In Chile, injured penguins sport copper vests to help them heal
Summary
Researchers in Chile have created special red vests with copper and zinc threads to help injured Humboldt penguins heal faster. These vests stop the penguins from harming their wounds and use the metals’ healing properties to speed up recovery.Key Facts
- The vests contain copper and zinc, which help stop bacteria and fungi and promote faster healing.
- Copper is a major metal produced in Chile.
- The technology was first used to help injured dogs and cats before being adapted for penguins.
- Humboldt penguins in Chile are facing a sharp population drop, with a 63% decrease in active nests recently.
- Threats to penguins include fishing nets, plastic pollution, disease, lack of food, and warm waters from El Nino weather patterns.
- Injured penguins tend to peck their wounds, which can slow healing; the vests prevent this.
- Early results show penguins wear the vests well and their wounds improve quickly.
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