The vets were asked to correct a cross-eyed tiger’s vision, but the big cat managed to avoid going under the knife on Wednesday.

Indira, a 16-year-old Bengal tiger who has appeared in 1997 films George of the Jungle and Anaconda, was scheduled for surgery to correct her eye condition know as strabismus (cross-eyed) at the Camden Avian Reptile and Exotic Pet Hospital.

However, the 96kg feline was able to return home after a quick check-up that showed three weeks of antibiotic treatment had been successful.

The former star of the silver screen had been struggling to find her food and would constantly bump into things in her home at Zambi Wildlife Retreat in Wallacia.

Zambi Wildlife Retreat’s veterinarians had noticed Indira’s eyesight had been deteriorating over the past few years. Her eyes were declared operable following tests at the University of Sydney’s veterinary teaching hospital’s Camperdown campus earlier this year.

Indira still has cataracts and will return to Camden next year to correct the problem.

Indira was hand-raised and trained by one of Zambi Wildlife Retreat’s directors Donna Wilson. Ms Wilson said it had been difficult to watch the animal’s eyesight decline. 

“She is exceptionally friendly tiger and is the most playful animal at the retreat, regardless of her poor vision,” Ms Wilson said.

Zamiba Wildlife Retreat praised the University Veterinary Teaching Hospital – this time at the Camden clinic - for opening its doors and the dedicated team of veterinary professionals that have offered to do the delicate and very expensive surgery.

Zambi Wildlife Retreat is a non for profit charity that is developing a retreat for retired animals from the zoo breeding programs, the circus and entertainment industries.

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