We’re Celebrating World Penguin Day

April 25, 2023 is World Penguin Day. Penguins are one of the most adorable, lovable, and interesting birds on the planet. World Penguin Day is all about celebrating this impressive flightless bird and encouraging people to learn more about them and their environment, how important they are to our ecosystems, and the threats they face. The idea is that the more awareness there is about penguins, the better chance there is of preserving the species for years to come.

World Penguin Day is important to Howe Corp because zoos and aquariums around the world use flake ice as enrichment for their penguins. As zoos and conservation centers have become increasingly aware of the importance of providing healthy living conditions for their animals, they have started using flake ice in their exhibits for the cooling and mental health of their penguins.

Flake ice has become an essential element of modern animal care. Flake Ice is a type of ice that is created by freezing water on a cylinder, and then scraping the surface with a rotating blade to create thin, irregular flakes. This type of ice is ideal for cooling because it has a large surface area, which allows for rapid heat transfer.

Why Penguins Benefit from Flake Ice

Penguins are a unique species of birds that are found primarily in the Southern Hemisphere. They are adapted to living in cold, harsh environments, and require a specialized habitat to thrive in captivity. One of the most crucial aspects of penguin care is maintaining their internal body temperature within a narrow range, which is typically between 37.5°C to 38°C (99.5°F to 100.4°F).

To ensure that penguins are comfortable in their habitats, zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers use flake ice to regulate the temperature. When flake ice is used in penguin exhibits, it can help to keep the air temperature within the desired range. 

The ice is usually placed in a pool or a shallow tray, which allows the penguins to walk or swim around it. As the penguins move around the ice, they are cooled by the cold air that is created, which helps to regulate their body temperature.

In addition to its cooling benefits, flake ice also plays a role in the mental health of penguins. Penguins are social animals that are highly curious and intelligent, and they require mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. By providing flake ice in their exhibits, zoos and conservation centers are giving penguins a new and exciting environment to explore. Flake ice provides a fun and stimulating activity; when flake ice is introduced into their habitat, penguins will often slide and play on it. This type of enrichment is important for penguin mental health, because it helps to prevent boredom and stress.

In addition to mental stimulation, flake ice can also have a positive impact on penguin physical health. When penguins slide and play on the ice, it provides them with a low-impact exercise that can help to strengthen their muscles and improve their overall fitness. This type of exercise is especially important for captive penguins, who may not have access to the same level of activity as their friends in the wild.

In addition to proper lighting and a variety of other enrichment activities to ensure their well-being, flake ice has become an increasingly popular tool for the cooling and mental health of penguins in zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers around the world. By providing this type of ice in their habitats, penguins can stay cool and comfortable while also receiving the mental and physical stimulation that they need for their well-being.

Flake ice is a valuable tool that can help zoos, aquariums, and conservation centers provide an optimal environment for the penguins in their care. By keeping penguins cool and stimulated, this type of ice can contribute to the overall health and well-being of these fascinating and beloved creatures.

Howe Corp

Howe flake ice is used at zoos and aquariums as enrichment for cold weather animals such as polar bears and arctic penguins. Contact Howe today to discuss providing this valuable enrichment to your animals.