African penguins and California least terns share marine habitat challenges.

SAN DIEGO (Aug. 29, 2022) – Lucas, a prominent member of the San Diego Zoo’s African penguin colony who was diagnosed with a degenerative foot condition, has a new opportunity to thrive, thanks to intervention by the Zoo’s wildlife heath and wildlife care specialist teams. Team members—with the help of Thera-Paw, a national organization that designs and manufactures rehabilitative and assistive products for animals with special needs—created and fitted Lucas with custom orthopedic shoes made of neoprene and rubber, to prevent pressure sores from developing on his feet and ankle when he stands and walks.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA) recognizes the importance of conserving lands and oceans for the sustainability of wildlife populations. Find out how we support the 30x30 initiative.

World Penguin Day is this Saturday (April 25, 2020), and two new residents of the Dan and Vi McKinney Penguin Habitat at the San Diego Zoo are starting the weekend celebration early by practicing what penguins do best—swimming.

The San Diego Zoo’s animal care staff is celebrating the arrival of two new African penguin chicks at the Dan and Vi McKinney Penguin Habitat, located inside Conrad Prebys’ Africa Rocks.