Thirteen little penguins have arrived at Sea Life Benalmádena after being transferred from Sea Life Weymouth in Dorset, England. The birds, also known as blue or fairy penguins, are the world’s smallest penguin species.
The aquarium says the colony is now housed in Isla del Pingüino Azul, a custom-designed enclosure intended to reflect the rocky shorelines of New Zealand. It includes swimming areas, two group caves and seven smaller nesting spaces.
Little penguins are native to coastal waters around New Zealand and southern Australia, rather than polar regions. They stand about 33 centimetres tall and feed mainly on small fish, including sardines and herring, according to the report.
The transfer was part of an international breeding initiative involving the Weymouth aquarium. Before travelling, the penguins underwent health checks in the UK, including screening for avian flu and Newcastle disease. They were moved in specially built, ventilated containers.
Sea Life Benalmádena says the mild climate in Andalucía suits the species’ needs and that the new facility will support its conservation programme. The centre also plans to use the exhibit to raise awareness of marine conservation, plastic pollution and ecosystem protection.
For residents and visitors, the arrival adds a new attraction at the aquarium in Benalmádena, on the Costa del Sol. The centre says it is currently the only place in Spain where the species can be seen. Visitors should check Sea Life Benalmádena’s website for practical details before planning a visit.
The aquarium’s director, Elizabeth Zorat, welcomed the colony’s arrival, according to the report. No further information about the breeding programme or any future public events was provided.