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