Meet Pip, the distinguished senior citizen of the New England Aquarium. This African penguin hatched in Boston back in 1997 and is now 29 years old — nearly double the 10-to-15-year life expectancy of African penguins in the wild. That is quite the achievement, and like any respected elder, Pip has started to show his age.
Late last year, trainers and veterinary staff noticed that Pip was walking with a limp and an unusual gait. Medications helped, but the animal care team wanted to do even better for him. So they called in a specialist: a licensed acupuncturist with 25 years of experience treating both humans and animals, who has already worked with several of the Aquarium’s penguins and even rescued sea turtles.
Pip began his sessions nine months ago. With the help of fish snacks, gentle head scratches, and plenty of positive reinforcement, the 29-year-old now relaxes right through his treatments. He has even been spotted preening and courting his trainers during a session. Veterinarians say his walk has already improved, and after each treatment he looks noticeably more at ease.
Pip is not alone in his golden years. The Aquarium recently opened a dedicated “retirement home” island for its geriatric penguins, complete with special care for age-related conditions. About 60 percent of the Aquarium’s 49 penguins have already outlived the 15-year wild life expectancy. For a critically endangered species, every long, happy life is something to celebrate.
Photo: New England Aquarium
