TAMPA – ZooTampa at Lowry Park has incorporated veterinary acupuncture into treatment plans for animals with complex medical conditions, including a manatee, a black-bellied whistling duck and a roseate spoonbill chick.
The initiative is led by Dr. Alex Mason, a staff veterinarian certified in veterinary acupuncture. Traditionally associated with human and domestic animal medicine, acupuncture is now being applied to various species at the zoo to enhance recovery and well-being.
“At ZooTampa, each animal receives individualized care, and acupuncture gives us another way to support patients when traditional treatment options may be limited or when we are working to improve comfort, mobility and healing,” Mason said. “It is used alongside our traditional veterinary care and allows us to take a more comprehensive approach to supporting the animals’ well-being.”
Acupuncture can help stimulate nerves, enhance blood flow and encourage the body’s natural pain management and healing responses. At ZooTampa, it is used as a complementary therapy, meaning it may be incorporated alongside traditional veterinary medicine, physical therapy and other treatments when appropriate.
Earl Grey, a 14-year-old black-bellied whistling duck, experienced sudden weakness in his right leg. After performing a physical examination and taking x-rays, the veterinary team initiated supportive care, including fluids, vitamins, pain management and electroacupuncture. Following the first treatment, Earl Grey showed improved movement and posture. After two additional sessions, further enhancements in coordination, strength and walking ability were observed.
“For acute conditions, three initial treatments can provide a strong foundation and help us evaluate how a patient responds,” Mason said. “Earl Grey’s progress has been encouraging, and we will continue to adjust his treatment plan based on his mobility and overall recovery.”
A roseate spoonbill chick hospitalized for a leg injury received electroacupuncture alongside traditional veterinary medicine, including pain medications and physical therapy. The chick has since regained normal function in the limb.
Sloth, a manatee under ZooTampa’s care, arrived with a chronic condition causing significant nerve injury to one side of his face, affecting his ability to open one nostril and blink one eye. While chronic nerve injuries can be especially difficult to treat, acupuncture has provided ZooTampa’s veterinary team with another option after traditional approaches were limited. The team has observed mild improvements, including increased movement around the affected nostril and eye.
