Lego wheelchair helps injured turtles at Maryland Zoo heal, say officials

According to a Maryland Zoo press release, a "Lego Custom Wheelchair" was designed for an East Indian box turtle that needed help after injuring and undergoing surgery.

(Maryland Zoo)

A turtle in Maryland gets a lift from a unique ride.

According to a Maryland Zoo press release, a "Lego Custom Wheelchair" was designed for an East Indian box turtle that needed help after injuring and undergoing surgery.

The wounded creature was discovered by a zoo worker during the summer in Maryland's Druid Hill Park and was transported to the zoo's hospital, according to Dr. Ellen Bronson, senior director of animal health, conservation and from research to the zoo.

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"He had multiple fractures on his breastplate, the lower part of his shell. Because of the unique position of the fractures, we had to face a difficult challenge: to maintain the turtle's mobility while allowing it to heal properly, "explained Bronson.

The turtle has undergone an operation to "stabilize" its shell, the press release said, and the lower part had to be removed from the ground to be able to heal properly, said Garrett Fraess, an external veterinarian at the zoo.

"They do not make wheelchairs the size of a turtle. So we drew some custom wheelchair sketches and sent them to a LEGO enthusiast friend, "he said.

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Weeks after the operation, the special wheelchair – equipped with wheels and a surrounding frame – was completed. him from the ground and allows his legs to be released so that he can move. "

And since then, the turtle has adapted seamlessly, said Fraess.

"He never even hesitated," Fraess said. "He has taken off and is doing well. Turtles are really effective at healing as long as the carapace remains stable.

The animal will likely recover next spring until it is completely healed, said Bronson.