Sunday, November 29, 2015

#Penguin of the Day

Standing penguin 

Standing Humboldt penguin by Tambako The Jaguar

Over 200 Penguin Chicks Abandoned in South Africa

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As the holiday season gets underway, a far less joyful annual tradition is beginning in South Africa. Each year from October through January, South Africa experiences a mass abandonment of African penguin chicks on its shores. This phenomenon has been recorded since the early 1900s and aligns with the birds yearly moult which is the process adults penguin go through to replace their feathers with a new waterproof set. During the month long moulting process, the adults are unable to hunt for fish or feed their young and as a result, those chicks that have yet to fledge are abandoned and face starvation.

The African penguin was classified as endangered in 2010 and today it is estimated that less than 2% of the natural population remains in the wild, or roughly 25,000 breeding pairs. This dramatic decrease is largely attributed to human interference in both habitat and food supply. For this reason, it is of critical importance to rescue every single abandoned bird. The future of the species may depend on it.
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Penguin chick rehabilitation can take from six weeks to three months depending on the condition they are in when rescued. The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), based in Cape Town, is the world's premier organization dedicated to saving the African penguin. Nicky Stander, SANCCOB's manager of rehabilitation, states that, "The majority of the chicks admitted this year are significantly smaller and younger than in previous years. This means that they will stay for much longer at SANCCOB and therefore the cost of raising them will increase as a result." 

Because these chicks are so critical to the health of the natural population, it is imperative that they spend as little time as necessary in captivity. Once healthy, these birds are immediately released back into the wild. Studies show that birds that have been rescued and released in this way have a survival rate comparable to that of naturally reared chicks.

SANCCOB has already taken in 258 African penguin chicks so far this year with hundreds more expected before the end of the season. As you look for the perfect gift this holiday season, why not make a donation to SANCCOB. It only takes $72 to feed and care for one chick but every penny counts in helping to save this incredible species. 

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This Week's Pencognito!





Please be sure to visit Jen and all the pengies by clicking this link!

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Friday, November 27, 2015

#Penguin of the Day

Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) 

Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) by ORYX Photography

Greensboro Science Center Welcomes New African Penguin Chick

By TWC News Staff


GREENSBORO -- As the year draws to a close, the Greensboro Science Center is celebrating 2015's first African penguin chick.
They still don't know the baby's gender but it only weighed about two ounces when it was born and is now up to a whopping three-and-a-half pounds.
The Greensboro Science Center is a participant in the species survival plan, a global program to help preserve endangered and threatened animals.

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Thursday, November 26, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving from #Penguin News Today!


Melbourne Zoo little #penguins that survived fox massacre have returned to their exhibit

The little penguins at Melbourne Zoo are returned to their exhibit. Picture: Jason Edwards
THE surviving members of the little penguin colony massacred by a fox at Melbourne Zoo have returned home to their public exhibit.
Fourteen of the 29-strong colony were killed after a fox snuck in during the early hours of November 4.
Keepers and zoo veterinarians check the penguins before their release. Picture: Jason Edwards
The little penguins are back where they belong. Picture: Jason Edwards
Half of the colony died in the fox frenzy. Picture: Jason Edwards
Keeper James Uren was among those devastated by the losses. Picture: Jason Edwards
The surviving 15 penguins have been sheltered in a secure area as their devastated keepers installed a new electric fence and inspected the zoo’s perimeter for entry points.
A fox caught wandering the empty exhibit four days after the attack was euthanased.
Little penguins, also known as fairy penguins, are the smallest species of penguin, making them especially susceptible to foxes, cats and dogs.

