Marwell Wildlife has teamed up with World of Swimming to ‘Make Waves for Marwell’s Penguins’, inviting young swimmers and their families to take part in a fun and meaningful challenge.

Humboldt penguins are built for life in the water. They are streamlined, powerful swimmers that use their flipper-like wings to ‘fly’ through the water. In the wild, they often swim against ocean currents as they hunt and explore – helping to keep them strong, active and healthy.

At Marwell, we are always looking for ways to further enhance the animal’s environment and encourage natural behaviours. Last year, we trialled a flow cannon on a temporary loan and saw the penguins actively engage with it, swimming into, through and alongside the current it created.

With support from the World of Swimming team, we plan to install a permanent flow cannon in the penguin pool, creating a current, or ‘waves’, for them to swim against. This helps with muscle development, encourages movement and creates a more dynamic and stimulating environment. It can even be used at feeding times, allowing fish to move through the current – encouraging the penguins to chase their food more actively.

By taking part in the swim, supporters will be helping to enhance the habitat for a species currently listed as vulnerable in the wild.

Every splash, stroke and sponsored length will help create this exciting step for Marwell’s penguin colony.