From Valleynewslive · · 40s
Flamingo recovers with custom brace
Chilean flamingo Queenie wears custom brace to heal ankle injury after tearing ligaments.
In brief
Chilean flamingo Queenie wears custom brace to heal ankle injury after tearing ligaments. Chilean flamingo Queenie, 9, recovers from ankle injury with custom brace designed by orthopedist Ben Guenther. Originally reported by Valleynewslive.
Queenie's injury
Chilean flamingo Queenie, 9, tore ligaments in his ankle while on exhibit at Caldwell Zoo.
“He sustained this injury on exhibit. We saw him lagging behind his flock. And then we decided since he’s so tactile, we’d be able to get him in hand and really help him”
Custom brace design
Orthopedist Ben Guenther designed a custom brace for Queenie after injury first appeared in 2021.
“This was the best opportunity for him because we would be able to put a brace on him and work with him and make sure it would really work so he would be able to live a really long life”
Leg function importance
Flamingos use legs to stir food and filter it; joint support is critical for their survival.
“It is really important for us to be quick when assessing injuries especially on long-legged birds like this they utilize their feet quite a bit when they’re moving around”
Lifelong brace use
Queenie wears the brace for life with weekly checks for swelling or irritation.
“Now that he’s quite used to it we see such a change in him he puts full weight on that leg he’s around with the rest of the flock he’s taking baths with the flock and running around”
The essence
Chilean flamingo Queenie, 9, recovers from ankle injury with custom brace designed by orthopedist Ben Guenther.
