A Flamingo Gets A Custom Leg Brace At John Ball Zoo

Recently, the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids faced an issue that had to be resolved as quickly as possible. Quit thinking in the sense of urgency, let them to partner with Mary Free Bed to create one of the most unique leg braces ever made, fit for a flamingo.

Recently, the John Ball Zoo shared the story about how one of their flamingos came to get one of the most unique leg braces you’ve ever seen, and showed just what happens when the community comes together to help.

John Ball Zoo Partners With Mary Free Bed To Make Flamingo Leg Brace

This past winter, the animal care team at John Ball Zoo noticed something off about one of their own. Andes, a charismatic flamingo, had developed a curious limp. Flamingos are delicate by design. With thin limbs and quirky joints, it doesn’t take much for things to go wrong. Andes wasn’t bearing weight on one leg; and over time, the zoo team realized he needed more support—quite literally.

 

There wasn't much that the zoo could do, but there was plenty that one of their partners could pull off, if they were willing to get a little creative. The John Ball Zoo contacted Mary Free Bed and asked if they might mind fashioning a leg brace for the flamingo for additional support.

This must have been the most unorthodox request to Mary Free Bed of all time, but that wasn't gonna stop them from making it happen. Brittany Weeks, Certified Orthotist and Site Lead for Mary Free Bed Orthotics & Prosthetics + Bionics, discussed:

At Mary Free Bed, rehabilitation is what we do best. And while Andes may be our first flamingo patient, the approach isn’t so different from any other: Assess the problem. Design a custom orthotic solution. Learn to understand the patient—especially when they can’t speak for themselves.