A former Miss Italy who was the victim of an horrendous acid attack has returned to work as a sea lion trainer just six months after the attack.
Brave Gessica Notaro was left with scars and was at risk of losing her eyesight when acid was thrown in her face in January. Devastatingly, she also thought the chlorine in the water meant she wouldn't be able to return to her dream job.
She publicly accused her ex-boyfriend of the attack, who she had broken up with in the previous summer, but he has always denied any involvement.
The beauty queen took to social media to share a photo of herself posing with sea lions at the aquarium she works, with the caption: "My strength? Here you go."
Gessica took the brave decision to show off her scars on TV in April. Appearing on the Maurizio Costanzo Show, she said: "I want you to see what he did to me. This isn't love.
"I will be back to who I was, even if I cannot see the sun for years without masks and bandages.
"I won't be able to swim with my beloved dolphins because the chlorine would be devastating."
Fortunately, it looks like Gessica has proved doctors wrong and is now able to work in the aquarium again.
She also shared a selfie to her Instagram account, as well as photos of her with her sea lions from before the attack.
Speaking of the attack, she said: "While the acid ate away at my face I was on my knees praying. I prayed to God, take away my beauty but at least leave me with my sight."
Gessica before the attack. Credit: Gessica Notaro/Instagram
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During her time in hospital, Gessica could only speak to her friends and family through glass and visitors had to be sterilised before they could see her.
Her ex-partner Jorge Edson Tavares is currently in police custody awaiting a court appearance next month, he denies carrying out the attack and police said he has an alibi.
Featured Image Credit: Gessica Notaro/FacebookTopics: acid attack