A giant tortoise has been given a new lease of life after a vet fitted it with its own set of wheels to help it walk again.
The Aldabra tortoise had been struggling to move after severe weakness in its back legs left it dragging itself along the ground.
Concerned keepers sent the animal for specialist treatment, where vets carried out a full examination to get to the bottom of the problem.
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X-rays showed no fractures or dislocations – with the issue believed to have been caused by trauma, possibly from clashes with other tortoises, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Determined to get the creature back on its feet, veterinarian Dr Nielsen B Donato came up with an ingenious plan.
He fitted the tortoise with a custom-made wheeled support – designed to take the weight off its hind legs while helping it move more freely.
A video of the incredible results, shared on 8 April, went viral online, with more than 100,000 likes and 2,000 comments.
Dr Donato said the moment the tortoise was placed back on the ground, it began moving again with ease.
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He said he felt proud of both himself and his team as they watched it walk and manoeuvre far more easily with the device in place.
After the breakthrough, the tortoise was allowed to return home to continue its recovery outdoors – a key part of rehabilitation for the species, which thrives in natural sunlight.
The vet added that further treatment, including laser therapy, could be used if needed to help reduce inflammation.
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The procedure took place at a veterinary hospital in Taguig City, Philippines – with the tortoise continuing its remarkable recovery ever since.
One social media user said: “After this, he will no longer be on turtle pace.”
One viewer wrote: “Amazing. Feel like the wheels are a little to tall but what do I know.”
Another person said: “They see me rollin’. They hatin’.”
And another viewer added: “I’m laughing because they’re all locking casters and I am imagining one gets locked and the tortoise is just going around in circles. I shouldn’t laugh… Glad the tortoise is getting the care he needs tho!”
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