[Paddlewise] Knitted Woollen Overcoats for Fairy Penguins

David Whyte wrote

>My understanding is the oil(or it may be the cleaning process that
>removes the oil) breaks down the insulation properties of the penguins
>coat. The woollen jumpers (or sweaters for our American friends) keep
>the penguin warm until the insulation is re-established.

G'Day,
		Thanks David I can see how cleaning would break down the insulation. I
found a review by a friend of mine Colin Stahel. Colin used to research
fairy penguins. Anyway the review says they must maintain a body temperature
of about 38.5 celsius in cold water; but that they can't cope with air
temperatures above 35 celsius, because of problems when nesting. He goes on
to say  "In January fairy penguins build up their body weight as preparation
for moulting in February - not only is growing new feathers physiologically
demanding, but moulting penguins lack waterproof feathers and can not
survive at sea, so they effectively starve and can lose half their body
weight".
		Presumably the penguins are kept in an animal hospital while they
regenerate their oil insulation - they surely wouldn't be set free wearing
the overcoats? (I've never seen a penguin wearing an overcoat while sober
and the colors my mother in law uses are pretty vivid.)

All the best, PeterO


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