Penguins at Paradise Park in Hayle, Cornwall, are once again being fed locally-caught sardines. The wildlife park has begun sourcing between two and three tonnes of sardines a year from local fisherman Tom Lambourn, replacing frozen sprats previously imported from the Netherlands.
The park's 26 Humboldt penguins had eaten sardines for years until their previous local supplier retired. The new arrangement followed a chance conversation when Mr Lambourn visited the park and heard a keeper mention the penguins' fondness for sardines.
David Woolcock, curator at Paradise Park, expressed satisfaction with sourcing the fish locally. Gus Caslake, from Seafish and the Cornish Sardine Management Association, noted that the move reduces the need for long-distance fish transport and highlights the quality of the local catch.
Visitors to Paradise Park can learn more about the penguins' diet through a new information board near the penguin pool, developed in collaboration with Cornish sardine fishermen.