A penguin at the San Diego Zoo’s African Penguin Colony has received orthopedic shoes to help manage a degenerative foot disease.
According to a press release from the San Diego Wildlife Alliance, the 4-year-old penguin named Lucas has sores on his feet as a result of chronic bumblefoot disease, which refers to a variety of avian foot problems.
Bumblebee foot can cause sepsis and infection-related mortality if neglected.
Thera-Paw, a company that makes rehabilitation and assistive equipment for animals with special needs, was contacted by the zoo’s wildlife care specialists.
A penguin named Lucas takes a walk test with custom orthopedic shoes at the San Diego Zoo. Photo credits: AP
To prevent pressure sores from forming when Lucas gets up and walks, Thera-Paw designed him a pair of neoprene and rubber shoes.
More than three years ago, the penguin’s problems first appeared.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has declared African penguins endangered due to a drastic decline in their population.
(With agency contributions)
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