A penguin who couldn't stop wobbling has become the first in the world to have an MRI scan. 

Chaka, a Fairy Penguin, who lives at Sea Life, Weymouth, was having balance issues. Keepers noticed he was wobbling when he waddled - and so, he was booked for the MRI scan at Cave Veterinary Specialists in Somerset.

The scan is a significant milestone in the field of veterinary medicine and the care provided to the Fairy Penguin species, and it went well, showing nothing of concern for Chaka. 

Whilst he may sometimes experience a little 'wobble in his waddle', he is otherwise healthy and lives a full and enriched life, feeding and interacting normally with his fellow penguins.

Speaking about the procedure, Pippa Tucker at Cave Veterinary Specialists, said: 'Performing an MRI on a penguin was something totally new for the team here at Cave.

Chaka (pictured having an X-Ray), a Fairy Penguin, who lives at Sea Life, Weymouth, was having balance issues 

'Although the MRI procedure itself is fairly straightforward, the biggest challenge was ensuring Chaka was as settled as possible for the scan. 

'Unlike the cats and dogs, we regularly treat, penguins can hold their breath for a considerable time, so our dedicated team made sure to closely monitor Chaka during the scan. 

'We are delighted that all went to plan, and we are happy the MRI scan was successful.

'Chaka's results have come back to show no detrimental issue to his health, and his scan now brings a range of new knowledge to help support future care of other penguins.'

An important moment for other Fairy Penguins, the scan may lead to further advancements in the knowledge of the species as the MRI images can now be shared with other vets, zoos, aquariums and sanctuaries around the world that also look after Fairy Penguins.

Keepers noticed he was wobbling when he waddled - and so, he was booked for the MRI scan at Cave Veterinary Specialists in Somerset 

The scan went well, showing nothing of concern for Chaka. He may sometimes experience a little 'wobble in his waddle', but he is otherwise healthy and lives a full and enriched life

It's hoped that the information could also be offered to support the conservation of the world's wild population of Fairy Penguins.

Kico Iraola, Curator at Sea Life Weymouth, said: 'This MRI scan is significant in enabling us to start to gather data about the skull and the bone structure for this species, as after comprehensive research, we could not find any historical MRI images for a Little Blue Penguin elsewhere.

'This first scan of a Fairy Penguin will therefore help to widen the knowledge of the species, for both us and others around the world, helping us ensure we're providing the best possible care for our family of penguins.

'Chaka has become a penguin pioneer. Although his own waddle may still be a little wobbly, he has made great strides for the world of veterinary science and the penguin world.' 

Whilst the MRI procedure itself is fairly straightforward, the biggest challenge was ensuring Chaka was as settled as possible for the scan

Unlike the cats and dogs, penguins can hold their breath for a considerable time, so the veterinary team had to closely monitor Chaka during the scan

Whilst his waddle remains a little wobbly, Chaka has made great strides for the world of veterinary science 

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