When Dr. Benbow Was Called To See A Special Patient

The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans is home to more than 20 African Penguins. Each one is different, with its own personality. But one penguin is especially unique.

The Story: Meet Ernie

Ernie is 36 years old, the third oldest penguin in captivity, and believed to be the second oldest in North America. He has lived 10 to 15 years longer than most healthy penguins in captivity, and almost three times as long as African penguins in the wild.

Age has taken a toll on Ernie. He is blind in one eye and suffers from debilitating arthritis, which makes it harder for him to swim.

In Comes Dr. Benbow

"Of the 7.6 billion people alive in the world, four have walked on the moon. About the same number practice acupuncture on penguins. One of them is in New Orleans." - New Orleans Advocate

When Dr. Benbow was called by the Audubon Aquarium to see if she could help, she jumped at the chance to help Ernie feel better. She began giving Ernie acupuncture treatments to alleviate the pain in his back. The results astonished everyone...

Media Spotlights

• "Acupuncture on penguins? Old bird gets new life after procedure at Audubon Aquarium" - The New Orleans Advocate
• "Relief for Ernie: Acupuncture eases arthritis for Audubon Aquarium's oldest penguin" - WGNO (ABC affiliate, New Orleans)
• "Old bird gets new life after procedure at Audubon Aquarium" - Tuscaloosa News
• "Old Penguin Gets New Life After Aquarium Uses Acupuncture Treatment" - KDKA (CBS affiliate, Pittsburgh)