The African penguin is a species that gained its name due to being found in several locations along the coasts of South Africa and Namibia. Like other penguins it is a flightless bird and an excellent swimmer. The African penguin is particularly popular with tourists and a key attraction at many zoos throughout the UK.
African penguins will gather in colonies and they are a monogamous species, which means that once they have selected a partner they are likely to stay with that partner for life and return together to the same mating site each year. Baby African penguins (chicks) will fledge at 60-130 days depending on the environment and abundance of food. Once they’ve fledged they will venture to sea on their own. After 1-2 years they will then return to their colony.
Unlike other types of penguin this species doesn’t live in cold climates.
The African penguin is one of the most recognisable species of penguin for most of us. With their distinct ‘tuxedo-like’ appearance they have a black coat with a large white patch across on their front. They have a black face and beak with notable white curves around each side of the head. Their body is streamlined and they have pink patches of skin above the eyes.
Adult penguins will weigh an average of 2.2–3.5 kg and are 60–70 cm tall.
They can be found along African coast lines. Currently their breeding is generally restricted to 24 islands that range from Algoa bay in South Africa to Namibia.
The scientific name for the African penguin is Spheniscus demersus.
The preferred habitat of the African penguin is often steep & rocky sites with little vegetation or flat sandy areas.
This species has adapted well to its environment. Their thick coat has overlapping feathers that support waterproofing, insulation and wind resistance which helps when navigating life between the land and sea. Their body is also designed to make them great swimmers with a streamlined frame and modified wings that resemble flippers.
The diet of the African penguin consists mostly of fish and squid. They will also eat pelagic fish such as anchovies and sardines.
Like other penguin eggs, the egg of the African penguin is both small and delicate. The incubation of the egg lasts for around 40 days in which time each parent will take turns on guard for about one month.
A baby penguin is called a chick.
African penguins in the wild can live to between 10-25 years old, and animals in captivity can reach 30.
The African penguin is classified as an Endangered species. Unfortunately the once thriving population is decreasing at a rapid pace due to a combination of threats. Populations have decreased by around 95% since the pre-industrial era.
On land there are a number of animals that might target the African penguin or its chicks, including: Mongooses, caracals, kelp gulls and more. At sea they can find themselves targeted by sharks and fur seals.
Want to get up close and personal with the Paradise Wildlife Park penguins? Book a penguin feeding experience today and enjoy our penguins for yourself! Or adopt an African penguin today to support the conservation of our animals.