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#Penguin petting experience cancelled after animal rights backlash



Touchwood mall in Solihull has dropped a children’s Penguin Encounter event from its schedule after drawing criticism from animal rights campaigners.Touchwood mall
Touchwood mall Credit: BPM Media
The event which promised to ’educate and delight children’ about endangered Humboldt penguins was set to take place on December 20th but bosses scrapped plans for the event to go ahead after hundreds of people complained.
An online petition calling for the event to be dropped went viral, attracting more than 600 signatures in 24 hours.
"As well as welfare concerns, using wild animals as a form on ‘entertainment’ sends out the wrong educational messages to the public, in particular children. Animals like penguins do not belong on a High Street in the UK and this event does nothing to teach children about conservation or respect for species and habitats.”
– Derby Animal RIghts
Others took to FaceBook to vent their disapproval.
One protester wrote: "Shame on you Touchwood. You are exploiting animals for your own gains."
Another posted: "Seriously? Have some respect for these animals - they are not toys to be shunted around for entertainment value."
Touchwood announced the cancellation on its FaceBook page earlier this week. It said it had listened to the concerns expressed.
“This educational encounter has been held at Touchwood for the past three years.
We are proud to have helped draw the public’s attention to the wonderful Humboldt Penguin species, which in its natural habitat is endangered. We had hoped to raise yet more awareness this year, but the purpose of the encounter has been misunderstood by animal rights lobbyists.
We sincerely apologise for any disappointment caused to the many children and families who were due to join us for what is always an informative day.”
– Touchwood Mall

Humboldt penguins generally live in coastal Peru and Chile in South America.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of endangered species rates the species as “vulnerable” - one stage from being endangered.
 

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

#Penguins of the Day

South Georgia In One 

South Georgia In One by Jon Urbana


African Penguins 

African Penguins by Cedric Favero

Photos from the end of the Earth

Antarctica!

 Award-winning nature photographer Alex Bernasconi's new book "Blue Ice" is a stunning set of wildlife and landscape images captured during an expedition to Antarctica. These king penguins were spotted at Salisbury Plain in South Georgia.

(CNN)Antarctica covers an area of almost 14 million square kilometers -- about the same size of Europe. 

Here in the most inhospitable place on Earth, temperatures can reach -90 C and winds on the eastern shores blow at an average of 80 kilometers per hour. 

Even the place names suggest a wild and dangerous land: Terror Gulf, Deception Island, Disenchantment Bay. 

The human population of Antarctica, mainly there to conduct research, varies from about 1,000 in winter to 4,500 in summer. 

But the sea ice and waters are home to some of the planet's most impressive bird life, as well as fish, squid, whales and seals. 

Award-winning Italian photographer Alex Bernasconi has traveled the world capturing images of nature and wildlife. 

His new book, "Blue Ice," a followup to 2010's "Wild Africa," is the result of an expedition around Antarctica and South Georgia. 

CNN: How long did the expedition take to plan?

Bernasconi: A trip like this needs to be organized at least two years in advance.
You need to plan out a schedule, but it all depends on the weather, which can change dramatically with almost no warning.
Sometimes it's too dangerous, if not impossible, to land the boat due to strong winds or big waves, so the expedition leader needs to reposition or try somewhere else. 

Frozen beauty: An iceberg arch near volcanic Paulet Island.
CNN: What equipment did you use? 

Bernasconi: The extreme conditions means it's best to carry more gear in case of malfunctioning or damage: salt spray, rain, wind and cold can affect even the most rugged equipment.
I brought almost all type of lenses, from 14mm to 500mm, and I had the chance to use them all, but wide angles and medium zoom were the most utilized.
I usually worked with two camera bodies to avoid changing lenses too frequently, and had two spares on board. 

CNN: You've photographed some of the world's most dangerous predators. How do you get intimate shots while staying safe?

Bernasconi: I always try to get as close as I can to any wildlife.
I like to use the shortest lens possible, or take extreme closeups with zoom lenses.
As [photojournalist] Robert Capa once said: "If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough."
I usually approach wildlife in such a way as to let them get used to my presence, lying still on the ground if possible.

Elephant bull seals: Approach with caution.
CNN: Any encounters that got too close? 

Bernasconi: Once a big elephant bull charged me while I was taking pictures from the ground.
If you choose the right individual you know that these are often just mock charges and you have time to get nice ground shots by staying perfectly still until it stops and retreats.
But that time this massive bull kept running toward me, much closer than I have ever experienced before, and he stopped only a few meters from me. 

