African penguin

Spheniscus demersus

Habitat: Rocky coastlines

Range: Southwestern coast of Africa, living on 24 islands between Namibia and Algoa Bay. The largest colony exists on Dyer Island.

Meet the newest, fluffiest member of the Animal Outreach team, an African penguin chick! The small, male chick hatched on Jan. 13 at the Fort Worth Zoo under the care of the bird department. Staff will monitor the growth and development of the hatchling, making sure he gains weight, stays hydrated and develops juvenile feathers. Once he moves to the Outreach department, keepers will begin training him, going off of his natural behaviors like head shaking and braying vocalizations.

African penguins, also known as black-footed penguins, are native to warmer climates, living on coastlines where they can easily dive for food sources like fish, squid and crustaceans. The African penguin can be distinguished from other species by a black back, a white belly with a black chin and face patch separated from its head by a broad white band. The new male chick is covered in soft silver plumage, but will develop his adult feathers at about one year old.

Zoo location: Behind-the-Scenes Penguin Tour