Caldwell Zoo Flamingo Received Custom Ankle Brace
A 9-year-old Chilean flamingo at the Tyler zoo has been fitted with a custom orthopedic device to treat a chronic ankle injury.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Pet Health
Queenie, a 9-year-old Chilean flamingo at Caldwell Zoo, has received a custom orthopedic brace to manage a long-standing ankle injury. The device helps the bird maintain support and mobility within his flock.
Why it matters
Proper foot function is essential for flamingos, which rely on their legs to stir up sediment for filter feeding. The brace allows Queenie to resume natural behaviors after initial medical treatments failed to resolve the injury.
Queenie is 9 years old, significantly younger than the 60-year maximum lifespan for the species. The custom brace was adapted from technology typically designed for human orthopedic patients.
The players
Queenie
Queenie is a 9-year-old Chilean flamingo residing at the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler.
Ben Guenther
Ben Guenther is the orthopedist who designed the custom brace for the bird.
Caldwell Zoo
Caldwell Zoo is the Tyler, Texas facility where the flamingo is currently receiving ongoing care.
The details
The bird suffers from torn ligaments in the ankle joint that went unresolved after being identified in 2021. Zoo staff now perform weekly check-ups to monitor the area for swelling or irritation as the bird relies on the brace to bear weight.
Timeline
The ankle injury was first identified in 2021.
The report on Queenie's recovery progress was finalized on October 12, 2026.
Culture Shift
The use of human orthopedic bracing technology for a bird represents a creative adaptation of medical tools. This reflects a broader societal trend where advanced clinical interventions are increasingly being modified to support the long-term quality of life for exotic zoo animals.
Visitors to the Tyler zoo can expect to see the bird active with his flock, as the brace is designed for permanent daily use. Local animal care enthusiasts may note that zoo staff maintain strict weekly monitoring schedules to ensure the device remains safe for the bird.
The takeaway
Queenie is expected to wear the custom device for the remainder of his life to support his weight. This case highlights how interdisciplinary collaboration between orthopedists and zoologists can provide effective mobility solutions for injured wildlife.
Further reading
Learn more about advancements in animal rehabilitation at Pet Health.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kwtx.
