It was found to have a number of fractures on the bottom of its shell and these were repaired with metal plates attached with clasps as well as surgical wire.
For this to heal, the injured areas needed to be kept off of the ground which is when the LEGO idea came to the fore.
“It was important to keep the bottom of the shell off the ground so it could heal properly,” said Garrett Fraess, a veterinary extern which means a fourth year student in clinical rotation, at the zoo. “They don’t make turtle-sized wheelchairs. So, we drew some sketches of a customized wheelchair and I sent them to a friend who is a LEGO enthusiast.”
After discussions over what the turtle, of the Eastern box variety, needed the expert, from Denmark, sent over some pieces and suggestions.
With their work, the blueprints became a reality at the zoo in Baltimore.
“He never even hesitated,” said Mr Fraess. “He took off and has been doing great. Turtles are really good at healing as long as the shell remains stable.”
The unique contraption is connected to him with plumbers putty and keeps him off the ground, while he is still low enough to use his legs to move.
With his own limbs he can push himself a long with thanks to the frame and the wheels attached ot each side of it.
Now the turtle, who is at least 18-years-old, is likely to be using the device until next spring.
“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,” said Dr. Ellen Bronson, senior director of animal health, conservation, and research at the Zoo.
