Portuguese 
Injured Humboldt Penguins in Chile Use Copper Fiber Vests to Speed Healing and Prevent Them from Pecking at Their Wounds During Rehabilitation.
The red vests were developed from measurements taken from animals at Buin Zoo, located near Santiago. The technique used on the penguins was based on prior tests conducted on dogs and cats.
Protection and Healing with Copper Fiber Vests for Penguins
The fabric acts as a physical barrier that prevents the birds from twisting their necks, pecking at injuries, or removing stitches. The vests keep the material in direct contact with the injured skin of the penguins.
The integrated copper and zinc in the microfibers inhibit the growth of fungi and bacteria. Additionally, zinc stimulates the formation of new blood vessels, a process that accelerates tissue recovery.
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Initial Results in Wound Treatment
The animals arrive at rehabilitation clinics with cuts caused by boat propellers, fishing nets, or weakened by lack of food. The vests aim to protect these injuries throughout the treatment.
The organization Conservación Humboldt, which rehabilitates marine animals in northern Chile, reported that the initial tests show a good tolerance of the birds to the clothing. Veterinarian Tomás Pino noted improvements in the wounds from one day to the next.
Population Decline and Impact of El Niño
The medical intervention occurs against a backdrop of vulnerability for the Humboldt penguin. Chile has the largest population of the species, but surveys in breeding colonies indicated a 63% decline in active nests between 2024 and 2025.
Threats include entanglement in fishing nets, plastic pollution, disease outbreaks, and competition for food with fishing. The warming of waters due to El Niño also complicates the locating of cold-water fish.
With food scarcity, parents are traveling longer distances and may abandon their nests. Ignacio Idalsoaga, the director of Buin Zoo, stated that this situation is likely to result in abandoned and injured chicks, which may use the clothing.
Source: Revista Galileu
