Humboldt Penguins
This penguin species is native to the warm climate of South America, but it is named after the chilly Humboldt Current in which it swims. We are home to a colony of both male and female Humboldt penguins, including several juveniles.
A tiny athlete
Humboldt penguins show their athleticism in their swimming, diving, and ability to navigate rocky cliffs. To keep cool in the hottest months, Humboldt penguins expel heat through the pink, featherless patches near their eyes and bill. While they are skilled in the water, Humboldts will travel long distances over land to seek out new foraging spots.
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable (at high risk of extinction in the wild)
- Type: Bird
- Habitat: Shores of Peru and Chile
- Diet: Carnivore – fish
- Size: 22 to 28 inches
- Weight: 8 to 13 pounds
facts about our animals
Fun Facts about Humboldt Penguins
Humboldt penguins make their nests in guano (fecal) deposits.
They have sharp claws on their webbed feet to help them climb rocks.
This social species is very vocal, producing braying and honking noises.
Because of the warm weather year-round in their native territory, these penguins do not migrate.
Each penguin has a different voice so they can be recognized.
Humboldt penguins can be identified by the unique black marks on their bellies, like fingerprints.
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