Magnetic Hill Zoo Tortoise Gets New Set Of Wheels

A 24-year-old tortoise at the Magnetic Hill Zoo is healthier and happier with his new wheelchair, thanks to the love and assistance of loving veterinarians and zookeepers.

Zoo Director Jill Marvin says they started to notice some changes in Sherman back in 2019, including being less active and not eating as well.

“Our zookeepers spend so much time with the animals, that they can detect these subtle differences.  Gradually, we noticed he was dragging his hind end and creating a sore,” Marvin said.

The zoo then investigated to see what might be ailing Sherman.

“We looked at vitamin deficiencies, parasites,” Marvin said. “We started looking at the new diet he was on and took blood.  It was kind of a game of elimination.”

In December, Sherman was booked for a CT scan, but needed to travel to UPEI because at 80 kilograms he was just too big for any of the veterinarian clinics.

“They determined that he had a mass on his spine, close to his lungs, making him uncomfortable and causing him to drag his back end,” said Marvin. “Turtles are pretty protected, and surgery would be very difficult.”

Various treatments were considered, and it was feared the mass could be cancerous.

However, three weeks ago, Marvin and the zoo received positive news. A new test proved the mass was not growing, indicating it’s likely not cancerous.

Marvin says they now believe the mass may be treatable.

“Now he can put some weight on his back legs, and that’s a great improvement from where he was in 2019.  The first wheelchair, the placement of the wheels did work properly.  Our carpenter got new wheels and moved them higher and that worked perfect for him.  He uses his front legs and pushes a little bit with his back legs.  He has both a wagon and a wheelchair and firehose straps,” Marvin said.

Sherman still isn’t viewable by the public, as he tests out his mobility around his cage-mate Penny.

“We must make sure they get along with his wheelchair. We also must make sure he can get along in his habitat indoors to make sure he can still maneuver around. We take him out every day or second day to get his exercise on the lawn, but eventually we will bring him down to his original exhibit in the Ecodome,” said Marvin.

In captivity, tortoises can live until they are 80 to 100 years old.

Marvin says she’s noticed big improvements in animal healthcare over the past twenty years.

“Prothesis in animals, I see it happening more and more.  Technology has really helped us.  It’s not the first time and I’m sure it won’t be the last.  I’m very proud of our veterinary team and animal care team that we found a good solution for Sherman.”