Cornish penguins feast on local sardines at Paradise Park
Paradise Park swaps imported fish for sustainable Cornish sardines
Penguins at Paradise Park in Cornwall are now savouring locally caught sardines, thanks to a switch from imported fish to a sustainable Cornish choice.
After the park's previous sardine supplier retired, the penguins' menu shifted to frozen sprats from the Netherlands.
Local fisherman Tom Lambourn, however, offered a meaningful change when he heard the penguins loved sardines, and suggested sourcing them locally.
Despite depletion in Humboldt’s Penguins' wild habitats, sardines are plentiful around Cornwall, allowing Tom to supply two to three tonnes of fresh fish annually.
Tom said, “When I heard the penguins loved sardines but that the park thought they couldn’t get them, I thought, ‘Well, I might be able to help with that.’”
With sardines caught a mere 10 miles away, the penguins are now enjoying a fresh, close-caught meal.
David Woolcock, the curator at Paradise Park, expressed his delight: “It’s a great example of how a simple conversation can lead to a really positive change.”
Among the park's 26 penguins is Spneb, a 38-year-old Humboldt’s Penguin, who is believed to be the oldest of her species worldwide. She celebrated her recent birthday with a feast of her preferred dish — Cornish sardines.
Sardines, known for their nutrition benefits, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and various essential vitamins and minerals.
Gus Caslake, Seafish Industry Engagement Manager for South West England, highlighted the sustainability of these local catches. He said, “Cornish sardines are Marine Stewardship Council certified which verifies seafood has come from a fishery which meets strict environmental benchmarks and is fully traceable throughout the supply chain.”
Visitors to Paradise Park can now also view a new information board adjacent to the penguin pool, developed in collaboration with Cornish sardine fishermen, celebrating the local catch.