colin Scott and Paddy Day in the operation. (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

The park brought in top veterinarian specialists ophthalmologist Claudia Hartley and Andrew Greenwood, of International Zoo Vet Group, to treat her.

Bella first underwent surgery in June 2016 due to lens luxation, a dislocation of the lens, in her left eye induced by the disease.

The surgery was successful, with Bella making a speedy recovery.

Ophthalmologist Claudia Hartley (front left) and International Zoo Vet Group's Andrew Greenwood (rear right) being assisted by Blair Drummond Safari park vets Colin Scott (centre) and Paddy Day (far left), as keeper Nikki Morrison (right) looks on, during an operation to remove the lens in Bella the California Sea Lion's right eye. (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire) — Ophthalmologist Claudia Hartley (front left) and International Zoo Vet Group’s Andrew Greenwood (rear right) being assisted by Blair Drummond Safari park vets Colin Scott (centre) and Paddy Day (far left), as keeper Nikki Morrison (right) looks on, during an operation to remove the lens in Bella the California Sea Lion’s right eye. (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

However, the right eye lens soon followed the same deterioration and she needed a second operation which took place on February 27.

The sea lion stage, which usually hosts educational presentations, was transformed into a veterinary theatre for the operation.

Nikki Morrison, head of the sea lion department, said: “The stage was the best place to carry out the surgery; it gave us the most room and lighting for all concerned.

“We were able to anaesthetise Bella in the penning room, then safely carry her to the operating table using a stretcher.

“I have great confidence in Claudia and Andrew; they are the leading experts in the field.

“Both surgeries have been a great success and Blair Drummond’s team of sea lion and veterinary specialists were all on-hand to assist.

“Claudia and Andrew were very clear about explaining each step of the process, enabling us to follow the operation. We remain in contact and keep everyone updated on Bella’s recovery.

“Bella has blown us all away with how resilient she is.

The operation has been a success for Bella and although her vision is limited, it appears she can actually still see and manoeuvre her surroundings reasonably comfortably. (Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

“Within two weeks of major surgery, she’s eating and interacting well with the rest of the sea lion group and although her vision is limited, it appears she can actually still see and manoeuvre her surroundings reasonably comfortably.”

Park bosses said that at the age of 22, Bella is starting to slow down and begin her transition into retirement.

They hope to make this as comfortable and fulfilled a process as possible, and ensure that she continues to receive the best management and medical care.