If we’re being honest, many of us choose a pet based on how much attention and admiration it will receive. In the quest for the coolest pet ever, some people have turned to exotic animals. One particular hot topic these days is getting a penguin as a pet. Who wouldn’t want their very own Skipper or Kowalski to outshine the average pooch? But can you actually have a penguin as a pet in the US? Let’s find out.
The Legal Side of the Matter
We’ve all heard of Lala, the King penguin that went shopping for fish. He’s often the reason people consider getting a penguin as a pet. However, there are a few important things to note. Lala was a rescue, and he lived in Japan years ago.
But things are different in the United States.
1. Penguins are Classified as Exotic Animals
While owning an exotic animal is not automatically illegal, it does make the process of obtaining one legally more complicated. Some exotic animals can be kept as pets in the US if their owners provide the necessary conditions. However, having a penguin as a pet is not permitted in any country worldwide.
2. Penguins are an Endangered Species
Penguins have been hunted for food and fat, and their habitats have been destroyed by climate change and human activity. As a result, ten out of the eighteen known penguin species are currently endangered. To protect them from extinction, international laws regulate the trade of wild animals, including penguins.
This means that legally purchasing a penguin as a pet is not possible anywhere in the world.
The One Possible Way to Get a Penguin
If you own a zoo, there is a slim possibility of obtaining a penguin without facing legal consequences. However, you would need to prove that the penguin was born in captivity and that you can provide the proper environment, companionship, and healthcare for it. This includes having a bird and penguin expert as your on-site or on-call veterinarian.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Penguin
Let’s say you’re not just a random person wanting a pet penguin. Even if you run a zoo, getting these adorable creatures can quickly become a financial and logistical nightmare. It’s a common misconception that penguins only need some ice and cold weather, but that’s far from true.
Here are some important considerations:
#1. You Cannot Have Only One
Penguins are pack animals and require constant companionship to stay healthy and happy. So if you’re thinking about getting a penguin for your zoo, you should consider getting more than one. While ideally, penguins love being in groups of about twenty, starting with two or three is a good start. Just remember that penguins are monogamous, so if you get two, make sure to have one male and one female.
#2. You Will Need a Saltwater Swimming Pool
Penguins love swimming and playing in the water, so you’ll need a large saltwater pool for their enclosure. An average residential pool won’t suffice. Think along the lines of an Olympic-sized pool filled with cold saltwater. You’ll also need an industrial cleaning system to maintain the pool.
#3. You must Maintain a Stable Low Temperature in the Enclosure
Keeping penguins happy requires maintaining a temperature of 30 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Achieving this balance, especially in southern states, is not easy. Cooling devices and increased electricity bills will be necessary.
#4. You Will Have to Provide (A LOT OF) Fish
Penguins have a voracious appetite and consume around 500 lbs. of fish per year. They eat several times a day, so providing an ample food supply and proper nutrition is essential. This means regular fish purchases and making up for lost nutrients and minerals that they would get naturally.
#5. They Are Not the Cleanest Animals
Be prepared for a lot of cleaning. Penguins defecate frequently, so maintaining cleanliness in their enclosure can be challenging.
#6. They Are a Terrible Choice for a Petting Zoo
Despite their cute appearance, penguins are difficult to domesticate and are not considered affectionate towards humans or other species. They prefer to hide or make noise to keep others at bay.
So, How Much Does It Cost to Keep a Penguin?
One penguin can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $22,000, depending on species, age, and sex. Considering you need at least two, the initial expenses start at $2,000. Feeding a penguin costs around $1,000 per year, and providing suitable shelter and a pool adds additional expenses. Keeping a penguin as a pet is a significant investment, especially for small zoos on a tight budget.
If You Can’t Buy, Adopt
If you can’t have a penguin as a pet, you can still become a penguin sponsor through wildlife preservation organizations. While you won’t be able to take a penguin home, your support will help with conservation efforts and the well-being of penguins.
Depending on the organization you choose, you can support penguins in captivity or contribute to projects that preserve their habitats. Adoption often comes with benefits such as certificates, photos, educational materials, or even the opportunity to visit and meet the penguins.
Final Thoughts
The list of penguin adoption organizations goes beyond the ones mentioned here. If none of these options suit you, further research will help you find the perfect organization to support. While you can’t keep a penguin as a pet, you can find satisfaction in helping these lovable creatures and their preservation.