Zoological park (zoo) is a type of ex-situ conservation in which wild animals are kept in captivity. Humboldt penguins are native to South America and the surrounding environment differs significantly at Jijamata Udyan (zoo) in Mumbai. In order to ensure that these penguins survive longer and are healthy they need to be acclimatised (adjust) to their new environment slowly. If they are not acclimatised or the facilities in the zoo where the penguins are kept are not optimal/ suitable, they may develop abnormal stress and exhibit unusual behaviours due to it. These penguins may also be more prone to contracting certain diseases, since they are suited to living in a particular climatic condition. The enclosure of these penguins consists of water pool, air handling units and a chiller system to maintain temperatures between 12 – 14°C, where the penguins were kept for around 8 to 10 days to get acclimatised to their new environment before allowing any visitors inside the zoo. Hence, Humboldt penguins need to be acclimatised to their new surroundings, when kept at a place away from their natural habitat.
