Penguin Receives Acupuncture Treatment at an Aquarium
· Telemundo McAllen (KTLM)
When 'Pip' stands still, it’s not necessarily because he’s resting. At 29 years old, this African penguin has reached a stage in life where walking, moving, and staying comfortable requires a bit more assistance. That’s why, at the New England Aquarium, Pip’s care includes something as unexpected as an acupuncture session to alleviate the symptoms of aging. 'Pip' was born at the aquarium in 1997 and, according to aquarium experts, has doubled the typical lifespan of 10 to 15 years for African penguins in their native environment. Late last year, trainers and veterinary staff noticed that Pip had an abnormal gait and was limping. After trying various pain medications, the team decided to pursue integrative therapies and hired a licensed acupuncturist. 'Like humans, aging penguins commonly develop osteoarthritis or spinal diseases that can lead to changes in their gait and discomfort,' said Dr. Melissa Joblon, director of Animal Health at the New England Aquarium, in a press release. 'Using additional treatments like acupuncture and physical therapy allows us to reduce the dosage of pain medications and can greatly improve an animal's quality of life.' Acupuncture uses fine needles, as thin as a hair, in local areas where there is muscle tension, reducing inflammation and increasing circulation. The aquarium noted that it sought out Dr. Claire McManus, a licensed acupuncturist with 25 years of experience treating both humans and animals, who has treated several of the aquarium's penguins and rescued sea turtles over the years. She began working with Pip nine months ago. The aquarium's penguin trainers say that Pip is becoming increasingly comfortable with acupuncture treatments, aided by fish, head scratches, and positive reinforcement. 'Pip has made tremendous progress in his training. He even offers to preen and court his caregivers during treatments. These growing signs of calmness help us provide the care he needs without causing him stress,' noted Eric Fox, associate curator of penguins at the aquarium. After acupuncture procedures, Pip appears more relaxed and is showing positive progress; veterinarians have observed an improvement in his walking. The 49 penguins at the New England Aquarium receive personalized care that includes training and environmental enrichment opportunities, creating an environment where each individual can thrive according to their unique needs and personalities. It was reported that around 60% of the resident penguins at the aquarium have surpassed the 15-year lifespan of their wild counterparts. Like Pip, many geriatric penguins require specialized treatments.
AI summary · Source: Telemundo McAllen (KTLM) →
