Penguins enjoy wave machine after children fundraise

Penguins at a zoo are making a splash with their new wave machine after a fundraising campaign by local children.

The feature at Marwell Zoo, near Winchester, Hampshire, otherwise known as a flow cannon, was powered up on Saturday morning.

It was funded by children from World of Swimming across the region, who completed sponsored lengths and raised more than £15,000.

Ellie, 10, who raised £510 by swimming a mile, and was at the zoo for the official switch-on alongside other top fundraisers, said: "It was very fun, I did it in my free time, I'm glad I challenged myself."

She added: "I love penguins, they're so cute and can be so much fun. Also, I love swimming, so I thought it would be the perfect challenge for me."

The children raised £5,000 over their target.

Dan Garrick, who manages animals at the zoo, said the flow cannon creates strong currents underwater for the penguins to swim against, improving their physical and mental wellbeing.

"It will create a more dynamic, enriched experience for them when they go in the pool," he explained.

A colony of 13 endangered Humboldt penguins reside in Marwell Zoo's Penguin Cove.

More than 100 children between the ages of four and 11 took part in the challenge, swimming distances of 50m and above.

They raised a total of £15,631, plus £3,358 in Gift Aid.

The extra funds will be used to further improve the penguins' wellbeing.

Chris Rees, managing director of the swimming school based in Eastleigh, said it was "incredible" to see the penguins "having fun".