SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team Uses Special Orthopedic Equipment to Care for Once-Stranded Pilot Whale

SeaWorld Orlando is using a custom orthopedic brace to care for once-stranded pilot whale.  The whale has scoliosis – or curvature of the spine – that prevents her from swimming normally.

To treat the whale’s curvature of the spine, SeaWorld Orlando animal experts and veterinarians worked with Orlando-based Jewett Orthopaedic Clinic to develop a custom-fitted brace that could be adjusted slowly over time, during daily physical therapy sessions. Vets and animal care experts hope the brace will help straighten the whale’s spine and tail, allowing it to regain use of its tail and allowing it to swim normally.

This is the first time a custom-fitted orthopedic device of this kind has been used on a large whale.

According to Jon Peterson, a senior member of SeaWorld Orlando’s animal rescue team, it’s too soon to know if the brace will work but staff remain committed to doing anything possible to help care for the recuperating animal.