Disabled dolphin gets $120,000 fin prosthesis

A keeper at a Japanese aquarium is training a disabled dolphin to use the world’s first artificial fin. The 37-year-old female dolphin Fuji suffered a life-threatening disease which caused her tail fin to rot. The condition forced the aquarium to get her fin amputated by 75% in order to save her life. Thanks to a new prosthetic creation made from the same rubber material used for the tyres of Formula One race cars, Fuji is now able to lead a normal life. It is understood that this is the world’s first artificial fin.

Article reprints or information email DiveNZ@divenewzealand.co.nz

The Magazine

LATEST EDITION OUT NOW!

Be in to WIN a Beuchat BCD and Regulator package RRP NZ $1,799

PLUS Subscribe now & SAVE 25%