Chaka, a penguin who lives at Sea Life, Weymouth, was wobbling around a lot as he waddled.
The little guy was causing so much concern, that vets decided he needed a scan to help them figure out why he was so unsteady on his little feet.
So Chaka, a Fairy Penguin, was booked in for an MRI scan at Cave Veterinary Specialists in Somerset, making him the very first of his kind to have one.
The scan went without a hitch and showed that thankfully Chaka is completely healthy.
Even though he’s staying a bit wobbly at times, he’ll be able to enjoy a full and enriched life with his fellow penguins at the Sea Life centre.
Pippa Tucker of Cave Veterinary Specialists said: ‘Performing an MRI on a penguin was something totally new for the team here at Cave.
‘Although the MRI procedure itself is fairly straightforward, the biggest challenge was ensuring Chaka was as settled as possible for the scan.
‘Unlike the cats and dogs we regularly treat, penguins can hold their breath for a considerable time, so our dedicated team made sure to closely monitor Chaka during the scan.
‘We are delighted that all went to plan, and we are happy the MRI scan was successful.
‘Chaka’s results have come back to show no detrimental issue to his health, and his scan now brings a range of new knowledge to help support future care of other penguins.’
Experts are hopeful Chaka’s scan could lead to further advancements in the knowledge of Fairy Penguins.
These MRI images can now be shared with other vets, zoos, aquariums, and sanctuaries around the world that also look after little guys like Chaka, as well as with organisations that work towards the conservation of Fairy Penguins.
Kico Iraola, a Curator at Sea Life Weymouth, said: ‘This MRI scan is significant in enabling us to start to gather data about the skull and the bone structure for this species, as after comprehensive research, we could not find any historical MRI images for a Little Blue Penguin elsewhere.
‘This first scan of a Fairy Penguin will therefore help to widen the knowledge of the species, for both us and others around the world, helping us ensure we’re providing the best possible care for our family of penguins.
‘Chaka has become a penguin pioneer. Although his own waddle may still be a little wobbly, he has made great strides for the world of veterinary science and the penguin world.’
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