Stacey Lonser, Physical Therapist Assistant Works to Assist Detroit Zoo Flamingo

By Patricia Janeway 

Royal Oak, MI - The Detroit Zoo’s keeper staff had to think outside the bird’s nest recently when it came to treating the bowed leg of one of its flamingos. A therapeutic taping method most commonly known for its use on athletes at the 2008 Beijing Olympics turned out to be the perfect solution.

While hand-rearing Ashton, a male Chilean flamingo born in October 2008, bird care staff noticed a progressive rotation in one leg as he continued to grow. When regular exercise did not solve the problem, it became evident that alternative treatment would be necessary. If left untreated, the condition can lead to scar tissue formation and a painful arthritic condition from bone-on-bone contact.

Zookeepers and veterinary staff thought Ashton’s leg abnormality could be remedied noninvasively and enlisted the help of Stacey Lonser, a local physical therapist assistant trained in the Kinesio Taping Method. The therapeutic taping method, using Kinesio Tex Tape, is traditionally used on humans to decrease pain, increase circulation and restore tissue normality. The tape drew worldwide attention last year when it was used on prominent athletes – including USA Olympic beach volleyball gold medalist Kerri Walsh – at the Summer Games. 

Kinesio Tex Tape, which is durable, elastic and waterproof, uses stretch to re-educate the neuromuscular system. Once applied, the tape gently recoils toward its anchor, providing non-restrictive support and allowing a full range of motion. With the Kinesio Taping Method, Ashton is able to engage in regular activity while the tape encourages proper bone alignment.

Once a week, Lonser visits the Detroit Zoo on her own time to measure Ashton’s progress and re-apply the tape. Since beginning treatment in April, the flamingo’s leg has improved from being twisted at a 12-degree angle to a 4-degree angle. Zookeepers plan to continue Ashton’s treatment for a few more weeks, at which time a full recovery is anticipated.

“We are pleased with the results of the taping method and feel fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Stacey to noninvasively improve the health of the flamingo,” said Director of Conservation and Animal Welfare Scott Carter.

Detroit Zoo visitors can see Ashton – still sporting his Kinesio Tex Tape – and the other two dozen Chilean flamingos in the South American animals habitat across from the Horace H. Rackham Memorial Fountain.

The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo. Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak. The Detroit Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October (open at 9 a.m. May 1 through Labor Day) – with extended hours until 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August – and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March. Admission is $11 for adults 15 to 61, $9 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7 for children ages 2 to 14; children under 2 are free. For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org. The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks. Admission is free. For more information, call (313) 852-4056.

To view Detroit Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-472-Detroit_Zoo