Penguin sweaters, also known as penguin jumpers [1] are sweaters which are knitted for penguins that are caught in oil slicks.[2] When an oil spill affects penguins they are dressed in knitted sweaters to stop them preening their feathers and to keep them warm, since the spilled oil destroys their natural oils. This prevents them poisoning themselves by ingesting the oil.[3] The sweaters are removed and discarded as soon as the penguins can be washed.
A similar penguin wetsuit has been made for a penguin who lost his feathers.[4]
Similar garments are being made for battery chicken rehabilitation.[5]
References
- ^ "Woolly Jumpers for Oiled Penguins". BBC. 16 February 3--7. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/wear/6367787.stm. Retrieved 17 July 2009.
- ^ Hartman, Holly. "Penguin sweaters: Cozy tops give small birds a chance". http://www.factmonster.com/spot/penguinsweater.html. Retrieved 2008-04-25.
- ^ "Penguin jumpers mercy flight". http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/1809573.stm. Retrieved 2008-04-25.
- ^ BBC video
- ^ Leslie, Robert. "In from the cold: chilly chickens given a winter warmer" (BBC article with video links). http://www.bbc.co.uk/kent/content/articles/2008/01/29/chickens_video_feature.shtml. Retrieved 2008-11-23.
External links
- Lyrics to the James Gordon song, Sweaters for Penguins [1]
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