Penguin needs to pick up a new wetsuit

 13th August 2012

Ralph the penguin in his current wetsuit
 

FINDING the right outfit can often get people in a flap, but it’s even tougher when you’re trying to pick up a new wetsuit for a penguin.

Keepers at Marwell Wildlife are trying to find a new suit for Humboldt penguin Ralph to replace his current one, which has become worn-out and is starting to fall apart.

The 13-year-old bird was given a wetsuit because he loses his feathers faster than other penguins during his annual moult, leaving his pale skin exposed to the sun and at risk of being burned.
Appealing for help replacing the suit David White, collection manager at the Hampshire zoological park, said: “The last wetsuit was made to fit Ralph and had Velcro to make it easy to adjust when his feathers begin to come through and we are hoping for the same again.

“Although the wetsuit is the same material as a human’s it will need extra features to make it ideal for Ralph.”
Anyone who might be able to help provide Ralph with a new wetsuit should call  01962 777947 .

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