Fair-weather Penguins Unlike their more distant penguin relatives that hail from cooler climes, such as the emperor or Gentoo penguins, the African penguin is the beachy type, as are its closest kin, the Galápagos, Magellanic, and Humboldt penguins. The African penguin is known to breed on 24 islands between Hollamsbird Island, Namibia, and Bird Island in Algoa Bay, South Africa. When they’re not breeding, the birds can be found across Africa’s southern shore, from Gabon to Mozambique. African penguins are usually monogamous and live in groups that can grow quite large. There are records of a colony that included 13,000 penguin pairs! Not only would a colony that size be enormous, it would also be amazingly noisy. “There have been several different African penguin ‘calls’ identified,” Kelly says. “There are ‘where are you?’ calls, a greeting call, and territorial warning calls.” She adds that one call—of the amorous variety—earned the African penguin one of its other common names: the jackass penguin. “It does sound like a donkey’s bray,” Kelly admits with a laugh.
Make Way for Penguins The ease with which the African penguin brothers took to their new home is due, at least in part, to the careful planning that preceded their arrival. Modifications were made to an old exhibit to provide the birds with the opportunity to thrive and dive. A water-filtration system was added, along with a shade structure and a water chiller so the penguins can swim in cool water at 55 degrees Fahrenheit. As nice as their digs are, there are much bigger things (and places) in the birds’ future. “This home for our penguins in the Children’s Zoo is actually a temporary home,” explains Dave Rimlinger, curator of birds at the Zoo. “They’ll be here for the next two-and-a-half years while we’re building our new, state-of-the-art exhibit, Penguin Beach, which will be part of a larger project called Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks.”
Wing flapping is believed to be a comfort behavior among African penguins.
Big brother and little brother are living in the Children’s Zoo while they await the completion of their new home, Penguin Beach, which is under construction as part of Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks.
are hoping that the inherent likeability of penguins, and awareness of their plight in the wild, will help secure a brighter future for the species. “African penguins are one of the most endangered penguins,” Dave explains. “Their total world population has declined by 60 percent over the last 28 years. These two penguins are just the beginning of a large flock that we hope to have to start breeding this species.” As animal ambassadors, the brothers
will play an important role in those plans. Through guest interactions, along with media and public appearances, the penguins will help spread the word about threats faced by their wild brethren, which include commercial fishing, human disturbance of habitat, and oil spills. In short, they will put a face—an expressive, adorable face—to conservation efforts. And that’s a face only everyone could love. You’ll be able to see those happy little penguin faces—and feet!—from your computer when the Zoo’s centennial website launches. Beginning April 15, you can march on over to sandiegozoo100.org and catch the boys in action via our new Penguin Cam! n
To support or learn more about the Zoo’s new Penguin Beach habitat and care center, please visit sandiegozoo.org/ penguins.
Aspiring Avian Ambassadors Along with reintroducing a perennially popular animal to wildlife lovers, the San Diego Zoo and other conservation organizations SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL
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