As El Niño intensifies, scientists in Chile are making a vulnerable penguin species wear copper vests, here's why

El Niño is wreaking havoc not only on humans and the climate, but also animals. From ferocious tigers to little waddling penguins, everyone has been bearing their souls with the heightening heat that remains undefeated and overpowering. Amidst this, researchers in Chile have designed an unlikely new garment for injured penguins, snug red vests threaded with copper and zinc that they hope will help the aquatic birds heal faster, according to a report by US News & World Report.In the past, veterinarians have tried the same with injured dogs and cats and found success. Now, they are trying out the technology on Humboldt penguins in Chile, home to the largest concentration of the vulnerable species. “For years, vests with microfibers containing elements like copper and zinc have been tested on pets, particularly dogs and cats, and have greatly helped in the recovery of skin wounds,” said Ignacio Idalsoaga, director of the Buin Zoo, a wildlife park on the outskirts of Chile’s capital, Santiago, where researchers took measurements of penguins to develop the first bodysuits.“We began to wonder — why can't this be used on penguins?" he told The Associated Press from the zoo on Wednesda...