Fancy footwear: Lucky the Humbolt Penguin's designer sandals make sure he's always got happy feet after he was found to be limpingMeet Lucky the Humboldt Penguin whose designer sandals make sure he's always got happy feet.
Keepers at Santa Barbara Zoo, in California, first noticed that Lucky had a limp after he started walking as a hatchling.
The zoo's vet discovered that his bones were not growing properly, which meant he had been walking on the wrong part of his foot.
The shoe: Teva, an outdoor footwear company, agreed to design a penguin-sized water proof sandalIf left untreated the problem would leave Lucky susceptible to infections that could prove fatal.
But zoo staff had the bright idea of making a special shoe which would keep Lucky's foot protected and stop him from limping.
Teva, an outdoor footwear company, agreed to design a penguin-sized water proof sandal and to keep Lucky appropriately booted for the duration of his life.
Dean Noble, a manager at the zoo, said: ‘Lucky is much happier now and he's stopped limping which is a relief.
High-tech gear: The Teva penguin shoe‘Even though he was a bit different when he was born the flock didn't shun him.
‘But it's good all the same that he is better and can join in the fun without us worrying about his health.
‘Thanks to his new shoe, Lucky can now walk, jump, and swim like the other penguins, and is well on his way to living up to his name.’
Lucky's shoe is made from waterproof Spider Rubber which is lightweight and provides traction.
For hygiene reasons keepers change the sandal every day and wash it.
‘Lucky is a very happy penguin and the keepers love him,’ said Dean.
‘He's very patient when they need to change his shoes and even seems to enjoy the extra attention.’
source: dailymail
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