Antarctic Research

Zoo Zurich is the Swiss headquarters of the Antarctic Research Trust (ART). ART is a research organization dedicated to the long-term protection of penguins, albatrosses, and their habitats in Antarctica.

Using satellite transmitters and GPS dive loggers, researchers are studying the previously unknown migration patterns of penguins. This is helping us gain a better understanding of where the animals go in search of food, how deep they dive, and what they eat. Using this data, we advocate for the protection of regions and fish stocks that are important to penguins.

ART conducts its field research in collaboration with partners such as the British Antarctic Survey and Andrés Bello University. More than 100 articles based on this research have been published in scientific journals. The data collected is of great importance for the establishment of marine reserves and the development of action plans in the event of oil spills.

The ART has also purchased four uninhabited islands in the southern part of the Falkland Islands: Rum, Brandy, Whiskey, and Sea Lion Easterly. It has designated these islands as a strict nature reserve. On a fifth island, Hummock Island in the western part of the Falkland Islands, we have supported the construction of a research station.