Geriatric care of Alcids at the Seattle Aquarium
C. Olds, Aquarium Biologist II, Seattle Aquarium Washington , USA
The Seattle Aquarium developed a comprehensive plan to care for the aging Alcids collection. A female Tufted Puffin (TP), Fratercula cirrhata had developed eye cataracts while a female Rhinoceros Auklet (RA), Cerorhinca monocerata, was diagnosed with arthritis in her hip. Due to their ages, 28 and 29 years old respectively, the veterinary team attributed these changes to age and recommended alterations in their care. The recommended changes included long term dietary supplementation, training, and exhibit modifications for these special needs birds. Cosequin supplements were added to their daily diet. The birds were trained to be hand-fed their medicated fish. The TP was placed in the Shorebirds exhibit when it became apparent that she could not compete for food in the Alcids exhibit and her difficulty in jumping out of the water impede her staying in the Alcids exhibit. Her eye cataracts were successfully removed, and she regained some of her sight. Her walking and movility improved as she was able to walk in and out of the water due to the gentle slope on the beaches. The RA is still housed in the Alcids exhibit where she receives her Cosequin-enriched fish daily. A Quality of Life Plan is being developed that will consider various geriatric issues as our collection ages.
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