Usually faced with chillier conditions in Peru and Chile, the Humboldt penguin has little need for sunburn protection.
But as this nifty gear proves, the Hampshire rays proved a bit too strong for ten-year-old Ralph who has been forced to don a wetsuit for protection. Each summer the penguins moult but poor Ralph loses his feathers in the space of a few days, which exposes his pale skin. Now a popular attraction at Marwell Wildlife Park, this is the second year Ralph has worn the wetsuit, with some new additions this year.
Dave White, head keeper for the penguins, said: “The stretchy material lets Ralph Move around normally. The added benefit of Velcro means that as his new feathers grow through we will be able to adjust its size, so its always comfy for him. At the moment he is sitting on two eggs with his partner Coral and she seems happy enough with his new look for this year.”
For more information on Marwell Wildlife Park visit www.marwell.org.uk
