John Ball Zoo and Mary Free Bed Help Flamingo Walk Again

A West Michigan flamingo is getting a leg up on recovery (literally) thanks to a heartwarming partnership between John Ball Zoo and Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital.

This story begins with Andes, a 14-year-old Chilean flamingo, who developed a noticeable limp during the winter months. Zookeepers noticed he was no longer putting weight on one of his legs, which is pretty concerning for a bird whose long, slender limbs are notoriously fragile.

Determined to help Andes regain his balance, the zoo’s animal care team reached out to the experts at Mary Free Bed’s Orthotics & Prosthetics department. (After all, if your leg was having problems, that’s who you would reach out to.)

That’s where Brittany Weeks, a Certified Orthotist and Site Lead for Mary Free Bed, stepped in. Working alongside Dr. Ryan Colburn, John Ball Zoo’s Director of Animal Health, the team set out to design a brace that would accommodate Andes’ unique anatomy.

That’s no small feat when you’re working with a flamingo’s spindly frame.

To get it just right, the team began with wooden dowels and clay to map out a prototype. The final design combined lightweight thermoplastics, waterproof foam, and metal joints, ensuring Andes could stay comfortable while still socializing with his flock.

They also made it pink so it would match his leg (and honestly, look extra stylish while he’s at it.)

Thanks to the custom orthotic, Andes is back to doing what flamingos do best: eating, standing tall, and mingling with his pink-feathered friends. And with Chilean flamingos living up to 60 years in human care, he’s got a lot more standing around to do.

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The zoo’s veterinary team will continue to monitor Andes’ recovery. If you want to see him and his friends, they’ll be waiting for you at the John Ball Zoo.