Photo: Courtesy of New England Aquarium
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Getting old can be a pain, even if you have feathers and a beak.
Just ask Peeko, an elderly African penguin born and raised at the New England Aquarium. Peeko is 30 years old, which is triple the life expectancy of African penguins in their native environment.
According to the aquarium, the geriatric bird has shown signs of advanced age including abnormal posturing when she stands and walks, which experts say are possible signs of osteoarthritis or degenerative spinal disease. The condition is worsened when Peeko gains weight when she molts, or replaces her feathers.
1 of 2 Photo: Courtesy of New England Aquarium
2 of 2 Photo: Courtesy of New England Aquarium
"Similar to humans, weight management is important to manage pain associated with arthritis or spinal disorders in animals," Dr. Melissa Joblon, Aquarium Director of Animal Health, said in a blog post. "But for African penguins like Peeko, during molting, they can put on twice as much weight, and that’s putting additional stress on their spine and joints."
To help relieve some of Peeko's symptoms and speed up the healing process, the aquarium called in Dr. Claire McManus, a licensed acupuncturist for more than two decades who has treated both humans and animals.
"Acupuncture is used in local areas where there’s muscle tightness, so it can increase circulation to the musculature," said McManus. "It’s used to decrease inflammation, and it’s used to open up fascia, which is our connective tissue."
McManus treated Peeko twice over the past 18 months, using 10 to 14 hair-thin needles across her body. During the 15-minute procedures, Peeko became calm, relaxed into the penguin trainer's hands, and even preened herself and her trainers.
Photo: WBZ NewsRadio / Chaiel Schaffel
Aquarium staff said within a few weeks of receiving acupuncture, Peeko appeared more agile and active in her habitat, walking better and having an improved appetite.
"We definitely saw signs of improvement in Peeko’s general status and mobility after adding acupuncture to her treatment plan," Joblon said. "It’s very rewarding to see improved quality of life of our geriatric patients following these treatments."
Peeko is not the only penguin at the New England Aquarium to get acupuncture treatment. McManus also treated Deco, a penguin who passed away last summer at the age of 41.
"You can really tell with the penguins that they’re enjoying the acupuncture. It’s a joy to work with these animals,” said McManus.
Along with the older penguins, the aquarium has also worked with Dr. McManus to provide acupuncture treatment for rehabilitating sea turtles at its Sea Turtle Hospital in Quincy. Acupuncture was used to help treat musculoskeletal injuries and gastrointestinal disorders in the turtles.
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