Researchers in Chile are giving endangered penguins a new look. But this isn’t a fashion statement. These penguins wear red vests designed to help injuries heal faster. Copper and zinc threading is the trick.
Chile is home to about 80% of the world’s remaining Humboldt penguins. The experiment comes as their population declines. Researchers at the University of Concepción estimate that in the last 35 years, Humboldt penguin numbers have dropped by more than half. From 2024 to 2025, they discovered a 63% drop in the flightless fowls’ breeding colonies.
The penguin population faces threats from plastic pollution, injuries caused by fishing nets, disease outbreaks, and competition with fisheries for food.
Weather pattern El Niño’s effects on parts of the Pacific contribute to the birds’ obstacles. The natural phenomenon happens when a lack of cooling wind lets surface water near the Equator grow warmer. As that warm water spreads over the ocean, it makes it harder for penguins to find cold-water fish—their main food source. Hungry penguin parents may leave their nests behind in search of food. This makes it almost impossible for their chicks to survive.
Clinics across Chile receive penguins with cuts from fishing nets and boat propellers. Other arrivals are weak from hunger.
Enter Tomás Pino and the red vests. Veterinarian Pino runs the Humboldt Conservation Center, a nonprofit in northern Chile. The group rehabilitates injured marine animals.
Pino says penguin injuries can be hard to treat. The birds have surprisingly long necks, which they can use to peck at injuries or stitches. The vests prevent that behavior. Copper and zinc in the fabric help fight infection and stimulate blood vessel formation. Together, these components help damaged tissue heal faster.
The penguins don’t seem bothered by the vests. And researchers observe that the penguins’ wounds improve each day with consistent vest-wearing.
This technology is new for penguins. But people have known about copper’s healing properties for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations used copper medicinally as early as 4000 B.C. Today, people use the mineral to ease arthritis pain, prevent infection, and reduce inflammation. Veterinarians have also found success using copper-laced suits for dogs and cats.
The vests may look adorable, but they serve a much bigger purpose too. Helping injured penguins heal gives the species greater opportunity to repopulate the rocky coastal shores of Peru and Chile.
Why? Ultimate healing comes from God, but we can help here on Earth.
Click the “video” button at the top of the page to watch a WORLDteen Sidebar about wildlife rescue workers who hold “boot camp” for baby raccoons.
