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African Black-Footed Penguin

SPHENISCUS DEMERSUS

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Spheniscus demersus
Class: Bird
Weight: 6 to 7 pounds
Life span: 10 to 11 years old
Conservation status: Endangered
Number of offspring: Two eggs at a time

About

I LIVE IN AFRICA

The African black-footed penguin is native to coastal regions and islands throughout southwestern Africa. Surprisingly, the climate there is very similar to that of Indiana, with warm summers and cold winters.


I AM A CARNIVORE

This warm weather-loving penguin is known to consume a range of aquatic species including various fish, squid, and small crustaceans.


AFRICAN BLACK-FOOTED PENGUINS ARE SOCIAL

African black-footed penguins are a very social species and will most often nest in large groups of 50 to 100 individuals. Penguins will often form pair bonds, and they will live and hunt with their pairs for as long as they are together.


ONE OF A KIND

Although there are other penguin subspecies that prefer warm and tropical climates, the African black-footed penguin is the only penguin species that is native to Africa.


HELPING AFRICAN BLACK-FOOTED PENGUINS IN THE WILD

The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo supports the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), a conservation organization based in Cape Town, South Africa, that assists with the rehabilitation of seabirds that have been exposed to pollution and natural disasters.


Conservation

Learn more about our efforts, our conservation partners around the world, and the simple steps you can take to contribute.

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