News Summary
Andes, a 14-year-old Chilean flamingo at John Ball Zoo, has received a custom-made orthotic brace after developing a limp. The innovative collaboration with Mary Free Bed Orthotics provided a tailored solution that improved his mobility and social interactions within a flock of flamingos, marking a significant advancement in wildlife veterinary care.
Grand Rapids, MI – A 14-year-old Chilean flamingo named Andes at John Ball Zoo has received a custom orthotic brace after developing a limp earlier this year. Zoo staff observed that Andes was not placing weight on one leg, which prompted immediate concern and intervention from the animal care team.
The initial attempts to support Andes’s leg with a makeshift brace were unsuccessful, as it did not suit his active lifestyle and swimming habits. A decision was made to partner with experts from Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics to create a more effective and durable solution. This collaboration highlighted the intersection of veterinary care and rehabilitation technology.
Brittany Weeks, a certified orthotist involved in the project, noted the challenge presented by Andes’ small anatomy. The design process for the custom brace involved hand-sculpting a model using wooden dowels and modeling clay, followed by the creation of a functional prototype tailored specifically for Andes.
A potential injury, likely due to a slip while entering and exiting the swimming pool, is believed to have caused Andes’ limp. Dr. Ryan Colburn, the zoo’s director of animal health, emphasized the importance of the brace not only for physical recovery but also for Andes’ social well-being, as he is part of a group of flamingos known as a flamboyance.
The final custom orthotic was made from lightweight thermoplastics, metal joints, and a non-absorbent foam liner designed to prevent skin sores. The design process involved considerable trial and error to ensure the orthotic was both functional and compatible with Andes’ lifestyle. Given Andes’ playful tendency to peck at the Velcro straps, ongoing adjustments will be necessary as he continues to grow and heal.
After fitting the brace, Andes returned to his habitat at the John Ball Zoo, demonstrating significant improvement and standing tall without any visible signs of his previous limp. This successful outcome is not just a victory for the individual flamingo but also showcases the potential for similar initiatives in zoological and wildlife facilities globally.
Andes is expected to live another 40 to 50 years under human care, and continuous monitoring will be conducted to track his recovery and brace effectiveness. The innovative approach taken by the zoo and rehabilitation team emphasizes that custom orthotics can play a vital role not only in human medicine but for wildlife care as well. This project represents a pioneering effort in enhancing the quality of life for animals that require additional support through rehabilitative measures.
This initiative sets a precedent for animal care in zoos across the world, demonstrating the importance of integrating modern rehabilitation methods into the care and management of wildlife. The successful creation and implementation of Andes’ orthotic brace illustrate a commitment to improving the well-being of animals and could inspire future advancements in veterinary care.
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Additional Resources
- MSN: Grand Rapids Zoo Hospital Create Custom Leg Brace
- Hoodline: Grand Rapids Zoo and Hospital Join Forces
- WZZM13: John Ball Zoo Works with Mary Free Bed
- Fox17: Mary Free Bed John Ball Zoo Team Up
- Wikipedia: Flamingo
- Google Search: Custom Orthotics in Animal Care
