Two captive-bred penguins from Nanjing Underwater World made headlines this week as they experienced their first snow outing at the historic Zhonghua Gate section of the Nanjing City Wall. Pingping and An'an, both members of a protected species, explored the winter wonderland under careful supervision on January 20, coinciding with the city's first significant snowfall of 2026.
The Humboldt penguins, native to South America but bred in Jiangsu Province, demonstrated natural curiosity in the 0°C weather that caretakers say mimics their preferred habitat conditions. "Controlled outdoor activities help maintain their physical and mental well-being," explained lead zoologist Dr. Li Wei, who accompanied the birds.
This carefully planned excursion highlights Nanjing Underwater World's conservation efforts while offering residents and visitors a unique wildlife encounter. The 600-year-old Ming Dynasty wall provided a striking backdrop for the penguins' snow exploration, blending cultural heritage with modern ecological education.
