10 King and 10 Gentoo Penguins imported from Texas are now living at Ski Dubai – an indoor ski slope in the desert! It's bizarre enough that Dubai has an indoor ski slope despite outdoor summer temperatures averaging at over 40 degrees Celsius, but now a colony of penguins has taken up residence at this popular tourist attraction. Ten King Penguins listed as "least threatened" on the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species, and ten Gentoo Penguins which are "near threatened" were relocated from Seaworld in Texas, where a penguin breeding program has been underway for several years. Ski Dubai insists the animals are treated like royalty and are there to raise awareness, but animals rights activists are already criticizing at the move.
Penguins imported from Texas are now living at Ski Dubai – an indoor ski slope in the desert! 10 King and 10 Gentoo are living at the Dubai attraction.
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It's bizarre enough that Dubai has an indoor ski slope despite outdoor summer temperatures averaging at over 40 degrees Celsius, but now a colony of penguins has taken up residence at this popular tourist attraction. Ten King Penguins listed as "least threatened" on the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species, and ten Gentoo Penguins which are "near threatened" were relocated from Seaworld in Texas, where a penguin breeding program has been underway for several years. Ski Dubai insists the animals are treated like royalty and are there to raise awareness, but animals rights activists are already criticizing at the move.
The National reports that the penguins were brought to Ski Dubai so that guests can interact with them, and that they have been set up with luxury accommodation.
"Ski Dubai has specifically built a housing area and pool at the resort to mimic an Antarctic environment. A staff of 13, including a penguin curator in charge of the well-being of the birds, was brought in from different parts of the world," according to the paper.
Photo of King Penguins via Shutterstock
Article continues: http://www.greenprophet.com/2012/02/20-penguins-ski-dubai
