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Drama in the penguin pond Penguins are social animals that live in colonies. Like humans, they struggle with issues like stolen stones, finding a home and a complicated love life. Photos by Thor Håkonsen
W
ith their black and white plumage, penguins always look ready for a black tie event. The Gentoo penguins at the Bergen Aquarium are easily recognized by their white striped hair band stretching from eye to eye.
Gul/Rød is one of the penguins who live in the pond. For years she was madly in love with Ping Kong. Unfortunately, he was already in a relationship with Tessie Sonja. Eventually, a love triangle developed between the three. LOVE TRIANGLE The following season Ping Kong chose Gul/ Rød and was finally with the man of her dreams. However, the happiness didn’t last, and Ping Kong got into a relationship with Hansine. Gul/Rød was once again single and ready to mingle. And out of all the 30 pen-
guins in the pond, she chose to involve herself with her only son! The animal caretakers decided to take action to avoid inbreeding. In 2016, as many as 16 penguins were sent to live in the park Hangzhou in China. LOVE KNOWS NO GENDER As humans split up, so do penguins. Even female penguins can experience their man leaving them for another man. This happened when Pondus and Herman Piele fell in love and ditched their women.
Erna and danish Ninjago fell in love, and hopefully they will lay eggs this year. No two penguins are alike, and they all have different personalities and quirks. Pingeling is shy and mellow, Fløydis and Beffen are food fanatics, and Pingnocchio hates waiting and always tries to cut the line. Pingringen and Pingrid Alexandra is the “bitchy” couple living on the edge with the law, as they are very fond of stones and will always try to steal some from the other couples. ▗ So, if you love drama, cute penguins and want to learn more about their life in the pond, Bergen Aquarium is the place to be!
This meant that the aquarium now had six couples and two single girls, Erna (who is named after Norway’s prime minister) and Ulrikke. In hopes of finding love, six Danish penguins; four boys and two girls from Legoland moved into the pond in 2018.
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www.bergensentrum.no
