Help Marwell Wildlife raise £10,000 to fund a flow cannon for their penguin pool. The more they swim, the better they thrive.

Your swim helps to make it happen.

11th May - 28th June

Video credit: Marwell Zoo

What your swim will fund

Together, we’re aiming to raise at least £10,000 to install a flow cannon (a wave machine for penguins) at Marwell Zoo’s Penguin Cove.
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Why does that matter?

Because penguins are amazing swimmers, and they love flying through the water.
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A flow cannon will:

Enhance the penguins’ habitat and life experiences
Introduce an additional naturalistic feature inspired by ocean currents
Support natural swimming behaviours that contribute to strength and activity

Your lengths = their waves

The Challenge

Choose your challenge. Whether it’s your child’s first 50m or your own mile swim, there’s a challenge for everyone.

11th May – 28th June

Wherever works for you

Little Penguin Challenge

50m (with float)

Rockhopper Challenge

100m

Humboldt
Challenge

200m

Emperor
Challenge

1 Mile

How to take part

Step 1: Sign up (Free)

Complete our quick 2-minute sign up form. You’ll then receive in the post:

World of Swimming swim hat
Penguin Passport
Sticker pack
Guide to setting up your JustGiving fundraising page

Step 2: Start your swim

Complete your challenge at your own pace, at a location that suits you, whether during lessons or at your local pool.

Step 3: Make waves

Share your progress and raise money to unlock rewards.

Rewards

The more you raise, the closer we get to turning the waves on.

£30 Raised

1 Free child entry to Marwell Zoo Certificate
Pin Badge

£50 Raised

1 Free child entry to Marwell Zoo
Certificate
Pin Badge
Humboldt penguin plush toy

£100+ Raised

1 Free child entry to Marwell Zoo Certificate
Pin Badge
Humboldt Penguin plush toy
Adoption of a Humboldt penguin at Marwell Zoo
Name on the World of Swimming Adopters Board at Penguin Cove

The top five fundraisers will also receive an annual pass to Marwell Zoo and be invited, along with their direct family, to Marwell Zoo to watch the wave machine be switched on for the very first time.
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They’ll get to meet the penguin keepers, enjoy a day at the zoo and take home a penguin-themed goody bag.

Photo credit: Marwell Zoo

Why it matters

Humboldt penguins are built for life in the water. In the wild, they swim through ocean currents as they hunt and explore – using their flippers to glide.
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Taking part in this sponsored swim is about giving them more than just a pool. It’s about helping them improve muscle development, mental stimulation and positive life experiences.
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And with the help of the World of Swimming community, we can make it happen.

They love fish like ‍anchovies, herring and squid caught by diving underwater

They “porpoise” jumping in and
out of the water when excited

Penguins don’t have teeth,‍they use spiky tongues to‍grip slippery prey

Their black and white colouring‍ helps them hide in the ocean

Humboldt penguins have lived at Marwell Zoo since 2000

Sign up to the challenge

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

No — challenges are designed for all abilities.

Where do I complete my swim?

Anywhere — your local pool, lessons, or sessions.

Is there an entry fee?

No — it’s completely free to join.

How do I fundraise?

We’ll help you set up your page when you sign up.

World of Swimming is fundraising for penguins at Marwell Wildlife through the ‘Make
Waves for Marwell’s Penguins’ campaign. Registered Charity No. 275433 marwell.org.uk