Fri April 25, 2008

SAN LEANDRO - Oceanic is proud to announce their latest success story: Pierre the Penguin's Custom Wetsuit. Working closely with the Steinhart Aquarium's Senior Aquatic Biologist, Pam Schaller, Oceanic has manufactured a wetsuit fitted for a South African penguin named Pierre.

Schaller contacted Oceanic with a unique request in early February asking if it would be possible to create a wetsuit for the Steinhart Aquarium's 25 year old alpha-male Penguin, Pierre. He was having a difficult time re-growing his waterproof feathers which are vital to maintaining their core body temperature. With the life expectancy of these penguins at 20 years, something had to be done quickly.

Oceanic was excited at the opportunity to participate in this project, and donated the material and expertise required. With the help of the company's very talented Senior Sample Maker, Lok Ho, and Marketing Specialist, Teo Tertel, prototypes of the wetsuit were designed and fitted onto Pierre in a few weeks time. Initial concepts of the wetsuit included an Oceanic logo across the chest while another concept included a tuxedo design. After discussing these concepts with Schaller, Oceanic felt it was in Pierre's best interest not to have any "unnatural" designs placed on the wetsuit. Concerns over fellow penguins attacking and biting Pierre due to “unnatural” designs were taken into consideration as Oceanic moved forward with an all-black 3/2mm Neoprene wetsuit.

The final product was delivered to this lucky penguin for his 25th birthday. Factors such as expansion and contraction in the areas around the neck and waistline played an important role in the wetsuit's design. Known for having a 2 lb. fluctuation in weight in a few weeks time, specially designed Velcro seals were used in the construction of the wetsuit so that Pierre could have sizing adjustments. While wearing the wetsuit, he would have a thin layer of warm water between the Neoprene and his body to stabilize his core temperature and trigger the re-growth of his waterproof feathers.

After six weeks of wearing the specially designed wetsuit, Pierre has gained weight and grown back his feathers. He no longer needs to wear the wetsuit with every swim and is free to go about living a normal Penguin life again. Oceanic wishes Pierre the best of luck.

Should you have any questions, please contact our Marketing Department at (800) 435 - 3483 ext. 447 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Pacific Time, or by sending an Email to ttertel@oceanicusa.com, or by writing to Oceanic Worldwide, 2002 Davis Street, San Leandro, CA 94577, USA; ATTN: TEO TERTEL.