Watch CBS News

Brazilian Pink Flamingo Loves His New Artificial Leg

SOROCABA, Brazil (AP) - A pink flamingo in Brazil has gotten a new leg to stand on - an artificial one.

Zookeepers at a zoo in southeastern Brazil say this week they think it's the first time a flamingo has used a prosthetic leg.

The 6-year-old Chilean flamingo at the Sorocaba zoo fractured his left leg a month ago. It was partially amputated to halt an infection from killing the bird.

See a photo of the flamingo's new leg.

Veterinarian Andre Costa performed the amputation. He says the bird wouldn't have survived with just one leg.

Costa decided to give the artificial leg a try. The 7-inch carbon limb was donated by a local prosthesis manufacturer.

Within days the flamingo was adjusting nicely to his new leg - even tucking it under his body to make the flamingo's classic one-leg standing pose.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.