Range/Habitat: Southern most coasts of Africa. Breeds on in-shore islands. Feeds strictly at see, foraging regularly out 9 miles, rarely to 60 miles.

Description: All penguins are aquatic, that is they often are found in water, and are flightless. They are found in a variety of climates ranging from Antarctica to the warm Galapagos Islands located at the equator. There are eighteen species of penguins recognized in the world, the Black-footed Penguins are the only ones found in warm southern and southwestern Africa. The Black-footed Penguin is the only species indigenous to Africa, breeding on twenty-four offshore islands. Recently, breeding birds have established themselves on the mainland. They are fast, agile swimmers. While other birds swim by suing their feet, penguins sue three wings to propel themselves through the water. When the babies hatch they are already covered with thick feathers, which provide insulation and waterproofing. The Black-footed Penguin makes a loud donkey-like braying noise, earning them the nickname �Jackass penguin.� These penguins are among the least studied penguins and at this time little is known of the breeding habits of the Black-footed penguin. Their numbers have suffered serious reduction in the last three decades due to oil spills from tankers.
Henson Robinson Zoo has had great success breeding these penguins to help the Species Survival Plan (SSP) learn more about them and protect an endangered species.

Diet: Crustaceans & fish.

Black-footed Penguin Exhibit

Virtual Tour

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