Cornish sardines back on menu for penguins

Penguins at Cornwall's Paradise Park are once again enjoying sardines caught locally after a chance encounter with a local fisherman. The park, located in Hayle, sources two to three tonnes of sardines annually from Tom Lambourn, a Cornwall-based fisherman. This change in diet came about following Lambourn's visit to the park and his conversation with an employee who mentioned the penguins' fondness for sardines.

Lambourn, who visited the park, expressed delight at the opportunity to supply the penguins with locally caught fish.

The shift from imported to locally caught sardines has been well-received by the Humboldt penguins, including a 38-year-old named Spneb, who is believed to be the world's oldest Humboldt penguin. She recently celebrated her birthday with a meal of her favorite food, Cornish sardines. David Woolcock, the park's curator, expressed pride in sourcing the fish locally, citing it as a positive outcome of a simple conversation.

The sardines, caught just 10 miles away, have been enthusiastically received by the penguins, underscoring the quality of the local catch.

Gus Caslake, a representative of the Cornish Sardine Management Association, highlighted the environmental benefits of this move, noting that it reduces the need for long-distance transportation of fish while showcasing the superior quality of Cornish sardines. This initiative not only benefits the penguins but also educates visitors about the penguins' diet through a new information board, a collaboration between the park and local fishermen.