Farnham penguin finds ‘guide bird’ in one of her friends

Image caption, Squid, an African penguin based at Birdworld in Farnham, Surrey, developed cataracts as a chick

By Daniel Sexton

BBC News, South East

A partially-sighted penguin at a bird park has found a “guide bird” in one of her friends.

Squid, an African penguin based at Birdworld in Farnham, Surrey, developed cataracts as a chick.

Her friend, named Penguin, steers Squid around their enclosure, helping when she gets disorientated at feeding time.

Polly Bramham, from Birdworld, said: “The two developed this friendship from a young age and she has learnt to follow him at feeding time.”

Image caption, The two became friends after struggling to fit into the group due to illness

Penguin was so ill at birth he was not expected to live so he was not named, and he did not join his group until later in life when he was better.

Ms Bramham said because he was so sick he had to be hand-reared and then “had to learn how to be a penguin”, so he struggled to fit in.

Eventually, he became friends with Squid and the two have been helping each other since.

“They aren’t yet mature but penguins do tend to pair for life,” she added.

“Whether they become a pair themselves, we will have to see but they are compatible as friends.”

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