Are penguins good pets? Seriously?
Did you know penguins, which are birds from the polar regions, can be pets? Yes.
Here’s why!
Penguins don’t have to live in a cold environment to survive. There are different types of penguins, some of which can live comfortably in mild temperatures and can, therefore, be kept as pets.
However, since penguins are an endangered species, it requires a lot of red tapes to obtain and to own one as a pet.
In many countries and states, it is illegal to trade penguins; the penalties for such actions are stiff.
If you want to know more about these penalties, you can find them listed on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website.
The legal way to own a penguin as a pet is through proper licensing that comes with the condition of breeding it in captivity which, of course, is a zoo.
So, which penguins can be kept as pets?
Four types of penguins fit the bill:
- Fairy penguins
- Wingless fairy penguins
- Emperor penguins
- African penguins
1. Fairy Penguins as Pets
These penguins weigh about three pounds and stand about a foot tall. They are swimming birds and use flippers to propel themselves through the water.
Fairy penguins have a lifespan of about eight years. Their main diet is squid and fish.
2. Wingless Fairy Penguins as Pets
Wingless penguins are similar to fairy penguins except they cannot fly. Since they do not have flippers, they do not spend much time in the water.
3. Emperor Penguins as Pets
These penguins are taller than fairy penguins and stand about five feet tall. They are heavier and can weigh anywhere from 50 to 125 pounds. They have a longer lifespan than the fairy penguins and can live for about 20 years.
However, they do require a specialized, cold environment of about -40 degrees.
4. African Penguins as Pets
The African penguin is the rarest of all and but can also be kept as a pet. This bird is known to live in the rocks and burrows and feeds on fish.
Each of these penguins needs different environmental conditions for survival. But the crucial thing is all these penguins need a cold environment, a constant supply of water, and freshwater fish. The environment should be regulated so no extreme variations in temperatures occur.
If you are considering getting a penguin, you will need to invest in good natural habitat. This will cost around 5,000-$10,000. Also, penguins live longer when they have company. Therefore, you should plan on having more than one. A single penguin will cost about $1000.
But, the question remains: is it is possible to keep a penguin as a pet? The answer? Owning a penguin as a pet is possible if you can meet the conditions.
- Apply for a license to own one.
- Consider the costs.
It is expensive to acquire a penguin, and it costs a lot of money to keep and maintain a penguin. You will need to maintain their environment and to supply them with lots of fish. In addition to that, you must have lots of patience, because penguins are not as cuddly as one might think.
The best thing option is to adopt a penguin by paying for one that is kept in a good environment. Your penguin will be tagged or marked for you to be able to identify it quickly. You can go to the place anytime you want and be able to play and pet with your penguin.
You now know the right procedure to follow in case you are interested in keeping penguins as pets.