Better home for penguins

Marwell Wildlife, near Winchester, has revamped its penguin home, which now has a new name – thanks to a vote by the public.

From now on, the wildlife charity’s penguin accommodation will be known as Penguin Cove. The name was extremely popular and received more than 50 per cent of all votes cast.

Penguin World was originally opened in 1997, and following receipt of a generous donation from the Stainer Charitable Trust, Marwell has given the home a £250,000 makeover.

Penguin Cove will open at the end of this month and visitors will be able to watch the charismatic birds explore their new home.

The improvements will not only benefit the park’s Humboldt penguins, through offering new facilities plus better water and food management, but they will also create a more immersive and enjoyable experience for guests.

Penguin Cove will have wider footpaths and lowered walls, making it much easier for both children and disabled guests to view the penguins.

New vacuum and skimmer systems will be more effective at removing debris, making the penguins’ water both cleaner and clearer. In addition to this, the new waste-water storage tanks will enable Marwell to recycle and save water.

Food storage will also be improved with a new walk-in freezer, fish thawing unit and food preparation area. This will ensure that the penguins’ herrings are fresher than ever.

The park is creating the sense of an underground cave in the lower gallery and embedding various marine objects for children to find. A new picnic and play area is also being built behind the exhibit.

Marwell chief executive James Cretney said: “We are very excited to be opening Penguin Cove, and thanks to everyone who took part in the public vote. This year will see lots of activity at the park, as it’s our 40th anniversary. We have an exclusive late- night opening in June with live entertainment, from chainsaw juggling to African drumming.”

For more information about Marwell’s events, you can visit marwell.org.uk.