Long legged birds require a lot of exercise to build strength in their legs because they grow so fast. Due to rapid growth, they can develop a bone malalignment with one side of the bone growing faster than another, causing them to appear bow legged. In 2022, we had two flamingo chicks that were showing early symptoms of this abnormal growth. Keeper staff started increasing their activity by taking the chicks around the Zoo on long walks and extra time to swim to exercise and strengthen their legs.

After consulting with other institutions, vet staff decided to treat by using kinesio tape (KT) application to slowly realign the bones. A local certified kinesio tape therapist and chiropractor came out to the Zoo to apply the KT tape every 5 – 7 days. Within 4 months of the KT tape adjustments and exercise, the legs corrected, and the flamingos are now out with the rest of the flock doing great!