A New Blood Collection Site in Magellanic Penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus)

Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus) are migratory and the most abundant penguin species occurring in Brazil. Anthropogenic threats compromise their winter migration, leading to a significant number of debilitated individuals to be stranded on Brazilian beaches. Rescued penguins are taken to rehabilitation centers for medical treatment and evaluated for reintroduction; if non-releasable, they are either euthanized or kept in permanent captivity. Obtaining sufficient blood volume is critical for the accurate diagnosis and ongoing management of many diseases and health conditions. Moreover, blood drawing in Sphenisciformes can be challenging, particularly in severely debilitated penguins. Here we describe an alternative technique for blood collection in Magellanic penguins through the dorsal coccygeal vein, which is suitable for both debilitated and healthy animals. Although the coccygeal vein is not a standard site for blood collection in penguins, it may be considered as an alternative if peripheral veins are presenting very low pressure or have been exhausted/inaccessible.