African penguin Spheniscus demersus
Sharp dresser.
The African penguin lives along the coasts of Namibia and South Africa, in the sea, on sandy shores and among rocks.
The African penguin in a nutshell
- eats
- fish, lobster, squid
- inhabits
- the coasts of Namibia and South Africa
- excels at
- long-distance swimming
Like a duck to water
African penguins have a strong beak and rough tongue that enable them to grip their slippery prey securely. They dive to depths of six to 20 metres to find food, and their heavy bones help them to sink through the water. The penguins can hold their breath for minutes at a time while diving, thanks to the reduced oxygen consumption in their bodies. However, they also consume a great deal of energy compensating for the loss of body heat to the cold seawater, and must therefore eat a lot every day; approximately 400 to 1000 g of fish.
Strict rituals
African penguins communicate with each other by uttering a distinctive call that can often be heard at ARTIS. While breeding, the male performs a courtship ritual, and takes the initiative in searching for a nesting site and approaching a female. When the female's head vibrates in response to the male’s overtures, mating follows. The male then makes a nest in a rock hole, where the female lays two eggs. Both parents take turns brooding. A penguin pair often stays together for years.
Wings
The small, narrow wings of penguins are unable to support their heavy bodies in flight, so they cannot fly. However, their movement underwater resembles flight, and they ‘fly’ through the water at speeds of up to 20 kilometres per hour.
Support from ARTIS
ARTIS supports the conservation organisation SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds), which works to protect endangered birds such as the African penguin, and reintroduce them to the coastal region of southern Africa. Since it was established in 1968, the organisation has saved more than 100,000 seabirds.
have adopted the African penguin.