Stop everything.
An injured turtle is learning to walk again using a LEGO wheelchair.
The wild eastern box turtle was discovered in a Maryland park with a broken shell and immediately brought to the nearby zoo’s animal hospital.
The turtle’s shell was repaired using metal plates and surgical wire, but vets were adamant that the shell did not touch the ground while the turtle was moving around.
So, they built a wheelchair out of LEGO.
According to the zoo’s website, a LEGO enthusiast was sourced for the task, quickly turning around a special wheelchair that would allow the turtle was wander with ease.
Dr. Ellen Bronson, senior director of animal health, conservation, and research at the zoo, said that the injured turtle was brought in July.
She said:
“He had multiple fractures on his plastron, the bottom part of his shell. Because of the unique placement of the fractures, we faced a difficult challenge with maintaining the turtle’s mobility while allowing him to heal properly.”
She went on:
“Turtles heal much slower than mammals and birds, since their metabolism is slower.
“So, this turtle will likely use his LEGO wheelchair through the winter and into the spring until all of the fragments have fused together and the shell has completely healed.”
The zoo plan to release the turtle back into the park once he is fully recovered.
Feature image via Maryland Zoo.
