From staff reports
The Daily News
Published December 23, 2008
GALVESTON — Initial reports are favorable for a sick king penguin kept from Moody Gardens after surgery Monday morning for a prolapsed cloaca.
The adult male, identified as No. 18 or “Biggio,” was taken to a veterinary hospital at 8 a.m. after a staff biologist found the bird in peril.
Surgery was completed by 10:30 a.m. and early reports indicate the penguin is comfortable and recovering, a Moody Gardens spokesperson said.
A prolapsed cloaca is the weakening of the posterior opening that serves as the common opening for the intestinal and urinary tracts of certain animal species, including birds, according to Moody Gardens.
The condition is potentially life-threatening and more common among birds that lay eggs frequently. The cause of the prolapsed cloaca with the male penguin was unknown.
The bird’s health and behavior would be closely monitored by the veterinarian and Moody Gardens staff as it continues to recover and the cause for its ailment is determined, said Diane Olsen, assistant curator of penguins and seals at Moody Gardens.
Story courtesty of the Galveston Daily News @
http://galvestondailynews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=d998bcfe6410c9b2&-session=TheDailyNews:42F943861ddc4009EAShj39EB855
No comments:
Post a Comment