Paradise Park penguins switch to local Cornish sardines

Penguins at Paradise Park in Cornwall are now eating sardines caught about 10 miles away after a local fisherman stepped in with a new supply. The switch replaces imported fish, cuts transport distance and links the park’s feeding routine to a more sustainable local catch.

Why it matters: - Paradise Park is replacing imported fish with Cornish sardines caught close to home. - The switch reduces transport across Europe and supports a local seafood supply chain. - The change also gives visitors a new example of sustainable sourcing in action.

What happened: - Paradise Park in Cornwall began feeding its penguins sardines caught by local fisherman Tom Lambourn. - The sardines are sourced about 10 miles from the park. - The park now expects to take around two to three tonnes of Cornish sardines a year. - The penguins had been fed sardines before, but a retired local supplier led the park to switch to frozen sprats imported from the Netherlands.

The details: - Lambourn stepped in after overhearing a keeper say the penguins loved sardines. - Lambourn said he realized he could help provide a local supply. - The park says the new arrangement gives the penguins a meal caught much closer to home than the imported fish. - Paradise Park currently has 26 penguins. - Spneb, a 38-year-old Humboldt’s penguin, is believed to be the oldest Humboldt’s penguin in the world. - Spneb recently celebrated her birthday with Cornish sardines. - The park has installed a new information board beside the penguin pool in partnership with Cornish sardine fishermen. - The board explains the health and other benefits of feeding the birds locally caught sardines. - Fresh Sardines For Hungry Penguins! is listed in the release as a supporting YouTube video, though the source text does not provide a direct video URL.

Between the lines: - The move shows how a small local conversation can change an animal care routine and keep more spending in the region. - Cornish sardines are presented as both a practical feed option and a way to showcase the local fishery. - Seafish Industry Engagement Manager Gus Caslake said local sardines are sustainable and meet high quality standards. - Caslake also said Cornish sardines are Marine Stewardship Council certified and fully traceable through the supply chain.

What's next: - Paradise Park will continue sourcing sardines from Lambourn for its penguins. - Visitors can use the new information board to learn more about the birds’ diet and the local fishery. - The park’s penguins are expected to keep eating a local catch that is positioned as sustainable and long-term.

The bottom line: - Paradise Park turned a feeding need into a local sourcing win, with penguins now eating Cornish sardines caught just miles away.