CNN: What are the differences between Antarctic species? 

Bernasconi: In South Georgia and Antarctica you don't have to deal with dangerous predators.
Penguins are particularly curious and generally friendly, so very easy to deal with.
Elephant seals are massive and can be ill-tempered so they require just a bit more caution, while fur seals are particularly aggressive.
It's always best to keep your eyes open because they can charge and bite you with no warning.
In some cases, when I was surrounded, I had to use my tripod to defend myself.

The albatross has the largest wingspan in the bird kingdom: up to 3.4 meters.
CNN: How do you set up your landscape shots? 

Bernasconi: The hardest job for a photographer is to summarize the soul of a place in a single frame.
It's getting the right composition, at the right time, when all the elements blend together: animal behaviors, position, balance between foreground and background, light and shadows.
I'm so absorbed in what I'm doing, it's like a kind of trance.
I gain a sort of extra strength and endurance, so that I could hike for hours, stay perfectly still lying in the guano, awaiting the right moment even if it's windy or cold or wet.
These wild places inspire me so much that the pleasure of being a privileged witness to such beauty makes me able to handle almost any kind of discomfort.

CNN: And the gear? 

Bernasconi: For landscapes I used, when wind and rain gave me the chance, Lee ND filters to achieve the best possible in-camera exposure, and a sturdy carbon tripod with pano equipment to realize panorama shots.
Carrying all this gear for long hiking hours can be tiring but it's the only way to achieve all the kinds of images nature is giving you the opportunity to observe.

CNN: You're following in the footsteps of the great pioneering early 20th-century photographers such as Herbert Ponting and Frank Hurley

Bernasconi: Today everyone with a camera can choose to go to Antarctica and come back safely, thanks to modern ships, satellite communications, technological outfits, good food and the latest camera equipment.
The men 100 years ago were real explorers and pioneers.
At that time, embarking on such an expedition was a real challenge, and for sure you knew you were putting your life at risk.
The images captured by Ponting and Hurley are extraordinary for many reasons, technically and as a testimony of an heroic era.
My work has been so much easier: It's just my visual tribute to the most extreme region of the world. 

There are two species of elephant seal: Southern elephant seals are found in Antarctica.
CNN: What was it like being in one of the wildest corners of Earth? 

Bernasconi: Everything here is absolutely special: extreme climate, dramatic light, scenery, incredible fauna.
Mother Nature protects this corner of the world with such intensity and sometimes dreadful violence that I like to think it's because these places are so important and fragile.
Even though I've already been in some of the most faraway and wild locations of the world, when I was in Antarctica, so distant from any human presence, I felt an even deeper contact with nature than I've ever felt before.

CNN: What do you think about NASA's recent findings that ice gain in East Antarctica and the interior of West Antarctica could offset ice loss elsewhere? 

Bernasconi: I leave these scientific discoveries and debates to the experts: every now and then we are fed contradicting information, so that for the rest of us it's difficult to understand what's really going on.
I'd be happy to know that our behavior is not really affecting this extremely important environment, but I still think we must try with all our force to make sure that our awesome natural world will be preserved for future generations.
I'm really fond of a Masai proverb that says: "Take care of our Earth. We do not inherit it from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."


"Blue Ice" by Alex Bernasconi is published by Papadakis (RRP £30/$50). It's available in bookstores and online at thegmcgroup.com or amazon.com


Floating icebergs are made up of freshwater glacier ice, which was formed by falling into the interior of the Antarctic as snow. They can be hundreds of meters thick.  

"Penguins are particularly curious and generally friendly, so very easy to deal with," says Bernasconi. "I often like to include the landscape in my wildlife images, so that the link is clear between them and their environment." 

In once close encounter, Bernasconi was charged by an elephant seal bull. "Even with knowledge and experience you can't be 100% sure of their reactions."  

