Headline: Nova Scotia Museum Crafts Unique LEGO Mobility Aid for Injured Turtle
Halifax, NS – April 28 (UPI) – In a heartwarming initiative, workers at the Museum of Natural History in Nova Scotia have created a custom mobility aid using LEGO pieces for a resident wood turtle named Root. Root, who arrived at the museum in September from Shubenacadie Wildlife Park, was coping with the challenges of a missing front right foot, which caused his shell to drag while walking.
Heather McKinnon Ramshaw, the museum’s animal care specialist, observed the turtle’s struggles, noting that the imbalance was leading to wear on his shell. "Because one leg is essentially shorter than the other one, we found that he was kind of clunking his shell down," Ramshaw explained. To alleviate this issue, the team recognized the need for an innovative solution.
Inspired by a LEGO exhibit at the museum, naturalist interpreter Tessa Biesterfeld devised a creative aid. She combined a small dog harness with a LEGO platform and wheels, fashioning a supportive structure to lift Root’s shell. "We know it’s non-toxic and can be easily modified. Should his shell change or grow, we can adapt the size and shape accordingly," Biesterfeld shared.
The results have been gratifying. Root now eagerly anticipates his outings around the museum. "Now when I snap his harness on, it’s like—when he hears that snap, he’s ready to go," Biesterfeld added.
This initiative not only highlights the museum’s commitment to animal care but also showcases the innovative spirit of staff in providing tailored solutions for wildlife rehabilitation. With Root’s newfound mobility, the turtle is set to explore the museum’s exhibits with excitement, marking a significant step in his recovery journey.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
