Penguin project gets underway (From Western Telegraph)

Penguin project gets underway at Folly Farm

6:00pm Saturday 26th January 2013 in News

Work on Folly Farm’s £500,000 penguin enclosure is beginning to take shape, with the installation of a £150,000 environmentally-friendly pump system into the pool.

The saltwater penguin enclosure, the first of its kind in Wales, will initially house 15 Humboldt penguins and will be part of a European breeding programme.

The two-acre development can house up to 40 penguins and has a penguin nursery, beach area, a 100 square metre saltwater pool and a play area with plants and rocks, to provide the right conditions for breeding.

The filtering system will ensure pristine water for the penguins and provide visitors with the best underwater views.

Folly Farm zookeeper Tim Morphew said: “It’s great to see how quickly things are moving on site for the arrival of the penguins next spring.

“This is the most advanced, technological project we have brought to Folly Farm and will showcase conservation, environmental and sustainability best practice.”