How do you know if a Skink is healthy?

Sounds like the start of a joke, right? This was no joke for Copperfield Park Zoo School students when Veterinarian, Dr. Doug Whiteside, visited to show them how he carries out a health check of Tundi, a Blue-tongued Skink.

 

Dr. Doug explained what he was doing and why to the interested Grade 2’s. Tundi’s heart rate is monitored using ultrasound and his temperature is taken using scanning equipment, similar to infra-red cameras. Also, he is given a ‘pat-down’ to check his body for anything abnormal.

 

 All the animals in the Calgary Zoo receive regular health checks to ensure they are in great physical condition. They are, however, not normally undertaken with as many watchful eyes as Tundi’s experience this time. After his examination Tundi was given a clean bill of health by Dr. Doug and his assistants!

Submitted by Dawn Hardy

Dawn Hardy is Zoo School Ambassador at The Calgary Zoo.