In an unconventional turn of events, the John Ball Zoo and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital have collaborated to treat an avian patient with a custom-made orthotic device. The patient in question is Andes, a 14-year-old Chilean flamingo, who found himself in need of some medical attention after developing a limp. This development, as reported by MLive, necessitated a team-up between animal care specialists at John Ball Zoo and orthotics professionals at Mary Free Bed. Brittany Weeks, certified orthotist and site lead at the rehabilitation facility, took charge of the project, acknowledging the unique challenge presented by Andes' anatomy.
According to the reports from WZZM13, the initial brace created by the zoo staff did not withstand the rigors of the flamingo's lifestyle, leading them to seek out Mary Free Bed's Orthotics & Prosthetics team for a durable solution. The final product was a blend of lightweight thermoplastics and metal joints accompanied by a non-absorbent foam liner, intended to provide robust support without causing skin irritation. This brace was a product of trial-and-error but was rooted in purposeful design that took Andes' active lifestyle into consideration. Weeks pointed out the importance of creating an orthotic adaptable to an aquatic environment—a necessity given the flamingo's penchant for water.
Andes' well-being was paramount for both teams, as mentioned by FOX17, Andes isn't just a flamingo with a limp; he, like other Chilean flamingos, is expected to live for another few decades under human care. Dr. Ryan Colburn, the Director of Animal Health at John Ball Zoo, emphasized the importance of the bird's social and physical health, stressing that the innovation here could benefit wildlife care methods globally. Practical considerations were taken by Dan Hemmann, Area Curator at the zoo, who noted that Andes' leg would need routine checks, particularly as the clever bird is prone to pecking at the velcro on his brace.
