After learning that the penguins at Paradise Park loved sardines but had limited access to them, local fisherman Lambourn decided to help. “When I heard that penguins love sardines but the park didn’t think they could get them, I thought, ‘Maybe I can do that,’” he said.
The new supply arrangement means the Humboldt penguins can now enjoy locally caught Cornish sardines. “It’s great to see locally caught fish being used locally,” Lambourn said. “The taste is amazing.”
The arrangement has proved popular with the penguins, including 38-year-old Spuneb, believed to be the world’s oldest Humboldt penguin.
Spuneb recently celebrated her birthday with her favorite meal: fresh Cornish sardines.
Paradise Park curator David Woolcock said staff were delighted to source fish from local fishermen.
“This is a great example of how simple conversations can lead to really positive change,” he said.
“Penguins love sardines because they can catch them right next to them.”
Gus Caslake, saltwater industry engagement manager for south-west England and chairman of the Cornwall Sardine Management Association, said using local fish would reduce the need to transport seafood over long distances while showcasing the quality of the Cornish catch.
“This is a great example of the local catch staying local, reducing the need to transport fish long distances and proving the quality of Cornish sardines,” he said.
Visitors to Paradise Park can also learn more about the Humboldt penguins’ diet through a new information board beside the penguin pool, created in collaboration with Cornish sardine fishermen.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk