Pairi Daiza welcomes 10 Rockhopper Penguins from Marineland, France
An international collaboration was launched after the unexpected closure of the marine animal park.
In April, 10 rockhopper penguins from Marineland—5 males and 5 females, aged between 1 and 12 years—will find a new home on the Pairi Daiza Penguin Rock.
The penguin population on the pinguin rock in Pairi Daiza will now grow to 62 birds. This habitat has been internationally recognized as a model environment, featuring natural light, playful elements such as a slide and snow, and a variety of ground materials to enhance the penguins’ well-being.
The Pairi Daiza Team is fully prepared to welcome these new arrivals. The six rockhopper penguins already residing in Pairi Daiza—just like the newly arrived ones—also come from Marineland. All 16 birds belong to the rare eastern subspecies from the sub-Antarctic regions of New Zealand, known by the Maori name "Tawaki piki toka".
Marineland closed on January 5, 2025 – An International Collaboration was established
Marineland, located in Antibes on the Côte d'Azur, France, was the largest dolphinarium in Europe. The park opened in 1970, spanning 26 hectares and housing more than 4,000 marine animals, including orcas, dolphins, sea lions, polar bears, and sharks.
In 2021, the French government passed a law banning cetacean shows starting in 2026. As a result, Marineland decided to permanently close its doors on January 5, 2025.
With the closure of Marineland, it became necessary to find new homes for the animals.
Thus, ten rockhopper penguins were transferred overnight to the internationally recognized Penguin Rock in Pairi Daiza, where they will settle into their new home in April.
The birds arrived on March 18 and are currently in quarantine behind the scenes.
"We have cared for these penguins since their birth, and it is with emotion that we see them leave. The caretakers and the veterinary team at Marineland have carefully and professionally prepared this journey, and we know that they will receive a warm welcome at Pairi Daiza."Damien Montay, Director of Animal Care, MARINELAND CÔTE D’AZUR
A Carefully Prepared Welcome for a Smooth Integration
Welcoming these new residents is a significant moment, where every detail matters. For their well-being and that of the other penguins, a quarantine period is mandatory.
Alicia Quiévy, Veterinarian at Pairi Daiza: "All biosafety measures have been strictly applied. For thirty days, the animals will remain in quarantine. Caretakers will only have access wearing specific clothing, gloves, and must pass through a disinfectant footbath. Upon arrival, the ten penguins will be thoroughly examined, weighed, and given a preventive antiparasitic treatment."
From the moment they arrive, caretakers and veterinarians closely monitor their health, while also carefully preparing their future integration into the colony. Step by step, they will get to know their new family and explore the large Penguin Rock.
Saioa Robayna Alfonso, Head of the Marine Mammal and Penguin Team at Pairi Daiza: "At the end of the quarantine period, we will prepare the integration of the ten new penguins with the existing individuals. First, an introduction will take place with the six rockhopper penguins already in the park, followed by their meeting with the gentoo and king penguins."
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The Penguin Rock: A Leading Eco-Habitat
In July 2021, Pairi Daiza opened the Penguin Cave to all visitors. Initially, due to COVID-19 restrictions, access was limited to guests of the Pairi Daiza Resort. Today, the Penguin Cave is considered one of the most advanced technical achievements in the park.
Pairi Daiza created "The Land of the Cold" to meet the needs of these penguins and other cold-adapted Arctic species, such as polar bears and walruses. This habitat replicates their natural cold environment, allowing visitors to observe these fascinating animals up close.
The Penguin Rock was designed and built to mimic the penguins' natural habitat and is home to three penguin species:
- King penguins,
- Gentoo penguins,
- Rockhopper penguins.
This climate-controlled space spans 850 m², featuring a 100 m² natural light dome and a saltwater pool that reaches up to 3 meters deep in some areas. It was specifically designed to meet the needs of these fragile and valuable animals, with a strong focus on sustainability.
The ambient temperature is kept at a constant 4°C on average, with a maximum absolute temperature of 7°C. This habitat is part of the energy exchange and recovery cycle of The Land of The Cold: the energy produced to cool the air is reused to heat the resort accommodations that offer views of the penguins.
The saltwater is continuously filtered to maintain optimal living conditions for the penguins. The facilities are designed to minimize water consumption by maximizing recycling, reducing the need for new water supplies, and contributing to the conservation of natural resources.
The fully immersive habitat—featuring artificial rock formations, water features, controlled temperatures, snowfall, and natural light exposure—allows the penguins to display their natural behaviors, such as swimming, diving, and social interactions, which are essential for their well-being.
For visitors and resort guests, the Penguin Rock provides a unique opportunity to observe these fascinating animals from multiple perspectives and learn more about their way of life and the challenges they face in the wild.
Additionally, the Penguin Bar, where guests can enjoy a cocktail with a view of these incredible animals, became a popular spot in the park.
There are currently 52 penguins living on the rock:
- 40 gentoo penguins.
- 6 king penguins,
- 6 rockhopper penguins.
With the 10 additional penguins from Marineland, the number of rockhopper penguins will increase to 16, bringing the total population to 62 individuals.
Johan Vreys