NEWPORT, Ky. -- On Wednesday's World Penguin Day, caretakers at the Newport Aquarium are rallying behind Victoria the Macaroni penguin who's been on the road to recovery from a spinal cord defect.
The little bird once faced paralysis and couldn't walk just a year ago, according to Aquarium spokeswoman Jennifer Tan.
A CT scan uncovered a hole in Victoria's spinal cord, said Jolene Hanna, animal health and quarantine manager.
"Oftentimes these things go undiagnosed due to lack of equipment, and not testing for it," added Dr. Peter Hill, the aquarium's director of veterinary services.
Since that diagnosis, Victoria has taken daily physical therapy and regained full control of her right foot.
“It’s a testament to the staff that we pursued this, and stuck with the physical therapy, and saw this treatment through, to where we are today,” Hill said.
Read more about Victoria's journey on the Aquarium Works website here.
