Do any BYC members have a pet Penguin?

[BadScorpio]

I have always wanted a penguin since I was 8 years old (and read Mr Poppers Penguins). Now I'm 30 and I heard that a family in Japan had a pet penguin that goes to the market and returns with fish. (I guess it has a credit acount)

Anyway I have never found any information for keeping a penguin as a pet and was wondering if anybody has.

 

[Megan Amber]

No but a watched a really cute video on you tube! It was a penguin being tickled! Makes me laugh every time!

 

[punk-a-doodle]

You can...but the hoops are numerous. I only know of one heavily licensed individual who has some, but they run a USDA facility that is similar to a zoo. The aviary I worked at opted not to get any as they are expensive to buy, house, and feed, and have many requirements tha need to be met for their health.

 

[BadScorpio]

Thats what I thought. I was thinking of the south african penguins. They can tolerate some heat. Having a Emperor Penguin in Florida would be a logicistical nightmare.

 

[punk-a-doodle]

I think your absolute best bet would be to contact http://www.chasing-tail.com/tours.htm

I would look up care sheets from zoos and find out all you can first though. Here's an older one to get you started:
http://marineanimalwelfare.com/images/Penguin_HB.pdf
also:
http://nagonline.net/HUSBANDRY/Diets pdf/Penguin Nutrition.pdf

I'd also look into what you would need from the USDA. Your state should be easier to deal with from what I understand of Florida exotic laws.

Good luck!

 

[BadScorpio]

Thank you. Now I know what to do if I ever take a trip to Oregon.