Disabled Israeli Turtle Now a "Skater"

by Aimee Herd : Aug 20, 2008 : AP Staff – AP, FOX News

And her newfound mobility is helping her find new friends.

(Jerusalem, Israel)—Arava arrived at the Jerusalem Biblical Zoo a few months ago, with a difficult disability for a turtle; her hind legs were paralyzed. Without the use of her back legs, 55 lb. Arava was unable to move along the ground. (Photo: AP)

However, staff members at the zoo have come up with a creative solution for the 10-year-old spurred tortoise—a skateboard. Arava sits, strapped onto a board with two back wheels; her front legs now able to pull her body along.

According to the AP report, the tortoise also seems to be more sociable since she's been able to get around, and has begun mating.