Japanese zoo makes obese penguins go on power walks

Tokyo: It's like March of the Penguins up close and personal. Keepers at the Asahiyama Zoo in Japan usher the birds out twice a day at 11 am and 2.30 pm during the months of December to March, to make sure the birds don't pile on the pounds.

March of the penguins: The walk is designed to keep the penguins fit and healthy and fend off obesity during the winter, when the birds tend to be less active and, therefore, accumulate more fat. File Pics/Getty Images

The walk is designed to keep the penguins fit and healthy and fend off obesity during the winter months, when the birds tend to be less active and accumulate more fat.

The Penguin Walk has now become a world-renowned attraction, with tourists flocking to the zoo to witness the extraordinary event.

The walk, according to the zoo, is done at a ‘penguin's pace,' which means it takes about 40 minutes.

The chubby penguins can only be walked during the winter months, because without the snow, the normal concrete paths of the zoo would damage their feet.

>> Keepers at Asahiyama Zoo usher the birds out twice a day
>> Routine designed to keep the birds fighting fit during the winter
>> Has become very popular with tourists

18 kg
Average weight of the penguins at the zoo

March 14
The date till which the penguins will be made to walk