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African black-footed penguin (Spheniscus demersus)

African black-footed penguin
African black-footed penguinAfrican black-footed penguinAfrican black-footed penguinAfrican black-footed penguin

Personal Information
The African black-footed penguins live as a colony of about 30 individuals at the Seneca Park Zoo. They squabble, are very territorial and live with a lot of drama. Each penguin has its own personality; some are leaders, some followers, some aggressive and some docile. Both parents are involved in taking care of the young and they are excellent parents.

Status in the Wild
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status: Endangered. The greatest threats facing African black-footed penguins are oil spills, leaking tankers and over-fishing of the environment. The Seneca Park Zoo is one of the top breeding colonies in the country and participates in the Species Survival Plan for the African black-footed penguin.

Habitat
Coastal areas and seas off the southern tip of Africa, including islands.

Diet
The African black-footed penguin feeds only at sea, eating crustaceans, fish and squid.

How can you help African penguins?

An organization called SANCCOB was establishment in 1968. To date, they have treated more than 85 000 seabirds. Learn more about this organization by clicking here.

  • African black-footed penguins prefer warmer water between 40 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • These birds are flightless. Their wings, modified flippers, are used for swimming and diving up to 30-feet deep.
  • The call of an African black-footed penguin sounds almost like a donkey braying.
  • Penguin feathers are stiff and overlap in layers to trap air next to the skin, making their coat both wind and waterproof.