The ultimate wingman! Partially blind penguin makes ‘guide-bird’ friend who helps her find food
- The partially blind penguin named Squid relies on her friend Penguin to guide her
- Squid has cataracts and has difficulty seeing, but is rarely far away from Penguin
Penguins are known to be among the most social of all birds.
But a couple at a bird park in Surrey have developed an especially close friendship.
A partially blind penguin named Squid relies on her friend, named Penguin, to guide her around their home.
Squid has cataracts and has difficulty seeing, but is rarely far away from Penguin, especially at mealtimes.
“The intuitive behavior observed between Penguin and Squid has revealed a remarkable level of empathy and understanding, demonstrating the profound connections that can form across the animal kingdom,” said Polly Branham, Living Collections Manager at Birdworld.
Penguins are known for being one of the most social of all birds. But a couple at a bird park in Surrey have developed an especially close friendship. A partially blind penguin named Squid relies on her friend, named Penguin, to guide her around their home
From their early days as chicks, the close-knit duo wowed keepers with their remarkable relationship at Birdworld in Surrey.
Squid, who are often disoriented during busy feeding times, rely on Penguin’s unwavering calm.
By being close to the keepers, Penguin inadvertently became Squid’s beacon, guiding her around the enclosure and acting as her eyes.
Penguin’s journey began during the pandemic, when he was confronted with an unknown illness that required hands-on care from the Birdworld team.
This challenging start made him exceptionally timid, but he overcame these obstacles, grew stronger, and eventually integrated with the colony.
When Squid hatched, she displayed the typical lively and vocal characteristics of a penguin chick, despite developing cataracts at just six weeks old – a unique occurrence within her otherwise healthy family.
By being close to the keepers, Penguin inadvertently became Squid’s beacon, guiding her around the enclosure and acting as her eyes.
Having grown up within the colony, Squid honed her skills alongside her peers.
As she ventured out of the nest, Penguin also embraced his newfound power on the beach and learned the essence of being a penguin.
Their simultaneous explorations led to a remarkable relationship, with Squid’s daring perfectly complemented by Penguin’s patience, making them an inseparable duo.
Senior Penguin Goalkeeper Natalie Marshall said: “We didn’t expect Penguin and Squid to form such a close bond, and it’s clear that Penguin’s resilience has significantly influenced Squid’s self-confidence.”