Greenville Zoo Flamingo Finn Undergoes Radiation Treatment for Cancer

Greenville Zoo Flamingo Finn Undergoes Radiation Treatment for Cancer

Several months ago, zoo keeper Ava Baronoski noticed something strange about one of the Chilean flamingos at the Greenville Zoo. The flamingo, named Finn, had blood present on his right wing. To assess the area, Finn was captured. Zoo veterinarian Dr. Nikolay Kapustin observed a skin lesion with a bleeding surface initially diagnosed and treated as a wound. When the lesion did not resolve as expected, he took a biopsy of the tissue. The biopsy returned as squamous cell carcinoma, a skin tumor that usually stays localized.

After a second biopsy was obtained to confirm the tumor, the zoo contacted Upstate Vet Emergency + Specialty Care oncologists to consult on the case. It is rare for SCC to metastasize (‘spread’) to other areas or organs. The bird received a thorough examination and no such other tumor sites were identified.

Finn’s Cancer Treatment, ‘Companion Flamingo’

Oncologist Dr. Nathan Lee suggested Finn undergo radiation treatment. The treatment consisted of four separate radiation sessions of short duration at weekly intervals under anesthesia. The treatment was a success, shrinking Finn’s tumor to the smallest size possible. The tumor was then surgically excised to completely remove any tumor cells. A companion flamingo was provided to Finn while he was being held separately from the rest of the flock.

Finn Reunites with His Flock

Finn is now cancer-free and has been released back to his lagoon to reunite with his flock. According to Kapustin, squamous cell carcinoma tumors can recur despite extensive treatment. To ensure Finn remains cancer-free, he will receive regular checkups and will be closely monitored by the zoo’s keeper team. Should the cancer return, additional radiation treatments will be repeated.