- by Christina Ng (through ABC News) - Oct 20, 2011
[Darling photo - wish I could post that but be sure to clink on the link above].
A yarn store in New Zealand is making an unusual request that is pulling at the heart-strings of the world--they are asking people to sew knit sweaters for penguins affected by the country's oil spill.
The ``penguin jumpers'' are intended to keep the birds warm until they are well enough to be scrubbed down and to prevent them from consuming oil on their feathers while preening.
The yarn store is called Skeinz and is located in Napier, New Zealand. They posted the request along with instructions and patterns on their website and have already received a ``deluge'' of jumpers.
``It's really precious and overwhelming,'' the store posted on its blog along with photos of piles of penguin sweaters.
On Oct. 5, a cargo ship ran aground in New Zealand, pouring 350 tons of oil into the ocean. The accident has been regarded as the country's worst environmental disaster in decades.
More than 1,000 sea birds have already died as a result of the spill, including birds from the country's native blue penguin population.
Oil can be extremely harmful to penguins, whose feathers are very different from other birds. They have very dense and tiny feathers of different lengths that stick onto them like Velcro, creating a waterproof pseudo-wetsuit.
``Basically, when you get even a drop of oil on these birds, it opens up a channel so water can penetrate,'' Kevin McGowan of the Cornell University Lab of Ornithology told ABCNews.com. ``It's like a hole in their wetsuit.''
McGowan said the sweaters could be the equivalent of the plastic cones sometimes put on dogs to prevent them from scratching stitches after surgery or poking at head injuries.
``When they're wet, the cold can penetrate, especially in water,'' McGowan said. ``You don't want anything to penetrate through that wetsuit armor and oil is a pretty bad thing.''
Specifications and instructions for the penguin PJ's can be found on the Skeinz website as well as the address where penguin-loving knitters can send them. -
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penguingirl
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So cute!
I need to learn how to knit again! Poor little penguins shivering from the oil spill!
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penguingirl
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My mother is an avid knitter.
However she does not share the same passion for penguins.
She thinks I need to grow up (I still have a stuffed penguin on my bed).
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Keebler
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- There are people who make their careers all about penguins. Who knows, you might, too. There are numerous ways to do that. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I think this sounds like a great hobby for those stuck at home - I support you, penguingirl, in this worthy endeavor! And anyone else too -
My sisters took a trip to New Zealand and posed with the penguins - they're kinda small - I mean the penguins, and real cute - well, my sisters are cute too -
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Keebler
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- PenguinGirl,
If you are drawn to become some kind of scientist who studies and works with penguins, don't give up on that. But, also remember that not everyone who works with penguins has a Ph.D.
When you are up to it you might ask for some informational interviews with those who work in the areas attractive to you - just to explore all the possible options.
I'd start with any college programs and just ask to talk to professors. Usually, they are thrilled to do this.
Can you sketch, draw or paint? Would you like to learn?
Would enjoy doing some kind of visual art, using a still or "movie" camera. You might do a "film shorts" of some kind. If so, talk to the art / media professors, too.
Even if the zoo (or would that be the Boston Aquarium?) only lets tall people into the penguin areas, there may be other ways you could add your enthusiasm and delightful charms to their volunteer crew.
What about becoming a tour guide or educational out-reach of some kind? Is there a Speakers' Bureau for Penguins?
The Audubon Society and the Sierra Club may also have some volunteer opportunities for you and who knows what might come from that?
Boston University has a graduate program in Public Relations. Talk to them. Maybe just sit in on a lecture.
Now, I know that any of this might be too much right now. And it may be far beyond what you had in mind but as you did apply to help out in the penguin area, my guess is that your fascination with these creatures goes far beyond stuffed animals.
See where that takes you and if one door closes, sneak through another. Even if one video lecture at at time.
TED site, search for "penguins" gathered 8 results -
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penguingirl
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Hi Keebler -
Yes right now is too much but I appreciate your links and ideas.
I actually am pretty good with drawing.. was contemplating going to RISD instead of music school but had decided to go the music route (like over 10 years ago).
Anyway I have thought hard about doing the penguin drawing thing - trying to see if anyone would even buy something that is a drawing. I think most people like products like T-shirts, keychains, etc.. cute things like that with penguins on it.. not so much for artwork.
So if I can partner up with some retailer to use my artwork on their products maybe there is a chance. I was thinking maybe some baby/kids store.
I would want to do this all for fun on the side to see how things go - that way no pressure for income.
I really like drawing but has been too hard for my hands now (they stiffen up easily) but I think that is the route I would go..
I looked at how to knit that penguin sweater but it didn't seem too clear - (for a non-knitter). I think I need to go to a yarn store and bring those instructions and see if they have something to show me with more detail..
At least one will not need to purchase much wool yarn to make one penguin outfit!
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posted
Could make for quite an image there if people go ahead and knit penguin sweaters:
"Over here, we have the camouflaged penguins in their knitted black-and-white sweaters,
and this section here is the fashion section, strutting about in all their glamourous multi-bright colors. Can't miss spotting these penguins...!"
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merrygirl
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I wish I could knit!!!
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