Gembira Loka Zoo's Penguins Preparing to Meet Visitors

Yogyakarta (Antara) - Six African penguins have arrived at Yogyakarta's Gembira Loka Zoo and are being prepared to meet the public. Head of Animal Care Division of Gembira Loka Zoo Miftah Nur Khasan said on Thursday that the six penguins, provided by the Singapore Zoo, are now quarantined as they adapt to their new living quarters. The penguins arrived at the Yogyakarta's famous zoo on Tuesday night, May 6. "These penguins receive special treatment. Foods that have fallen into the sand may not be given to the animals," Nur Khasan said. Meanwhile, Sri Rahayu, who was appointed as the penguins' caretaker, said the penguins need to adapt to Sri, describing himself as their new "nanny". "The first time I gave food to the penguins, only one or two came to me. Then, I had to be accompanied by their caretaker from Singapore Zoo, Prakash Sudandiran, who had taken care of those penguins," Sri Rahayu said. After several encounters, the African penguins, also known as the jackass or jackie penguin, became comfortable with her, Rahayu said. The penguin¿s food, such as capelin fish, are imported to Indonesia. "The penguins are fed three times a day, at 9 am, noon, and 4 pm," Rahayu said. Being a new caretaker for the penguins, Rahayu was told by the former caretaker, Prakash, not to wear any perfume to allow the penguins to become too attached to her. "The penguins recognize their caretaker from his or her sound, body odor or sweat. Thus, I am now working without using perfume," Sri Rahayu said. (*)