Prognosis is Good for Lucky, the Shoe-Wearing Penguin at Santa Barbara Zoo

Lucky shown wearing one of his high-tech shoes designed by Teva, which allowed him to walk, swim, and be a part of the Santa Barbara Zoo’s penguin colony. (Photo Credit: Tony Luna)

Lucky, a Humboldt penguin at the Santa Barbara Zoo who made national headlines for wearing a specially designed shoe, has undergone surgery to remove the foot on his affected right leg. His prognosis is good, according to Director of Animal Care and Health Dr. Julie Barnes, who assisted on the surgery conducted this morning (Friday, October 19) by Dr. Stephen Klause, a veterinary orthopedic specialist from the Los Angeles Zoo. Dr. Klause has consulted with Dr. Barnes on Lucky’s condition for several years and has a lot of surgical experience with birds.

“Although this is a fairly straightforward surgery and used for cats and dogs with a similar condition, there are some other considerations for performing this in a bird,” said Dr. Barnes. “We feel he has a good prognosis and this procedure will give him the best quality of life. Our goals are to lessen Lucky’s pain, retain his mobility, and have him rejoin the Zoo’s Humboldt penguin colony.”

Why Lucky Needed Surgery

Lucky’s need for this surgery stems from the deterioration of a malformed ankle joint, which caused his right foot to point up at an angle, rather than lay flat. This caused Lucky to walk on the point of his ankle, rather than on his foot. The abnormality was discovered as soon as Lucky left the nest in 2010 and walked with a shuffling gait. He was unable to walk properly and began to develop life-threatening infections from pressure and chafing.

In 2011, local shoe company Teva designed a high-tech shoe for the penguin, and since then has further refined and provided custom shoes for Lucky, free of charge. The footwear has been effective for the past eight years, allowing him to be an active member of the Zoo’s penguin colony. In 2017, he sired a chick with his mate Nica.

But Lucky’s intertarsal (ankle) joint was undergoing a continual, slow deterioration as expected with this type of deformity. The joint was collapsing and becoming inflamed, causing swelling and pressure. Excess bone (or calcification) had formed in the joint, causing painful bone-on-bone contact.

Lucky’s treatments when his ankle and foot were swollen included pain medications, bandaging, and poultices such as iodine and sugar. But the bouts of swelling had recently become more frequent despite treatment. He was spending more time in the Animal Hospital due to flare-ups, and was exhibiting signs of discomfort. (See below)

“Lucky’s condition had reached a critical stage as it was difficult to manage his pain effectively,” adds Dr. Barnes.

Lucky will recover in the Animal Hospital for several weeks, accompanied by his mate Nica, with the focus on healing from surgery. Once he is healed, efforts will begin with Teva to develop a new shoe.

Chilean Flamingo With No Toes is Part of the Flock

The Zoo also is home to a Chilean flamingo that was hatched with a deformed foot, which necessitated the amputation of its toes in January 2018. That bird, Nugget, wears a special sock and returned to the flamingo flock within six weeks of her surgery.

“We have experience with this, having worked with Nugget, who is doing quite well,” said Dr. Barnes. “We look forward to when Lucky is recovered, out of pain, and back with his colony-mates.”

How Did Lucky Show He Was in Pain?

The Zoo’s Animal Care Staff were able to determine Lucky’s level of discomfort by his behavior. They report that at first he would limp. As the discomfort increased, he “bicycled” or moved his leg in a circular motion. If he was very uncomfortable, he would not walk and he might bray (vocalize). When handled, he would react to having his foot touched. During painful flare-ups, he was moved to the Animal Hospital for treatments, accompanied by his mate Nica.  

The Santa Barbara Zoo is located on 30 acres of botanic gardens and is home to nearly 500 individual animals in open, naturalistic habitats. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), representing the highest level of animal care, and participates in AZA endangered species programs for Asian elephant, California condor, Channel Island fox, and Western lowland gorilla, among others. A private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, the Santa Barbara Zoo depends on community support, not tax dollars, for operations and improvements. Visit www.sbzoo.org.

Ventura Ranch KOA is Open While Rebuilding But With Limited Services and Amenities

The Ventura Ranch KOA in Santa Paula was significantly affected by the December 2017 Thomas Fire and was closed for awhile as a result.  However, it is now open and taking reservations, but with limited services, amenities, and activities as they continue the process of rebuilding.

All electric and water RV sites are now open and many tent sites are available. New cabins are being built, and along with the safari tents, teepees and pool, are expected to be open by the end of June. 

Learn more at koa.com/campgrounds/ventura-ranch.

Two Koalas to Begin a One Year Stint at the Santa Barbara Zoo on April 28th

Two furry, eucalyptus-loving marsupials will soon take up residence at the Santa Barbara Zoo for a one-year visit to increase awareness of the challenges facing them and other native Australian species.

Koala “ambassadors” Edmund and Thackory go on view in a special outdoor exhibit near the Zoo Train station beginning Saturday, April 28, 2018 during regular Zoo hours.

