At National Aviary, Dottie the penguin’s best medicine is love
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The coronavirus shutdown has made all of us aware of how hard it is to be away from the ones you love.
But that sense of longing isn’t just for people.
Penguins have feelings, too.
Take Dottie, a penguin at the National Aviary on Pittsburgh’s North Side. In October, the Aviary’s veterinary team discovered a large mass in Dottie’s chest. She was diagnosed with pneumonia, with the mass likely being a lung abscess.
Her prognosis wasn’t good.
However, the staff at the Aviary was able to help Dottie with a strong regimen that included human-grade antibiotics, respiratory medicine, daily oxygen and intensive nursing treatment.
And she was showing improvement. But not completely. Something was missing — her pal, Stanley.
Before her illness, the staff at the Aviary said, Dottie would spend all of her time with Stanley. So, the crew figured love is sometimes the best medicine.
And so, they reunited Dottie and Stanley together in the ICU.
The veterinarian team at the Aviary says Dottie’s condition improved even more. So, they moved Stanley into the hospital full time.
But Dottie isn’t out of the woods yet. The Aviary’s Emergency Care Effort is hoping to generate some help for Dottie. The staff says she will require long-term medications and regular checkups, but she can live a normal penguin life.
With her pal, Stanley, of course.
Saturday just happens to be World Penguin Day, so the timing is right to help birds like Dottie. The effort is being sponsored by Chemistry and PITT OHIO, which will match any gift pledged, dollar for dollar.
Throughout this shutdown, the Aviary has continued to care for its 550 birds and mammals.