New England Aquarium's oldest penguin gets acupuncture

State of play: Staff noticed Pip's limp and altered gait late last year, and feared arthritis-related conditions common in older penguins.

• After trying pain medication, vets added acupuncture and physical therapy from an outside specialist to Pip's routine.

By the numbers: The Aquarium houses 49 penguins — about 60% have already outlived the 15-year wild life expectancy for the species.

• There's even a dedicated space for geriatric birds.

The bottom line: Nine months into treatment, the Aquarium says Pip has grown more at ease with the sessions and his gait has reportedly improved.