“Koalas are iconic animals for Australia, as it’s the only place they are found in the wild,” says Dr. Julie Barnes, the Zoo’s Director of Animal Health and Care, who was born and received her veterinary degree in Australia. “But there are major challenges there that threaten koalas and other native animals and plants in Australia. Having Edmund and Thackory in Santa Barbara for a year allows our guests not only to appreciate these two little guys, but also to discover the changes affecting their native habitat.”

Dr. Barnes names habitat destruction and fragmentation, prolonged drought and other extreme weather events, and predation by feral cats and dogs as major issues affecting koalas and other native species.

“But it’s not just on land. Animals in Australia’s oceans, including the Great Barrier Reef, also face the impacts of sea level rise, ocean warming, and increasing seawater acidity, among others,” she says.

About Edmund and Thackory

Edmund and Thackory are on loan from the Los Angeles Zoo (LAZ) and San Diego Zoo (SDZ), respectively. As with all koalas in American zoos, the pair officially “belong” to Australia. In addition to obtaining standard permits to bring them to Santa Barbara, the Zoo was required to make a formal request to the Australian government (which was approved) including details of their accommodations, plans for their dietary needs and any medical needs.

The Santa Barbara Zoo has committed $2,500 per month during the koalas’ residency to Australian koala habitat conservation as part of the SDZ’s Koala Loan Program. While LAZ does not have a loan program, they have a thriving koala population and need temporary housing for young male koalas, like Edmund, to mature before moving to another zoo.

Edmund was born on September 1, 2015, at LAZ. His sire, Lincoln, was born at the Taronga Zoo in Australia. Thackory was born June 15, 2011, at SDZ and his name is the Aboriginal word for “heavy,” as he was a particularly large joey when he first emerged from his mother’s pouch. He has represented the SDZ Koala Loan Program at Zoo New England in 2013 and Indianapolis Zoo in 2015.

“Koalas are solitary by nature, and adult male koalas are very territorial and don’t do well in groups when other males are present. So there are single males that need homes,” says Dr. Barnes. “Edmund and Thackory are part of a cooperative breeding program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), but not breeding at this time. So, our zoo provides a home for them, much like we have a bachelor troop of Western lowland gorillas.”

The two will be housed separately in adjacent outdoor covered enclosures, separated by a wall. They also have heaters, but the elements should not be a factor. “Santa Barbara’s climate is similar to that of the east coast of Australia, part of their native range,” notes Dr. Barnes.

Their food will come from a eucalyptus plantation in Arizona, where it is grown specifically for koalas, is approved by the SDZ’s Koala Loan Program, and used by other zoos across the country. Their diet may be supplemented with local eucalyptus, if the proper species and sources are identified.

Though they appear cuddly, the public will not be allowed to hold these koalas. Dr. Barnes explains, “Even though Edmund and Thackory were both born in zoos, they are not trained to be held. Some koalas raised by humans become accustomed to being held, especially in Australia, including orphaned or rehabilitated wild koalas. It is dangerous for anyone other than a trained zoo professional to attempt to hold either of these two.”

Other “Aussie” Species at the Santa Barbara Zoo

The Santa Barbara Zoo already houses a number of Australian species. Birds include black swans at the Zoo’s entrance, laughing kookaburras and tawny frogmouths that share an enclosure in the courtyard, a blue-faced honeyeater in the Tropical Aviary, and sulphur-crested cockatoos only visible from the Zoo Train that regularly come out with keepers to meet guests.

Of the four Australian reptile and snake species at the Zoo, three also leave their holding areas in the Eewww! exhibit for meet-and-greets with guests: blue-tongued skink, bearded dragon, and woma python. A frilled dragon is on view in Eewww!, near the entrance to Tropical Aviary.

About the Santa Barbara Zoo

Known as one of the world’s most beautiful zoos, the Santa Barbara Zoo is located on 30 acres of botanic gardens and is home to nearly 500 individual animals in open, naturalistic habitats. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), representing the highest level of animal care, and participates in AZA endangered species programs for Asian elephant, California condor, Channel Island fox, and Western lowland gorilla, among others. A private nonprofit corporation, the Santa Barbara Zoo depends on community support, not tax dollars, for operations and improvements. 

The Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; general admission is $18 for adults, $13 for seniors aged 65+, $10 for children 2-12, and children under 2 are free.  Parking is $8 weekdays and $11 on Saturdays and Sundays. Visit www.sbzoo.org.

BMC Building Materials and Construction Solutions Now Open in Thousand Oaks (Now Builders FirstSource)

Update: BMC was acquired by Builders FirstSource in 2020. www.bldr.com/location/thousand-oaks-ca-yard/THOUCAYD

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BMC is one of the nation’s leading providers of diversified building products and services to professional builders and contractors in the residential housing market. It recently opened a new location here in the Conejo Valley, in the former home of Smart & Final at 2222 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. There are other BMC locations in Simi Valley and Ventura.

