Former Miss Italy finalist Gessica Notaro has returned to work as a sea lion trainer, five months after being severely disfigured by acid thrown in her face.

The 28-year-old said that she was doing so to encourage other women to fight back against bullying.

Gessica Notaro posted a picture of herself on social media with sea lions at the aquarium where she works in east Italy.

Her former boyfriend is being prosecuted over the attack but denies any involvement.

Gessica Notaro is scheduled to host the aquarium’s night-time performances later this year at the Adriatic resort of Rimini.

She was in danger of losing the sight in her left eye in the aftermath of the attack.

Gessica Notaro has had several operations since, and her injured eye remains bandaged.

In a Facebook post, the former Miss Italy finalist said: “My strength? Here it is,” as she touched a sea lion.

Gessica Notaro’s story caught the public imagination when she revealed her suffering on social media.

In April, she went on national TV to denounce former boyfriend Jorge Edson Tavares.

“I want you to see what he did to me. This isn’t love,” Gessica Notaro said.

“While the acid ate away at my face I was on my knees praying to God to take away my beauty but at least leave me with my sight.”

Gessica Notaro broke up with Jorge Edson Tavares last summer.

After she went to police to complain that she was being stalked, a restraint order was imposed on him.

On January 10, Gessica Notaro was doused in hydrochloric acid by a man she identified as Jorge Edson Tavares.

Jorge Edson Tavares has strenuously denied any involvement in the attack.