08/05/2025
Pure Compassion in Motion: How One Man Gave a Disabled Goldfish a Second Chance to Swim
In San Antonio, Texas, one man’s small act of kindness made a world of difference for a tiny creature. Derek Burnett, an aquarium manager with a big heart and a knack for creative problem-solving, noticed that one of his goldfish was struggling. The fish suffered from swim bladder disorder, a condition that left it unable to swim upright essentially, it was doomed to float sideways or sink, unable to move like its tank mates.
Rather than give up on his little friend, Derek took action. He designed a miniature underwater wheelchair for the goldfish, ingeniously crafted from zip ties, soft plastic tubing, and Styrofoam. The device gently cradled the fish’s body, while the floating material helped keep it perfectly balanced in the water. With this inventive “wheelchair,” the goldfish could once again swim upright—regaining its mobility and, quite literally, a new lease on life.
The heartwarming story quickly went viral, inspiring animal lovers and innovators around the globe. Derek’s act of compassion is a beautiful reminder that no act of kindness is ever too small and that empathy, paired with a little ingenuity, can transform even the most unlikely lives. Sometimes, the biggest miracles happen for the smallest among us.
Rather than give up on his little friend, Derek took action. He designed a miniature underwater wheelchair for the goldfish, ingeniously crafted from zip ties, soft plastic tubing, and Styrofoam.
The device gently cradled the fish’s body, while the floating material helped keep it perfectly balanced in the water. With this inventive “wheelchair,” the goldfish could once again swim upright regaining its mobility and, quite literally, a new lease on life.
