Penguin Becomes ‘Guide Bird’ Companion For Zoo Pal Suffering with Cataracts: Waddle I do Without You?

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A penguin has become a ‘guide-bird’ for a fellow African Penguin with poor eyesight, escorting her around their enclosure to get food and build confidence.

The animal helper named ‘Penguin’ has bonded with ‘Squid’ the three-year-old that suffers from cataracts, a debilitating condition that clouds the lens of the eye.

Squid is often disoriented during busy feeding times and relies on Penguin’s “unwavering calmness”.

Penguin has become Squid’s beacon, guiding her around the enclosure and acting as her ‘eyes’.

The hand-reared birds are now inseparable—to the delight of their human keepers at Birdworld who are sharing their remarkable relationship.


“The intuitive behavior observed between Penguin and Squid has revealed a remarkable level of empathy and understanding, showcasing the profound connections that can form within the animal kingdom,” said Polly Branham a spokesperson for the aviary in Surrey, England.

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