- Released to public domain by A.Pingstone
The African Penguin is the only one of 17 penguin species that lives on the African continent and its offshore islands. This species has had several names: Jackass Penguins because their raucous squawks sound like the braying of a donkey; and Blackfooted Penguin, although its feet are black and gray. Endemic to Africa, the common name, African Penguin, describes them best. In Afrikaans the word for African Penguin is “brilpikkewyn” (pronounced bril as in brilliant-puh-kuh-vain) which means braying penguin.
Facts and Features
- Geographic Distribution
Southwestern coast of Africa in colonies on 24 islands between Namibia and Algoa Bay, South Africa. Mainland colonies near Cape Town, South Africa
- Amazing Facts
African Penguins are very efficient navigators. After months at sea they can find the way back to the nesting site where they were born or nested. Three African Penguins equipped with tracking devices and relocated, swam 1,287 km (800 miles) back to their home habitat in just one month.
- At the Aquarium
These birds live in colonies of at least 10 birds and we do not have enough space at this time to provide adequate habitat for them. This information about the lifestyle of African Penguins is provided because of public interest in these charismatic flightless birds.
