Minnesota Zoo's Rocky the sea otter making strides after landmark surgery
After nearly two months have passed, the recovery process continues to be a smooth one for Rocky the sea otter at the Minnesota Zoo.
Rocky underwent a four-hour surgery to remove his back left flipper, a procedure that is believed to be first-of-its-kind for a sea otter in human care.
This week, the Minnesota Zoo said its veterinary team performed a post-op follow-up exam on Rocky. The nearly 70-pound sea otter was brought to the zoo's on-site vet hospital for radiographs, bloodwork and an ultrasound to ensure Rocky has been healing properly. Initial results from the exam reaffirm that the surgery was a success.
Wednesday's follow-up exam is another positive milestone for Rocky who, according to the zoo, started to show issues with his back flipper last June. The surgery was done on Jan. 9 by three veterinarians at the zoo. A few days later, Rocky was back in the water and swimming, grooming, diving and stealing food from his sea otter companions, Jasper and Capers.
[Courtesy of the Minnesota Zoo]
The Minnesota Zoo said Rocky's overall recovery has gone "swimmingly."