Now in São Paulo, penguin Pretinho begins a new stage of his life: he has just become a resident of the São Paulo Aquarium. But this is no ordinary story. Pretinho, who was already a headline on Sechat for the strength of his recovery with integrative therapies, including medical cannabis, arrives in the capital alongside his friend Piratinha, after a long rehabilitation journey at the Albatroz Institute (Araruama/RJ), which is supported and sponsored by Petrobras. 

Both were rescued debilitated, dehydrated, and underweight, like many young penguins who, coming from Patagonia, lose strength when facing the Atlantic currents in search of food. Pretinho had a severe bone alteration in the lumbar region; Piratinha had been injured by a vessel propeller, losing part of his flipper and the vision in one eye.

Pretinho, the Possible Rebirth

Pretinho's case required more than conventional medications. With chronic pain and limited movements, he underwent laser sessions, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, moxibustion, neural therapy, and the use of cannabis oil. The result surprised even the experts: the penguin was able to stand up, swim, and interact with others of his species again.

At the São Paulo Aquarium, the routine will continue with weekly monitoring. Sessions in a calm environment, accompanied by delicate soundtracks, will continue to ensure that this warrior lives with quality, without overloading his liver and kidneys with the continuous use of anti-inflammatories.

“Pretinho is proof that a holistic approach can transform lives. It's not just about curing an infection, but about restoring the animal's quality of life,” celebrates veterinarian Dr. Daphne Goldberg, technical responsible at the Albatroz Institute.

And the happiness with this new phase is evident in the professional's words, in an exclusive report to Sechat: “I'm very happy that he went to the São Paulo Aquarium and, yes, of course, he will continue the Cannabis treatment for him and for Piratinha, especially in this initial phase of acclimation to the new environment. The Aquarium has a genuine concern for the well-being of the animals and works a lot with integrative therapies. Certainly, cannabis will help a lot. Both have already started with the drops, and they will be very pampered. I'm very happy to see the joy that Pretinho has to live.” 

Piratinha, Courage Marked on the Body

If Pretinho is remembered for his recovered upright posture, Piratinha carries on his body the marks of his struggle. The deep cut in his left eye compromised tissues and cornea, leaving him blind on that side. Despite the healing, the loss of vision and flipper reduced his chances of survival in the open sea.

But fragility gave way to courage: now, Piratinha finds in the São Paulo Aquarium a safe home, where he can swim, socialize, and be welcomed by eyes that recognize his story. 

Medical cannabis, laser, ozone therapy, and acupuncture have ceased to be just technical terms: they have become bridges for these penguins to rediscover their vitality. Now, Pretinho and Piratinha are not just symbols of marine fauna: they are living testimonies that compassion, combined with scientific knowledge, can redesign destinies.

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