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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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