A 30-year-old African penguin recently underwent acupuncture treatment for “spinal issues” at New England Aquarium in Boston, according a press release from the aquarium released on March 7.Images captured by staff show their female penguin, Peeko, receiving the treatment in early February.The average lifespan of an African penguins in the wild is about 10 years, so Peeko had “tripled the life expectancy of African penguins in their native environment” and was “considered a geriatric bird,” the aquarium said.“As with an elderly human patient, Peeko has exhibited signs of advanced age including abnormal posturing when she stands and walks, which can often signal osteoarthritis or degenerative spinal disease,” they continued.Similar to humans, treatment options for birds with degenerative spinal disorders typically rely on pain medication and physical therapy. Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture and laser treatment, can be added to help improve comfort level and speed up recovery,” said Dr Melissa Joblon, the Aquarium’s director of animal health.The acupuncture treatment was administered by Dr. Claire McManus, a regular volunteer at the aquarium, who said “acupuncture is used in local areas where there’s muscle tightness, so it can increase circulation to the musculature” and “decrease inflammation.” Credit: New England Aquarium via Storyful