47-year-old Dolphin Is Happy Go “Lucky” at Brookfield Zoo

Lucky, a playful 47-year-old dolphin currently residing at Brookfield Zoo in Chicago, is undergoing treatment after being diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, a common type of skin and oral cancer. Lucky previously resided at another accredited facility in Florida since 2008. When it became clear that he would need more advanced treatment, the Chicago Zoological Society contacted FedEx for help transporting Lucky home to Brookfield Zoo.

FedEx offered to assist as a part of the company’s FedEx Cares “Delivering for Good” initiative, in which FedEx lends its global network and unparalleled logistics expertise to organizations with mission-critical needs and helps communities before, during and after crises. Learn more about FedEx Cares Delivering for Good initiative here.

“We are so happy to have Lucky back at Brookfield Zoo, although we wish it were under different circumstances,” said Rita Stacey, curator of marine mammals for CZS. “Due to Lucky’s calm nature, he is making this important medical treatment easy to accomplish by being 100 percent cooperative.”

Throughout his treatments, Lucky receives constant praise from staff and afterwards he is rewarded with an extra special fish such as a large herring or salmon. Lucky will continue to receive cryotherapy treatments, the frequency of which will depend on response to therapy. To continue monitoring his health and well-being, he will have regular follow-up examinations and diagnostic imaging to screen for metastasis (spread) of his cancer.

“Brookfield Zoo is now Lucky’s permanent home,” said Stacey. “He is such a special animal and we want to provide him with the necessary medical care to ensure he has the best quality of life during his golden years.”

Sources: Chicago Zoological Society PR

Photo Credit: Jim Schulz/CZS-Brookfield Zoo