Lifespan15–20 years in the wild and up to 40 years in captivity
Quick facts
DietSardines, anchovies, gobies and herring
HabitatSea cliffs, shorelines, beaches and rocky offshore islands
RangeCoasts & islands of southern Africa
The African penguins
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Distinguishing factors
Like our fingerprints, each penguin's feather pattern is unique. The flecks across their white chests are a way to distinguish one penguin from another.
Each individual also has its own distinct calls. There are three different types of calls: a bray to attract a mate; the yell to defend their territory; and the haw, used by mates to locate each other.
You can tell if a penguin is angry by its body language too — chest puffed, wings back, beak forward and head bobbing.
Adapted to the weather
A suit of dense, waterproof feathers keeps them dry and warm when they dive in the cold waters off the African coast.
Look closely and you will see the penguins have a small pink gland above each eye. This feature helps them to cope with soaring temperatures in the day.
The glands take on a pinker appearance as the weather warms up. When a penguin gets hot, more blood is sent to these glands, where it is cooled by the surrounding air, thus keeping the bird cool.
Together, we protect wildlife
Competing for fish
African penguins love fish and so do we.
Humans and penguins are competing for food from the oceans but how can these petite birds win when they are up against large fishing trawlers with unsustainable fishing practices?
We can have our fish and help the penguin, too. Buy fish from sustainable sources.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Without a roof over their heads
These penguins burrow in guano (sea birds’ droppings) but guano collection for use as fertiliser has taken the roof off their nests.
Left at the mercy of the weather, heat stress and rainstorms force some birds to abandon their nests. Their eggs and chicks become open targets for gulls and wild cats.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Oil spill
In 2000, an oil spill affected 21,500 penguins. We sent two keepers and a vet to aid in the rescue mission.
About 500 birds had to be cleaned a day and all oil and detergent removed before their release.
Over 90% of the oiled birds were saved, when usually only 50% of birds affected in a spill survive.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
Plummeting populations
Besides oil spills and overfishing, the penguins also have to contend with predation from fur seals and sharks.
Despite efforts to protect them, their population continues to plummet. In 2024, the IUCN reclassified them from endangered to critically endangered.
The IUCN Status
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is widely recognized as the most comprehensive, objective global approach for evaluating the conservation status of plant and animal species.
DD
Data Deficient
Unknown risk of extinction
LC
Least Concern
At relatively low risk of extinction
NT
Near Threatened
Likely to become vulnerable in the near future
VU
Vulnerable
At high risk of extinction in the wild
EN
Endangered
At very high risk of extinction in the wild
CR
Critically Endangered
At extremely high risk of extinction in the wild
EW
Extinct in the Wild
Survives only in captivity
EX
Extinct
No surviving individuals in the wild or in captivity
Adopt an Animal
Bella
African Penguin
Bella is a curious penguin whose affectionate nature endears her to many.
She loves to explore new ground by foot and occasionally when her keepers feel like spoiling her, they pull her around on a wagon.
