Zoo's oldest resident gets a new set of wheels (2024)

At over 85 years old, it's understandable that Barnaby might have some difficulties getting around. Add to that his shoulder's propensity for dislocating while he walks around and his nearly 500-pound frame, Barnaby's caretakers have had to think outside the box to find ways to improve his mobility and quality of life. Barnaby, an Aldabra tortoise, is the Blank Park Zoo's oldest resident and has lived at the zoo since it opened in 1966. Last November, his zookeepers noticed he was having some trouble moving around his habitat. After a series of ultrasounds and x-rays, the zoo's veterinary staff found a "unique abnormality" that was causing his shoulder joint to dislocate while moving.Barnaby's caretakers needed to find a way to reduce pressure on his shoulder without restricting his ability to move freely. The zoo's veterinarians, zookeepers and maintenance staff collaborated to create the perfect solution -- a one-of-a-kind, tortoise-friendly custom scooter built from an industrial-strength cart. After making a few prototypes, the group crafted a scooter that perfectly fit the octogenarian's specific needs.Zoo staff said Barnaby adapted well to the scooter and spent the winter in the zoo's on-site, behind-the-scenes hospital, receiving extensive physical therapy to heal his shoulder. He also received a special veterinary laser therapy from Balanced Veterinary Services.According to a post on the zoo's Facebook page, Barnaby made so much progress with his mobility that in February, he was able to scoot off the scooter and will be returning to his habitat with the rest of the zoo's family of tortoises when the weather warms up. He'll also continue physical therapy treatments for his shoulder.With his new lease on life, Barnaby feels like he's got the joints of a 75-year-old Aldabra tortoise.