Pip, an elderly penguin at the New England Aquarium, gets acupuncture to relieve aches and pains
The New England Aquarium has turned to the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture to treat the aches and pains of an elderly penguin named Pip. At 29, Pip has exceeded an African penguin’s typical life expectancy by more than a lifetime. He was starting to show his age. Late last year, trainers and veterinary staff noticed Pip had an abnormal gait and was walking with a limp, the aquarium said in a statement. “Similar to humans, aging penguins commonly develop osteoarthritis or spinal disease that can lead to gait changes and discomfort,” the aquarium’s director of animal health, Dr. Melissa Joblon, said in a statement. Pip, who was hatched at the aquarium in 1997, was treated with different pain medications, before the aquarium sought the help of Claire McManus, a licensed acupuncturist who treats both humans and animals, the statement said. For nine months, Pip has been receiving treatment from McManus, who has treated multiple penguins and rescued sea turtles at the aquarium over the years, the aquarium said. Acupuncture places thin needles in the skin to stimulate nerves and muscles, and help improve blood flow, according to Boston Medical Center. “Using additional treatments such as acupuncture and physical therapy allows us to decrease the dosage of pain medications and can greatly improve an animal’s quality of life,” Joblon said. To keep Pip calm during sessions, his trainers scratch his head and feed him fish, among other positive reinforcements, the aquarium said. Pip seems to be more relaxed after the therapy, the aquarium said. Veterinarians have even noticed improvements in his gait. In their native environments, the penguins typically live to be 10 to 15 years old. More than half its 49 penguins are older than 15, the acquarium said. While each bird receives individualized care and training, some of the older residents require extra attention. Last year, the aquarium created a “retirement home” for penguins experiencing age-related medical conditions. The island is separated from the main penguin colony and allows the animal care team to monitor and address changes in the aging birds more efficiently. “Pip has come such a long way in his training,” the aquarium’s associate curator of penguins, Eric Fox, said in a statement. “He’s even offering to preen and court his trainers during treatments. These increasing signs of comfort help us provide the care he needs in a stress-free way.” Madyline Swearing can be reached at madyline.swearing@globe.com.