Press Release
April 28, 2023 (UPI) – Innovative solutions at the Museum of Natural History in Nova Scotia have made a significant impact on the life of a resident wood turtle named Root. After arriving at the Halifax museum from the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park last September, staff noticed that Root’s missing front right foot was causing his shell to drag during movement. Heather McKinnon Ramshaw, the museum’s animal care specialist, highlighted the urgency of addressing Root’s mobility issues: "Because one leg is essentially shorter than the other, we found that he was kind of clunking his shell down."
To enhance Root’s comfort and mobility, staff members brainstormed ways to create a custom mobility aid. Inspired by a Lego exhibit at the museum, Tessa Biesterfeld, a naturalist interpreter, devised a unique solution using Lego pieces. She combined a small dog harness with a Lego platform and wheels to provide extra support on Root’s right side. "We know it’s non-toxic, and we can replace the parts as needed," Biesterfeld explained. "It’s very modular, so we can adapt it as his shell changes or grows."
Root’s new mobility aid has transformed his experiences at the museum. Biesterfeld noted that Root has grown excited for his daily outings, stating, “Now when I snap his harness on, it’s like when he hears that snap, he’s ready to go.” This inventive approach not only improves Root’s mobility but also enhances his quality of life, demonstrating the museum’s commitment to animal care and innovative solutions.
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