Thirteen fairy penguins move from Dorset to Spain for conservation efforts
Thirteen fairy penguins have travelled from SEA LIFE Weymouth in Dorset to SEA LIFE Benalmádena in southern Spain. The move will establish Europe’s second colony of the species and is intended to support conservation, research and public awareness of the pressures facing wild populations.
The penguins travelled via Heathrow to Madrid after veterinary checks, including tests for avian influenza and Newcastle disease. They flew in specially designed, ventilated crates beside companion birds. Their new enclosure includes sandy ground, caves and water, with seven smaller nesting caves to give breeding pairs privacy and security.
In short
- Thirteen fairy penguins have moved from Dorset to Spain.
- The move aims to establish Europe’s second colony.
- Their new habitat includes seven nesting caves.
Explained simply
Fairy penguins, also called little penguins, are the smallest penguin species and are native to the coasts of Australia and New Zealand. They live in colonies and come ashore to nest, often in burrows or sheltered spaces.
Zoos and aquariums sometimes manage animal populations together to support breeding, research and public education. The penguins’ new home in Spain is designed with nesting spaces and water, while staff can monitor their health and behaviour.
Wild penguins face pressures including changes to their habitat, food supply and marine environment. Conservation programmes can help researchers learn more about the species and explain these pressures to visitors.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Some of the world’s smallest penguins will get to fly for the first time… as they ditch the UK for Spain”.