A team of zookeepers at Fife Zoo are believed to be the first to treat a South-American mammal with acupuncture.
Ebony the cotimundi arrived at the zoo in 2019 with her brother, who passed away in April 2022. Since then, Ebony's mobility has declined.
Keen to act, zookeepers have been working closely with veterinary experts from the University of Edinburgh to come up with a plan.
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Upon receiving several rounds of acupuncture, a noticeable improvement was observed by keepers in the animal’s condition and twelve-year-old Ebony seems to be coping well with the new procedure. Up to twenty-one acupuncture needles can be inserted into Ebony’s back during each procedure.
The acupuncture treatment involves inserting fine medical needles into sensory nerves under Ebony’s skin and in to her muscles. This results in the body producing natural substances, such as pain-relieving endorphins to mitigate and reduce pain.
Ring Tailed Coatis are native to the forests areas of Argentina, Columbia and Venezuela, but have been introduced into many areas outside of their natural range. The species is now considered as an invasive species in the UK and there are complicated restrictions on keeping them in captivity.
Fife Zoo’s Director Mike Knight said: "We believe that our coati is the first in the world to receive acupuncture as a form of treatment for arthritis.
"Last year, when she lost her mate, her condition gradually deteriorated, but she seems to be becoming more active and agile since receiving acupuncture as a form of treatment from our veterinary team."
The Fife attraction near Ladybank is currently undergoing extensive redevelopment as part of a ten-year master plan which will also see Fossa, Bamboo Lemurs and Tamarins added to the zoo. An extended zebra enclosure and walk-through African aviary were already added to the zoo in 2022.
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