The Thousand Oaks location is open Monday to Friday, 6:30am to 5pm and Saturday 8am to noon. Closed Sunday.s Call 805.375.8000 or visit www.buildwithbmc.com.

The store is hosting a grand opening celebration on Friday, April 20th from 2-7pm. There will be 40+ vendors in attendance, goodie bags and complimentary food and drink from The Habit and 805 Beer!

Banyan Neighborhood Park Expansion Project Ribbon Cutting in Newbury Park on February 24th

Banyan Neighborhood Park at 3605 Erinlea Avenue in Newbury Park has been expanded over recent months to expand and beautify the park, including meadows, walking paths, shade structures and more. The park will open within a few days into February. A ribbon cutting event will take place on Saturday, February 24th at 10 a.m. Contact CRPD for more information at www.crpd.org.

Dedication of Westlake Village Community Park on Sunday, January 21, 2018

The culmination of 20 years of planning, fundraising, grants, and public input will come to fruition on Sunday, January 21 from 12 noon to 4 pm with the dedication of the newly completed Westlake Village Community Park.

The event will feature a formal ceremony at 12 noon honoring the partnerships, sponsors, donors and key players that made this  regional facility possible.

The ceremony will be followed by youth sports demonstrations, photo opportunities, games, and a souvenir passport to visit all the features at the park, fitness equipment instruction, games, and a selection of free food including Jersey Dogs hot dogs, California Kettle Corn and In-N-Out burgers.

Prizes and food are available for the first 1,000 guests. Dodger Alumnus Ron Cey will be on hand to speak during the ceremony and available for photo opps until 1pm. 

The approximate 18 acre site includes the city's park improvements and the 55,000 sq ft Triunfo YMCA facility, which is still work in process.

The Westlake Village Community Park contains eight acres of lighted synthetic turf athletic fields for soccer, football, baseball, softball and other sports, a walk/jog trail, skate park, picnic areas, outdoor volleyball and basketball courts, fitness equipment and children's play areas.

The park is located at 31107 Thousand Oaks Boulevard. There is a one-way entrance and a one-way exit off Thousand Oaks Boulevard that can be accessed by vehicle, bicycle, or sidewalk during park hours.

If you would like to volunteer or have any questions, call 818.706.1613.

Kids World Wooden Playground at Alameda Park in Santa Barbara to be Renovated

Kids World, the unique wooden playground at Alameda Plaza, will soon undergo a major renovation to improve access, upgrade structural integrity, and preserve this important community feature for future generations. The playground will be temporarily closed to the public from September 5 to December 15, 2017. Alameda Plaza and the adjacent Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden will remain open during construction.

Kids World was originally constructed in 1993 by hundreds of community volunteers under the direction of Leathers and Associates, an internationally renowned company recognized for their one-of-a-kind playground designs. With the current renovation project, the City of Santa Barbara and its residents are making a significant investment to preserve this unique playground and upgrade the facility to meet today’s accessibility and building codes.

The playground will be deconstructed, worn posts and boards will be replaced, and the structure will be reassembled with building code-compliant hardware. Additional improvements include better access to the play area for 2-5-year-olds, additional gates and fencing to better secure play areas, and installation of rubber pads in high use areas to reduce maintenance needs. The overall aesthetics and adventurous atmosphere of the playground will remain intact. This renovation project, including design and permitting, is anticipated to cost approximately $650,000. 

www.santabarbaraca.gov

Dog Park Slated for Westlake Village in Spring 2018

Update 9/30/17:  Slated opening date is late Spring 2018.

Update 7/2/17: Final plans in place for the new dog park. It will open in late fall 2017. On-street parking along Oak Crest Drive will be available for approximately 25 cars. More details at www.wlv.org/index.aspx?nid=420.

Posted 9/2/16: In April 2016, the City of Westlake Village City Council approved a plan to design and construct a dog park on a 1.19 acre city-owned parcel at the southwest corner of Oak Crest Drive and Agoura Road.

Oak Crest Drive and Agoura Road actually happens twice. This intersection is the one closer to Lindero Canyon (the other one is at City Hall).

Dog park is slated to go in at the southwest corner of Agoura Road and Oak Creek Drive in 2017.

The plan is for a 14,160 sq ft small dog area and 18,120 sq ft large dog area with separate entrances. Other features include natural turf, pet washing stations, seating, drinking fountains, trash and pet waste receptacles and security lighting.

The total budget is $830,300 and the project is scheduled to begin in February 2017.

Pickleball Courts Coming to Tierra Rejada Park in Moorpark This Summer

The Moorpark City Council recently approved the installation of three pickleball courts at Tierra Rejada Park, 11900 Mountain Trail St, Moorpark. The courts will replace on tennis court at the park and will be installed sometime in the summer of 2017.

When completed, the Moorpark pickleball courts will join courts in Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Port Hueneme and Oak Park.

More on local area pickleball options and information about the game (truth be told; it is not played with an actual pickle), visit THIS LINK.