The prosthetics - made of neoprene and rubber - have allowed the four-year-old penguin to get back on his feet, and ease some of the worst symptoms of his degenerative disease.
Lucas was diagnosed with a condition known as bumblefoot, which causes painful lesions on the feet and can lead to sepsis, infection and death if left untreated. The condition was a result of a spinal infection he suffered as a young chick, which left him without the ability to stand properly.
Unfortunately, Lucas's condition is permanent. For this reason, officials at the San Diego Zoo, where he resides, developed the "boots" to help him walk better and minimise the pressure on his feet when he moves. The shoes were created in partnership with the animal prosthesis organisation Thera-Paw, which makes artificial limbs for a variety of animals.
“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...