September 17, 2026, 12:30 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
Injured penguins in bright red bodysuits might initially look like an unusual costume. However, the stylish attire has a serious medical purpose. At the Conservación Humboldt rehabilitation center in Chile, specially designed protective suits are currently being developed. These suits are intended to cover open and stitched wounds of the penguins and prevent the animals from further pecking at their injuries. PETBOOK spoke with Tomás Pino Damke, president of Conservación Humboldt, and Adolfo Momares, director of Kimba, about initial experiences and insights from the project.
Penguins Can Worsen Their Own Wounds
Behind the small red swimsuits of the penguins lies a plausible reason, explains Tomás Pino Damke to PETBOOK: “The idea arose from the need to protect open and stitched wounds during the healing process, especially from injuries the animals can inflict on themselves during rehabilitation.” For these small birds, there is a risk that they might peck at their wounds. This not only disrupts the healing process but also increases the risk of infection.
Originally Developed for Dogs and Cats
The so-called CopperBody® comes from the Chilean company KimbaVet. The protective clothing was originally developed for dogs and cats, such as to aid recovery after surgeries, for wounds, or certain skin issues. “We were excited by this challenge and from that moment on, we brought our experience and resources into the development,” says Adolfo Momares. For him, innovation means “taking an existing solution and asking how it can be adapted to a completely different need.”
For the penguins, the suit had to be adapted to their body shape, movements, and the specific requirements of a wildlife station. It fits snugly but should not restrict movement like a rigid cover.
Copper and Zinc Are Embedded in the Fabric
According to the manufacturer Kimba, the material of the CopperBody® consists of about 65 percent cotton, 30 percent polyester, and 5 percent elastane. Additionally, copper and zinc are not only coated on the surface but also directly integrated into the yarn. This ensures that the antimicrobial properties of the fabric are not easily lost during washing.
Overall, the suit is designed to fulfill two tasks:
- It forms a physical barrier between the wound and the environment.
- The embedded technology helps limit the proliferation of microorganisms on the fabric.
However, the CopperBody® does not replace veterinary treatment! The penguins remain under the supervision of the rehabilitation team throughout its use. The suit is merely used as a supplement.
Does the Suit Bother the Penguins?
“In our initial investigations and movement tests, we found no signs of discomfort, movement restrictions, or damage to the feathers,” reports Tomás Pino Damke. The penguins moved with the CopperBody® and engaged in their usual activities. The team has not observed any attempts to pull at their own suit or that of a fellow penguin, bite off fabric parts, or swallow fibers.
The application takes place exclusively in the controlled environment of the rehabilitation center. There, the animals can be monitored and potential problems detected early.
Initial Experiences Are Positive
Several injured penguins have already worn the protective suit at the rescue center. Conservación Humboldt evaluates the experiences so far as encouraging. “One of the most important benefits we have observed is the effective protection of the wounds, especially from self-injury,” says Tomás Pino Damke. The suit keeps the affected area protected during recovery without significantly complicating the daily care of the animals.
How much the CopperBody® affects the actual wound healing or its duration is still unclear. As the next step, the team wants to gather more cases and systematically study the effects.
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Penguins Wear the Suit Only Temporarily
“The CopperBody® is not intended as permanent clothing but as a therapeutic aid during the healing phase of an injury,” emphasizes Tomás Pino Damke. How long a penguin must wear it depends on the type, extent, and course of the injury. According to Conservación Humboldt, the duration can range from a few days to several weeks. Once a day, the bodysuit is removed to check and treat the wounds. Additionally, the penguins are given the opportunity to groom their feathers naturally.
The Project Is Still in Testing
The red suits are already providing valuable practical experiences. Nevertheless, the organizers want to gather more data before considering adaptation for other wildlife species.
The project demonstrates how an idea originally developed for pets might also be used in wildlife rehabilitation. What seems cute at first glance is primarily intended to give injured penguins the peace their wounds need to heal.