The first ever MRI scan of a penguin has taken place at a vets near Wellington.

Chaka the Fairy Penguin was scanned by the Cave Veterinary Specialists in West Buckland, after experiencing consistent wobbling as he waddled.

Chaka made the 88-mile trip from his home at Sea Life in Weymouth to undergo the procedure, which found there was nothing to be concerned about. Though the small penguin isn't the best at balancing, he lives an otherwise healthy life, eating and socialising with his penguin friends as he should.

The scan is said to be a historic milestone in the field of veterinary medicine, which is hoped to prove useful in efforts to support the conservation of the world's wild Fairy Penguin population.

Sea Life in Weymouth is home to the the only colony of Fairy Penguins in Europe. Sometimes named 'Little Blue Penguins', the flightless seabirds welcomed six new chicks to their colony this year, boosting efforts to build a sustainable number of the animals on the continent.

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.”

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. 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 an range of new knowledge to help support future care of other penguins."