Injured Penguins Sport Copper Vests to Help Them Heal
The copper and zinc vests aim to stop penguins from pecking wounds and help damaged tissue heal faster, veterinarians said.
- Researchers in Chile have designed snug vests threaded with copper and zinc to help injured Humboldt penguins heal faster, with initial measurements taken at the Buin Zoo near Santiago.
- The Humboldt penguin population in Chile declined 63% between 2024 and 2025, as birds face mounting threats from fishing nets, plastic pollution, and warming Pacific Ocean waters.
- Putting copper—of which Chile is the world's top producer—and zinc to work as a salve, the vests also prevent penguins from pecking at their own stitches while inhibiting bacteria.
- Veterinarian Tom Pino reported that the birds tolerate the garments well, noting, "We noticed that from one day to the next, the wounds were in better condition with the vest."
- Director Ignacio Idalsoaga of the Buin Zoo warned that environmental problems will likely cause many abandoned chicks to suffer injuries in the coming weeks, requiring effective treatment.
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In Chile, injured penguins sport copper vests to help them heal - WXXV News 25
By MAURICIO CUEVAS SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) — Researchers in Chile have designed an unlikely new garment for injured penguins — snug red vests threaded with copper and zinc that they hope will help the aquatic birds heal faster. Veterinarians have found success in the past using such suits to treat injured dogs and cats. Now they’re trying out the technology on Humboldt penguins...
Injured Penguins Here Wear Tiny Vests to Heal
Researchers in Chile have designed an unlikely new garment for injured penguins: snug red vests threaded with copper and zinc that they hope will help the aquatic birds heal faster. Veterinarians have found previous success using such suits to treat injured dogs and cats. Now they're trying out the tech...
The substance appears inconspicuous, but microscopic metal particles are found in its fibres. Red swimsuits are intended to protect against infections and promote the healing of endangered Humboldt penguins.
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