4-Year-Old Penguin With 'Bumblefoot' Walks, Runs And Plays Again Using Orthopedic Shoes

Lucas, the four-year-old penguin who could not walk because of an illness, has recently been dressed in orthopedic shoes.

As specified in an Interesting Engineering report, the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance officials gave the penguin with the condition known as "bumblefoot," another chance to run and play around the zoo, just like other penguins.

San Diego Zoo senior veterinarian Dr. Beth Bicknese described bumblefoot as an "inflammation of the skin on foot.

Essentially, a diagnosis of the illness typically means the animal has either a neurological or skeletal problem and is bearing weight inappropriately.

Penguin Suffers From 'Bumblefoot'

The shoes that enabled Lucas to walk again are from Thera Paw, a company based in the United States, Live Science reported.

The African penguin has been having trouble walking for over three years due to the inflammation in his spine. The infection of the discs acts as a cushion between each vertebra, causing muscle weakness, not to mention pain in the legs.

Lucas is experiencing terrible blisters on his left foot and legs from sitting back on his ankles, which would not typically contact the ground. His condition is believed to be a permanent illness.

Dr. Bricknese, a senior veterinarian at the San Diego Zoo, said she has known Lucas for quite some time now. For her, having the ability to provide him with a chance to live a normal life "brings a smile to my face."

The Boots That Helped Lucas Walk, Play And Run Again

According to the senior veterinarian, Lucas' boots are cushioned and Velcroed in place, as stated in a statement released by San Diego Zoo. Thus, they will help Lucas fully participate in the colony and exhibit behaviors that are more usual for a penguin, like climbing the rocks, nesting, swimming and searching for a suitable mate.

Meanwhile, Thera-Paw founder and president Ilaria Borghese said this was such a remarkable opportunity. They are honored to be asked to assist the team at the zoo.

Through the years, they have tackled challenging conditions like Lucas's, and each condition is special and memorable.

One thing that's never getting old is seeing the life of an animal dramatically improve following the use of the aids.

(Photo : JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images)
The African penguin has been having trouble walking for over three years due to the inflammation in his spine.

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Improved Condition

The wildlife care specialists at the zoo noticed that after they fit Lucas with his new boots, his gait reportedly improved, enabling him to navigate his "rocky habitat more easily."

Lucas the penguin suffers from a chronic condition called bumblefoot and was recently fitted with custom orthopedic shoes. https://t.co/ZbzhESUTJ7 pic.twitter.com/gH5w2IWQ5J
— CNN (@CNN) September 5, 2022

His posture became more natural, too. The boots have helped him gain better balance while he stands. Senior wildlife care specialist Debbie Denton from the San Diego Zoo explained that they were pleasantly surprised by the immediate change in the penguin after they fitted him with his new shoes. She added that seeing the animal move about now gives hope that he may be "okay going forward" and able to enjoy and live a full life.

Collaborating with Veterinary Professionals

As earlier mentioned, Thera-Pawis is a US-based company that designs and manufactures products for animals with special needs. They work with veterinary professionals and pet parents.

The firm is the only company worldwide that designs, fabricates, and manufactures soft orthoses, protective garments, and mobility aids designed for pets over 20 years of age.

The team is continuously developing new methods to improve animals' function, comfort, and mobility based on public feedback and the assistance provided by veterinary professionals.

Report about Lucas's prosthetic shoes is shown on TODAY's YouTube video below: