Posted: 01/18/2013
Last Updated: 22 hours and 32 minutes ago
Last Updated: 22 hours and 32 minutes ago
At Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium, the black footed penguins are
one of the most popular animal attractions. Guests of all ages are able
to enjoy viewing the penguins both above and below the water line,
watching as the waddling penguins become graceful swimmers as they dive
and plunge through the clear water.
A native of the southern
coast of Africa, the black footed penguin is one of seventeen species of
penguins spread across the southern hemisphere. The black footed
penguin is unique in its variety of names. Besides black footed, they
are referred to as African penguins and "jackass" penguins, due to the
similarity in their call to that of a donkey. Penguins are flightless
birds who use their wings to glide and swim under the water, rather than
fly.
Black footed penguins are monogamous, mating for life.
Each year they return to the nesting site and will find the perfect spot
among rocky outcrops and sand dunes for their nest. One to two eggs are
laid and are guarded by both parents until they hatch. The chicks stay
with their parents for several months until they are able to swim and
hunt on their own at which time they will spend a majority of the rest
of their life in the sea.
Black footed penguins face many
challenges throughout their lives. Predators, such as sharks and fur
seals patrol the seas, while land based predators, such as mongooses and
domestic cats, patrol nesting sites. Penguins also face many other
threats, including oil spills, poaching, and climate change, all of
which have taken a toll on their numbers. Thankfully, many local and
global organizations, like Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium, are
contributing to education and conservation efforts in support of black
footed penguins and their future.
Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium
At the Corner of the Loop 303 and Northern Ave. in Litchfield Park.
Phone Number: 623-395-Wild (9453)
Website: www.wildlifeworld.com
Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium
At the Corner of the Loop 303 and Northern Ave. in Litchfield Park.
Phone Number: 623-395-Wild (9453)
Website: www.wildlifeworld.com
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