Chick gets slippers made to straighten his feet

July 5, 2010

A tiny chick which was born with curled toes has been given a pair of specially made slippers to allow him to walk.

When the baby African Crowned Crane was born at a wildlife centre in Cornwall staff noticed a defect with his feet.

Because his toes were curled he couldn't walk and bosses at Paradise Park in Hayle were worried for the bird, which had been abandoned by his mother.

Staff started hand-rearing him and put bandages on his feet to allow him to walk upright. When that worked, they decided to make the tiny 2.5cm slippers.

The little bird - which should grow to 4ft tall - is now happy running around with his other furry friends… which are all jealous of his footwear.

Park curator David Woolcock said: "The chick is doing very well and the park keepers take it for walks to strengthen those legs."

LINKS
Paradise Park

http://newslite.tv/2010/07/05/chick-gets-slippers-made-to-st.html