cause it would be a cool pet!
2007-03-14 14:17:25 · 7 answers · asked by wamzy 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Penguins aren't necessarily cold area animals. Fairy Penguins live on Australia's southern and eastern coasts. And Galapagos Penguins live in very tropical regions. But, in order to keep a penguin you would have to have very advanced permits. In Australia it's called a Zoo Keepers permit. The permit alone is extremely expensive. On top of that you have to have a daily supply of fresh fish, suitable salt water pools, ear plugs, and a strong stomach to clean up after the beasites. I have had rescued penguins in my home, and while they are certainly very cute, they are a real handful. I wouldn't recommend them as pets to anyone!
2007-03-14 16:18:06 · answer #1 · answered by PJJ 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Reasons why penguins are not pets:
First off, all species of penguin are protected so that you could only (legally) get a penguin from a Zoo that had bred it.
Secondly, you would need a constant and reliable supply of fresh frozen fish as well as appropriate vitamin supplements, you would also need to know a vet who was familiar with penguins and the many diseases they are prone to when kept in captivity.
Thirdly, you would need to be able to feed the birds every day so you couldn't take any more vacations! You can't just put a penguin into kennels!
Fourthly, you would need to build a suitable enclosure to keep the bird - remember different species have very different environmental requirements (temperature, vegetation etc.). For example, there are no species of penguin that could live outside year round in say Chicago with its wide temperature variations. Plus all species of penguins require access to a large, deep and clean pool of water - preferably salt water.
Fifthly, penguins tend to live in large colonies - anything less than say 20 birds would not be sufficient. So you would need a very healthy income.
MY ADVICE:
I would suggest trying to do volunteer work at your local aquarium. There are many programs for penguin feeding/caring in these environments which allow you to get close to the animals and learn about their habitats.
Here's an example of one such position in the Boston area:
PENGUIN COLONY ASSOCIATE
Assist staff with animal husbandry responsibilities of the New England Aquarium's penguin colony, which includes African, Rockhopper, and Little Blue Penguins.
Responsibilities:
Prepare food and maintain food preparation area. Clean the penguin exhibit, including washing islands, scrubbing algae/guano, vacuuming pool and climbing on penguin islands. Feed penguins and record daily intake for individual birds, observe and monitor the penguins' behavior and physical state. Informally respond to visitors’ questions regarding penguin colony.
Try your local aquarium and see if they may have something similar for you! :)
2007-03-14 14:45:15 · answer #2 · answered by mroof! 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes well u need a license for the penguin or a contract saying u have permission to keep 1
just letting u now penguins were warm grassland creatures like us.then the ice age came so then they had to get used to the cold.so to let u know it doesn't matter the climate.
2007-03-14 14:34:38 · answer #3 · answered by corinthia 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, i looked into this about 20 years ago. I dont think much has changed since then
2007-03-14 14:31:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so and you are right they are very "cool" like artic cool and need to be in that habitat.
2007-03-14 14:20:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
well why do you ask that is it legal to have lion you cant have a wild animal wich includes artic now why would you ask that ?????????????
2007-03-14 14:22:39 · answer #6 · answered by =]] 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
probly not just cuz of the habitat they need.
2007-03-14 14:25:36 · answer #7 · answered by HEy, Its me!! 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