Hole-y tortoise fitted with shell 'crash helmet'
source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1184425/Timmy-tortoise-fitted-fibre-glass-cra...
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- burukku16
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A giant tortoise with a big hole in its shell has been fitted with a specially made fibre-glass 'crash helmet' by vets while the hole heals.
Timmy the tortoise is thought to have been hurt in a fight with another tortoise at its home in Paignton Zoo, Devon. The zoo's vets came up with the idea of covering the hole in the Aldabra giant tortoise's shell to keep it clean and protected during the slow healing process - which could take 18 months.
The zoo's maintenance technician made the false shell for the tortoise after taking a cast from a scute (the plate or lump on the shell) of a similar size on another tortoise using a paper mould and Plaster of Paris. Very innovative.
He then cast a fibre glass 'crash helmet' and adjusted it so it fit Timmy perfectly.
Happy healing!
Timmy the tortoise is thought to have been hurt in a fight with another tortoise at its home in Paignton Zoo, Devon. The zoo's vets came up with the idea of covering the hole in the Aldabra giant tortoise's shell to keep it clean and protected during the slow healing process - which could take 18 months.
The zoo's maintenance technician made the false shell for the tortoise after taking a cast from a scute (the plate or lump on the shell) of a similar size on another tortoise using a paper mould and Plaster of Paris. Very innovative.
He then cast a fibre glass 'crash helmet' and adjusted it so it fit Timmy perfectly.
Happy healing!
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