A penguin entering the water with a mouthful of sardine. (Seafish via SWNS)
By Olivia Stringer
Penguins at a wildlife park in Cornwall are tucking into sardines caught just 10 miles away by local fisherman after keepers ditched fish imported from Europe.
Paradise Park in Hayle was forced to feed penguins frozen sprats imported from the Netherlands in February 2026, after the park's local sardine supplier retired.
But when local fisherman Tom Lambourn visited the wildlife sanctuary and overheard a keeper say the penguins loved sardines, he saw a business opportunity.
Although sardine stocks in Peru and Chile, where Humboldt's penguins live in the wild, are depleting, Tom knew he would be able to get a regular supply from Cornwall.
Becky Waite, Head of Softbills at the park, during feeding time. (Seafish via SWNS)
Tom now supplies up to three metric tons of Cornish sardines a year — enough to feed the hungry penguins for the entire year.
Using Tom's sardines means they can get the fish when it's fresh, and it works out cheaper.
The park will also freeze some of the sardines, so they can use them out of season.
Tom said: "When I heard the penguins loved sardines but that the park thought they couldn't get them, I thought, 'Well, I might be able to help with that.'
"It's great to see a local catch being used locally, and even better knowing that the penguins are clearly very happy with the arrangement.
"They've got excellent taste!"
David Woolcock from Paradise Park, Tom Lambourn, skipper of the Lyonesse, with Gus Caslake from Seafish. (Seafish via SWNS)
There are currently 26 penguins at Paradise Park, including Spneb, who at 38 years old is believed to be the oldest Humboldt penguin in the world.
She celebrated her birthday recently, by enjoying her favorite dish — some Cornish sardines.
David Woolcock, curator at Paradise Park said: "We're delighted to be sourcing sardines locally for our penguins.
"It's a great example of how a simple conversation can lead to a really positive change.
"The sardines are caught just a short distance away and the penguins absolutely love them."
Becky Waite feeding the penguins with sardines at Paradise Park. (Seafish via SWNS)
Gus Caslake, Seafish industry engagement manager for southwest England and chair of the Cornish Sardine Management Association, said that sardines caught locally are sustainable and meet the highest quality standards, so they can be enjoyed by both humans and penguins.
He said: "This is a brilliant example of a local catch staying local, reducing the need to transport fish long distances and showcasing the quality of the Cornish sardine.
"Cornish sardines are Marine Stewardship Council certified, which verifies seafood has come from a fishery which meets strict environmental benchmarks and is fully traceable throughout the supply chain.
"With sardines being primarily for human consumption, this means people can be confident they are eating the highest quality, sustainable and healthy seafood from U.K. waters."