July 24, 2025

In a heartwarming development, a Greater flamingo found injured in Nerul's NRI wetland had its left leg amputated due to a severe injury. However, the story took a positive turn when a team led by Makarand Saraf from Mumbai's All India Institute of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation successfully fitted a prosthesis on the bird's leg. The adolescent flamingo, suspected to have injured its leg by getting entangled in a fishing net or nylon fishing line, was first discovered by wildlife photographer Abhijit Chattopadhyay. He promptly alerted forest officials, who took the bird for initial treatment before releasing it back into the wetlands on May 15. Despite the release, the flamingo was observed lingering around the same spot, prompting the team to take further action. Dr. Anil Gaur, the institute's director, gave the green light for the innovative project. Subsequently, Saraf, Chattopadhyay, and Bairagi collaborated to measure the flamingo for a prosthesis on May 17 using a plaster of Paris cast. Upon noticing the bird's distress from direct human contact during the initial impression process, two firms – Otto Bock Healthcare India and Podiapro India – extended their support for the project. With their assistance, the team redesigned the prosthesis, changing it from a closed-foot to a single-toe open foot with added side support to address buoyancy challenges. The artificial leg, made of carbon fiber impregnated with an acrylic resin matrix, was finally fitted on July 6. This innovative solution not only improved the flamingo's balance and mobility but also enhanced its chances of survival. A follow-up check on July 19 revealed no fitment or skin issues, indicating the success of the procedure. Saraf lauded the materials used in the prosthesis, highlighting the use of carbon fiber known for its lightweight and durable properties, making it ideal for the flamingo's aquatic lifestyle. The heartening story of the flamingo's journey from injury to rehabilitation serves as a beacon of hope for wildlife conservation and inspires the application of technology in aiding animal welfare.

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Tags: Flamingo, Prosthesis, Wildlife, Injury,