Once a year, a very lively bunch of birds flock to the Animal Hospital at Brookfield Zoo. Lucky for them, the wait to see a doctor is never too long.
Keepers transport the Humboldt penguins by crate from The Living Coast to the veterinarian's exam room. The birds travel two by two, using a "buddy system" so that they can stay with their mate and be as comfortable as possible.
Like some human kids you might know, many of the penguins have a hard time staying still during their exam. Keepers gently hold each bird while the doctor listens to their lungs and heartbeat, draws blood, and examines their eyes, mouth, beak, fins, feet, and belly.
When it comes to X-rays, however, the penguins need to stand alone. To keep them in one spot, a wide, plastic PVC pipe is lowered over their head and fitted around their body so that they stand tall for a quick picture. Although this looks pretty funny—with a penguin's head curiously poking out the top—it's the best way to keep those flippers down and under control!
Overall, a visit to the doctor is pretty speedy for these guys. It takes only about five to 10 minutes per bird—which is likely how the penguins prefer it, and the doctors, too. There are nearly 30 penguins at The Living Coast, so getting a visit from the whole colony can easily fill a vet's schedule for the day. To help make things manageable, the birds are examined in two groups. The colony from the Rocky Shores visits one day, and the Nearshore Waters colony is examined another day.
This penguin clinic is important because it allows vets and keepers to review the medical history for each bird and compare it to the bird's physical condition on the day of the checkup. It's a good way to keep track of animal health and to monitor those who have had previous medical conditions. It's also important in charting the growth of the one- and two-year-old birds in the colony.
The next time you're at The Living Coast, enjoy the antics of the penguins knowing that they're in fine health!