Penguins News Update - August 2007

Over the past couple of weeks, the penguins have been eating about 25% more fish a day than normal as they have been getting ready for their annual moult. Before their moult, they can put on an extra kilo in body weight. During their moult, which happens around August every year, the penguins will push out all of last year's old feathers and then their new feathers will push their way through. The moult can be quite uncomfortable for the birds and so during this time, they may only eat one fish a day. As the birds are not eating lots of fish, they can become a little dehydrated so we give them extra fluids in their fish. The birds are also spending lots of time sunbathing and if they get to hot, we cool them down with a garden sprinkler which keeps them entertained as well. The photo below on the left is of Harvey who is currently under going his annual moult. Standing next to him is Charlie and we are waiting for the other penguins to start. The photo on the right is of Arnold and Lola sitting next to each other also enjoying the sun that we have been having.

Hunstanton SEA LIFE Sanctuary / hunstanton@sealsanctuary.co.uk