Manatee and duck receive acupuncture treatments at Florida zoo

TAMPA, Fla. (CBS, KYMA) - Animals with pain and mobility problems at Florida's ZooTampa received acupuncture therapy as part of their medical treatment, the zoo said.

The zoo has incorporated acupuncture into treatment plans for animals with complex medical conditions, the facility said in a press release.

Video captured shows a manatee and a black-bellied whistling duck receiving treatments.

"It is used as a complementary therapy, meaning it can be incorporated alongside traditional veterinary medicine, physical therapy and other treatments when appropriate," ZooTampa said.

"Acupuncture gives us another way to support patients when traditional treatment options may be limited or when we are working to improve comfort, mobility, and healing," Dr Alex Mason, a staff veterinarian, said.