Tortoise Gets Around With a Wheel for a Leg

Gamera the tortoise has been a bionic animal since a surgery in April removed his left front leg. CREDIT: Henry Moore, Jr. BCU/WSU View full size image

A tortoise that had to have its leg amputated is now getting around with the help of an unusual prosthetic: A swiveling caster wheel much like those seen on office chairs.

Gamera, a 12-year-old African spur-thighed tortoise, was relinquished by its owner to Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine in April after the 20 pound (9 kilogram) pet severely burned its left front leg. The injury was so life-threatening that veterinarians decided to amputate Gamera's leg at the shoulder.

To help Gamera get around on three legs, the veterinarians attached the wheel to his shell with epoxy. According to Washington State University, the tortoise took to the freewheeling lifestyle with little encouragement: Since admission, Gamera is getting around well and has gained more than 3 pounds (1.4 kg).

You can follow LiveScience senior writer Stephanie Pappas on Twitter @sipappas. Follow LiveScience for the latest in science news and discoveries on Twitter @livescience and on Facebook.