Thanks to acupuncture, an elderly penguin is enjoying a golden age at the New England Aquarium.
“Piko” is a 30-year-old African penguin who was born and raised in an aquarium. She tripled the average lifespan of her species in their native environment. And just like any aging person, Peco suffers from back pain.
Like older human patients, Peco shows signs of aging, including abnormal posture when standing and walking, which veterinarians say is a sign of osteoarthritis or degenerative spinal disease. ing.
Aquarium staff noticed Peco’s discomfort and worked with an acupuncturist to relieve his symptoms. Acupuncture targets tight muscles, reduces inflammation and increases blood circulation. The bird is now showing signs of improvement. She is more alert and active, walking, swimming and eating better.
Dr Claire McManus, a licensed acupuncturist with over 20 years’ experience treating both humans and animals, has volunteered twice in the past 18 months to treat penguins following their annual molt. When African penguins shed their skin, they double in weight and can be even more painful.
During the 15-minute acupuncture treatment, McManus, held by a trainer, inserted 12 hair-thin needles into Peco.
“When working with animals, we first want to think about how we can handle them with the least amount of stress. We’re trying to use needles,” McManus said.
Staff quickly noticed that the birds were relaxed. She started grooming herself and her trainer.
“When I look at the penguins, I can see that they enjoy acupuncture treatment. It’s a joy to work with these animals,” says the author, who has treated dogs, warthogs, donkeys, and camels. Mr. McManus said.
Peko is not the first penguin to receive acupuncture treatment at an aquarium. Deco, who died last summer at the age of 41, was also receiving treatment.
McManus also uses acupuncture to rehabilitate sea turtles at the aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy. Turtles with serious medical conditions such as bone infections, broken bones, sepsis, and pneumonia are rescued. The aquarium says acupuncture helps treat musculoskeletal injuries and gastrointestinal disorders in animals.
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