Digital X-Ray and Ultrasound Equipment

This past winter, a rare loggerhead sea turtle washed ashore and was transferred to our Aquarium in hopes we could save it. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is one of only two rehabilitation facilities in the northwest United States authorized by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to provide the specialized care sea turtles require. So when we have an opportunity to save an endangered animal such as this, injury assessment and life support are critical.

Unfortunately, our current diagnostic capability is hampered by old technology and often delayed by the logistics of transporting an animal to the local veterinary clinic. One of our greatest challenges is with x-rays. In this digital age, it is difficult to find film developers for our old system. Further, trying to move a 500lb marine animal to the vet is not an easy feat, and anesthetizing them poses dire risks to their wellbeing. By obtaining mobile digital imaging equipment, we can improve diagnostic accuracy and response time and also reduce trauma to injured animals.

With new portable x-ray equipment, we can send images virtually to veterinarians 24/7. Our birds will experience less stress when handled by their trainers on site; our sharks and fish will be moved minimally from their aquatic habitats, and the wounded wildlife we try to rescue will receive immediate triage, diagnosis and intensive care when needed.

Our Animal Husbandry department has researched multiple mobile imaging options that run on battery power, and have been tested in wet environments like Oregon.  The cost of digital x-ray and ultrasound equipment packages range between $56,400 and $108,700, far exceeding the Aquarium’s operating budget.  However, we anticipate significantly reducing the expense of film processing, veterinary transport and loss of endangered marine animals if we are able to use our own equipment—an estimated 100 times per year. 

With this letter, we respectfully ask for your support to obtain new mobile imaging equipment. Your gift will help us remain one of the nation’s top ten aquariums and continue the mission we started 25 years ago.