A Tiny Wheelchair, A Big Act of Kindness

In San Antonio, a small act of compassion made a massive splash. Derek Burnett, an aquarium manager, refused to give up on one of his smallest residents—a goldfish suffering from swim bladder disorder, a condition that made it impossible for the fish to swim upright.

With patience and ingenuity, Derek constructed a miniature “wheelchair” using zip ties, plastic tubing, and a bit of Styrofoam. The makeshift device gently supported the goldfish’s body, allowing it to float upright and swim once again.

The sight of the tiny fish gliding through the water with newfound ease quickly went viral, capturing hearts around the globe. But beyond the adorable image lies a deeper message: that empathy and creativity, even on the smallest scale, have the power to transform lives.

Derek’s story reminds us that no act of kindness is ever too small—and that sometimes, the biggest heroes are the ones thinking outside the box for those who can’t ask for help.