These penguins prefer local when it comes to eating sardines

Penguins at Paradise Park in Hayle, Cornwall, have shifted to a local sardine supply after keepers stopped using frozen sprats imported from Europe. The change began in February 2026 when their local supplier of sardines retired, forcing the park to feed penguins sprats imported from the Netherlands. Tom Lambourn, a local fisherman, noticed keepers saying the birds loved sardines and started supplying them. He now provides up to three metric tons of Cornish sardines per year, enough for the full year, with some frozen for use off-season. The park’s herd includes 26 Humboldt penguins, among them Spneb, believed to be the oldest at 38. The sardines are also described as Marine Stewardship Council certified, emphasizing traceability and sustainability.