Pairi Daiza zoo takes in penguins from French marine park
Ten rockhopper penguins have arrived at Pairi Daiza animal park after an overnight journey from Antibes in the south of France. They previously lived at Marineland, which closed in January.
The five males and five females, aged between one and 12, will spend a month in quarantine before meeting the Brugelette park’s other penguins. Six rockhoppers arrived from Marineland in 2021 and live alongside 40 gentoo penguins and six king penguins.
Marineland, which was the largest dolphinarium and marine park in Europe, closed following the French government’s decision to ban shows featuring cetaceans. The park has since been trying to find new homes for its thousands of animals.
“The closure of the French marine animal park meant that these birds urgently needed a new home,” the Belgian zoo said on Facebook. “Pairi Daiza is delighted to welcome them and offer them a new environment where they will be surrounded by a great deal of care and attention.”
In the wild, the rockhopper penguin lives about 2,000 km southeast of South Africa and south of New Zealand. It is recognisable by its striking black and yellow crest and orange beak, and it grows to around 50cm tall.
“The animals will remain in quarantine for 30 days,” said vet Alicia Quiévy. “Keepers only have access if they are wearing specific clothing and gloves and must step through a disinfectant bath. Upon arrival, the 10 penguins will be thoroughly examined and weighed and receive an anti-parasite treatment.”
The new arrivals at Pairi Daiza © PHOTO PAIRI DAIZA
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