Japanese Aquarium Penguins Refuse to Feed on Cheaper Fish

In a Japanese aquarium, an employee waves a mackerel near a penguin to feed the flightless birds. However, the penguin gave no reaction. The employee then proceeds to move the fish closer to the penguin's beak but the penguin just turns away haughtily. The otter that took a sniff of the fish runs away.

"Aji" or Nothing

Inflation and rising prices have necessitated a change in diet for the otters and penguins at the Hakone-en Aquarium in Japan, an hour's drive southwest of Tokyo, and the animals are not pleased about it.

In the past, the aquarium fed penguins and otters Japanese horse mackerel, or "aji," which the animals readily consumed.

The aquarium, however, which is home to 32,000 animals, including seals and sharks, was not exempt from the economic problems afflicting many national and international economies. According to the aquarium, the cost of aji has increased by 20% to 30% since last year.

As a result, in May, the aquarium switched to "saba," or mackerel, which was less expensive. 

The aquarium staff has had to get creative to get the animals to eat because it hasn't been well received; for example, the otters and penguins seem more willing to eat the mackerel when mixed with their favorite aji.

Cost Cutting

Hiroki Shimamoto, the aquarium keeper of the Hakone-en Aquarium, says that The penguins and otters are patiently consuming mackerel even though they would prefer to have a full serving of aji.

The aquarium is also saving money by switching from two to one circulation pump, which has reduced its electricity bill by 40% to 50%.

Shimamoto claims that while the administration could raise the aquarium's admission price to address this problem, they would rather continue to make every effort to maintain a welcoming environment for visitors. They have no plans to increase the cost of admission.

According to the aquarium, penguins and otters have preferred fish species, and the aquarium does its best to meet their needs.

The aquarium keeper further explains that all of the animals at the aquarium are family and that they are doing their best to keep them healthy. Shimamoto says that they would never force any animal to eat what they don't want. We would like to have as many people as possible come and visit Hakone and enjoy viewing the animals.

Read also: Throwback: Dindim the Penguin Travels 5,000 Miles Every Year to Visit His Rescuer in Brazil 

Penguins and Aji

Penguins are piscivorous, which means their primary source of nourishment is crustaceans, squid, and fish. The vitamin, fatty acid, and carbohydrate content of these food sources vary. Fish quality is among the most crucial considerations when feeding piscivorous birds. Even though one fish species has occasionally been fed for a lifetime, it is advised to feed a variety of fish species. The fish shouldn't be malnourished; rather, it should be in good condition. 

According to MSD Veterinary Manual, supplements like vitamins A, D, B1, and E are frequently given to penguins kept in captivity. The quality and composition of the primary diet determine the requirement for these and the quantity that must be supplemented.

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