By the time we reach Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Botanical Udyan and Zoo in a kali-peeli that felt like a sauna on wheels under Mumbai’s unforgiving sun, Jerry, the two-year-old penguin is lounging with his buddies in a temperature controlled 14 degree Celsius nest. It’s a full house at The Humboldt Penguin Exhibit at the Zoo, on either side of the glass wall.
The eight penguins that were brought from Coex Aquarium in Seoul, South Korea in 2016 have multiplied to 21 in a decade. Ahead of World Penguin Day which also happens to coincide with the eve of resident penguins Bingo and Oreo’s fourth and fifth birthdays (April 26), Dr Abhishek Satam, zoo biologist, and Dr Madhumita Kale, the penguins’ vet since 2016, join us on a tell-all walkthrough.
Know the penguins
Catch me if you can
Dr Kale informs that penguins are way faster in water than on land. They love taking a dip and making a splash, and even savouring their meals in the waters from time to time.
Guess who?
While Dr Satam and Dr Kale have familiarised themselves with the penguins, coloured bands on the wings help officials identify the birds. Jerry with the blue band is described as an ‘alpha male’ who has been territorial about the pool. Oscar, on the other hand, is the friendliest of the lot. He’s a sweetheart to female penguins and staff, we learn.
Keep it cool
The 21 penguins live in an 1800-sq ft enclosure, temperature controlled to 14 to 15 degree Celsius. The terrain is made using Glassfibre Reinforced Concrete (GRC) to mimic rocky shores. The enclosure is cleaned thrice a day.
What’s up, mate?
When a male penguin wishes to mate, he builds a nest with sticks and stones. If the female accepts the offer, sparks fly and within eight days, the female lays an egg. The to-be parents incubate the egg together, and a chick is born within 50 to 55 days.
Fish, please
On an average, each penguin weighs around 4 to 5 kg and consumes 700 gm to 800 gm of fish every day. Meals arrive twice a day for the birds. Dr Kale carries fish, including Bombay Duck, mackerel, and sardine to the hungry penguins. The fish is locally sourced (export quality), blast frozen to prevent contamination, and thawed before feeding.
Expert Speak
While the mood is celebratory, it would be remiss to ignore the concerns and doubts some Mumbaikars have about the wellbeing of the non-native penguins. We pose these concerns to Dr Kale and Dr Satam at the Zoo
Dr Abhishek Satam and Dr Madhumita Kale
Mumbai’s weather is tropical. Aren’t the penguins used to cold, freezing climates?
There are 18 species of penguins in the world. Only four of those live in freezing climates. The Humboldt Penguins are from the rocky shores of South Korea, where water temperatures fluctuate between five and 25 degree Celsius, which we can simulate in the enclosure.
Are the space constraints and the constant visitor footfall detrimental to the birds?
The penguins found it difficult to deal with the attention in the first year (2016). Penguins are deer of the seas; they’re prey species, and get easily startled. With time, they have grown used to it. As for the space constraint, the current space is just about enough for healthy movement. We are working towards extending the same space soon.
Why do we need a penguin exhibit in Mumbai? Does it serve any purpose beyond the entertainment of the visitors?
Zoos, in general, go far beyond recreation. For starters, they’re an accessible touch point for researchers and students. In the last decade alone, multiple student groups have visited and written dissertations on the behaviour of penguins.
A day with the penguins
5.30 am Lights are switched on in a staggered manner. Windows allow natural light to flow in.
6 am Penguin chicks are fed. Medication and supplements are administered.
9.30 am First meal of the day, and the exhibit is open to the visitors.
10.30 am Penguins are most active during this time. They play, swim, and socialise.
1.30 pm Crowds form near the gate, anticipating the second meal of the day.
6 pm Lights off. No more activities for the day. The penguins slip into a long slumber.
