A plucky penguin at the New England Aquarium has a new bounce in her step after being fitted with a pair of custom orthopedic sandals. The 24-year-old African penguin, named Beach Donkey, was diagnosed with a chronic foot condition common among avian species, and the sandals were crafted as part of her treatment plan. But getting her to happily wear them required some buttering up by the people who know her best.
“Field trips” around the aquarium served as incentives: The little bird enjoyed “novel views” as she strolled through the facility, allowing trainers to work with her feet in a more hands-on manner. “She has always been a curious bird and seemed to really like the opportunity to explore the aquarium, outside of her exhibit space. Of course, our staff also loved when she would make appearances in unexpected places,” said Senior Penguin Trainer Amanda Barr.
In addition to caring for Beach Donkey and her fellow penguins, the New England Aquarium participates in a program called African Penguin SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction), which supports conservation efforts and breeding programs to increase the birds’ presence in the wild.
*i can so identify with beach donkey,
as i began wearing birkenstock sandals
when my feet (and my doc)
rebelled against me going barefoot any longer
changed my world
and i have my own cool name too – peaches
we are almost twins.
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photo credit: new england aquarium, nice news
Separated at birth, you two are quite the pair!
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exactly what I think happened
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Penguin Birkenstocks could catch on!
Best wishes, Pete.
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open up a whole new market for the brand
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A truly beautiful “Happy Feet”penguin story Beth …
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thanks, Ivor!
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It’s wonderful exploring with you, beth.
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always an adventure )
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This is so relatable, having had for issues myself. Lucky penguin 🐧
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I think many of us can identify with bd.
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👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
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Wonderful photo. 🙂
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isn’t he the cutest?
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love this one — and your cool name 🙂
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thanks. it was my childhood nickname which I reclaimed when I became a grandmother. now , even my sons-in-law and some friends call me by this name
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there are worse names you could be called, Beth 🙂
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oh, I love it!
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Now we know that both humans and penguins eventually reach a stage where very practical shoes are a must. I can relate as well.
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exactly )
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And you also love to explore your neighborhood, Peaches! You are a kindred spirit to Beach Donkey for sure.
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I sure do, and we sure are!
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I’m thinking of installing a faucet or something for extra warm water under my computer desk. 😦
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brilliant
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What a heartwarming story! Now, if only we could spend the same amount of time and energy from one human to another!
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you are so right!
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Also a good name for a band.
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oh, you are so very right! you are the perfect person to recognize that!
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Love this, Peaches! How wonderful for Peach Donkey (love the name) to be given his own “Birks”!
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*her
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either works )
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🙂
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lucky guy and my kindred spirit
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Indeed! And I no longer can walk barefoot either. Sigh.
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a sad thing –
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It is. I pay the price every time I do so…
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That’s wonderful
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life-changing for bd!
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That is lovely , go go penguin!
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right!
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Ha! Peachy keen. I’ve been a beach donkey almost my whole life.
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it’s a great thing to be
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This is so touching, I hope she finds comfort in her orthopedic sandals.
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it seems that she’s enjoying it already
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When I first saw the picture, I thought he was wearing Uggs. That’s my choice for winter. And they’ll keep out all that beach sand.
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absolutely
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I bet beach donkey would love peaches. I’m just saying…
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I think we would be friends for sure
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How wonderful. I hope she’s happy and comfortable. You too. I’m always barefoot. Something to think about.
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barefoot is the best and I hope she is too
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I think it’s cool that a curious bird gets to get around now.
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Especially one who cannot fly
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Everything to love here, ESPECIALLY her name!
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so agree!
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Twins, indeed. 🍑🐧🩴
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that we are
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Twinning with a special penguin is good.
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I so agree
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This little penguin caught my attention.
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so cute!
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How cute is that!
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so cute !
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Same. I had to start wearing birks, too! Now I’m on oofos, and they put the most amazing spring in my step. I feel years younger. 🙂
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It’s amazing how footwear can change things!
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I’m with beach donkey. I’d hobble anywhere just to see new scenery. Even wearing funny shoes.
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And I do that too
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She looks so proud of her sandals! Nice one Peaches!
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She does!
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Oh Peaches, what a heart-warming and happy story! I‘m also a confirmed sandal wearer for quite a long time now. My feet got larger during my time in England, where not much footwear was needed due to the clement weather conditions. I also love espadrilles of which I must have some 15+ pairs in all patterns and colours….. Not good for the feet but they just must put up with me 🙂
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A special treat to your feet!
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“we are almost twins”
That surely started my day with a smile…. 😋
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🐧🍑
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This has been big news up here, close to Boston. Everyone is all smiles.
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that is so great! and I understand why –
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😀
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Oh my goodness, too cute!
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She is a doll
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