San Diego Zoo Penguin Gets Custom Orthopedic Shoes

SAN DIEGO, CA — A penguin with a degenerative foot condition at the San Diego Zoo has a chance to live a normal life after being fitted with custom orthopedic footwear.

The 4-year-old penguin named Lucas has a chronic condition known as bumblefoot, which covers a range of avian degenerative foot conditions, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. If left untreated, bumblefoot could lead to sepsis and death by secondary infection.

"I've known Lucas for a long time, so having the ability to provide him with a chance to live a normal life brings a smile to my face," said Dr. Beth Bicknese, senior veterinarian at the San Diego Zoo. "The boots are cushioned and Velcroed in place, so they will help Lucas to fully participate in the colony and showcase behaviors that are more typical for a penguin — such as climbing the rocks, swimming, nesting and finding a suitable mate."

The San Diego Zoo worked with Thera-Paw, which designs and manufactures rehabilitative and assistive products for animals with special needs. The organization created and fitted Lucas with custom shoes made of neoprene and rubber to prevent pressure sores from developing when he stands and walks.

The penguin's health problems began more than three years ago, when he developed a spinal infection that left him with weak muscles in his legs and the inability to properly stand upright on his toes. The boots should protect the lesions already present on his feet, while minimizing the risk of him developing additional sores, according to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Since being fitted with his new shoes, the penguin's gait has improved and his posture has become more natural, according to wildlife care specialists at the San Diego Zoo.

"We were pleasantly surprised at the immediate change in Lucas after we fitted him with his new boots," said Debbie Denton, senior wildlife care specialist at the San Diego Zoo. "Seeing him move about now gives us hope that he may be OK going forward, and able to live a full life."

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