For landscape images, Bernasconi used filters to achieve the best possible in-camera exposure, and a sturdy carbon tripod with equipment to realize panorama shots.  

"I think we must try with all our force to make sure that our awesome natural world will be preserved for future generations," says Bernasconi. 

 "Blue Ice" by Alex Bernasconi is published by <a href="http://news.papadakis.net" target="_blank">Papadakis</a> (RRP £30 / $50). It's available in bookstores and online at <a href="https://www.thegmcgroup.com/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=6775&idcategory=595" target="_blank">thegmcgroup.com</a> or <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Ice-Alex-Bernasconi/dp/1608877353/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1447951563&sr=8-1&keywords=blue+ice+alex" target="_blank">amazon.com</a>.

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Touchwood Centre axes 'meet the penguins' event amid fury from animal rights campaigners

Petition opposing the encounter was signed by more than 600 people in 24 hours

Shoppers will no longer see penguins at Touchwood this winter.
Shoppers will no longer see penguins at Touchwood this winter.
Solihull's giant Touchwood mall has cancelled a kids' Penguin Encounter event amid a furious backlash from animal rights campaigners.
The event was scheduled for December 20 and promised to "educate and delight children" about endangered Humboldt penguins.
But shopping centre bosses cancelled it after hundreds campaigned against it.
More than 600 people signed an online petition over the last 24 hours, demanding the event be scrapped.
Others took to Facebook to vent their disapproval.
Derby Animal Rights, which co-ordinated opposition to the event, said: "As well as welfare concerns, using wild animals as a form on ‘entertainment’ sends out the wrong educational messages to the public, in particular children.
Touchwood says it had hoped the event would raise awareness about the low numbers of wild Humboldt penguins.
Touchwood says it had hoped the event would raise awareness about the low numbers of wild Humboldt penguins.
"Animals like penguins do not belong on a High Street in the UK and this event does nothing to teach about conservation or respect for species and habitats."
One protester wrote on Facebook: "Shame on you Touchwood.
"You are exploiting wild animals for your own gains."
Another posted: "Seriously?
"Have some respect for these animals - they are not toys to be shunted around for entertainment value."
Touchwood announced the cancellation on its Facebook page at around 2pm on Monday.
It said it had listened to the concerns expressed.
The event was set to take place in Library Square.
The event was set to take place in Library Square.
A statement read: "It is with regret that we have taken the decision to cancel the Penguin Encounter, scheduled to take place outside in Theatre Square at Touchwood on Sunday December 20.
"This educational encounter has been held at Touchwood for the past three years.


"We are proud to have helped draw the public’s attention to the wonderful Humboldt Penguin species, which in its natural habitat is endangered.
"We had hoped to raise yet more awareness this year, but the purpose of the encounter has been misunderstood by animal rights lobbyists.

"We sincerely apologise for any disappointment caused to the many children and families who were due to join us for what is always an informative day."
Humboldt penguins generally live in coastal Peru and Chile in South America.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of endangered species rates the species as "vulnerable" - one stage from being endangered.


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Kate Winslet voices BBC Christmas film Snow Chick

Natural history film follows the trials and tribulations of a baby Emperor Penguin trying to survive in the first few months of the harsh Antarctic winter
Kate Winslet voices BBC Christmas film Snow Chick
By
Hollywood star Kate Winslet is voicing a new BBC natural history film following the fortunes of a young Emperor Penguin.

Snow Chick has been shot in an Antarctic Midwinter – where temperatures plummet to -60 degrees Celsius – and follows the fortunes of the tiny creature’s first precarious months on the ice. The one-off film will air over Christmas on BBC1.

Emperor Penguins are the only animals to breed in the Antarctic winter and the film sees Snow Chick elbowed out of her group of youngsters, venturing too far for comfort, hiding from chick-snatching penguins and avoiding a scavenging petrel by the fluff of his back – all while slipping and skating on treacherous ice.


Finally, the chick gets tossed unceremoniously into the open ocean – his new home for the next three years. “This has to be one of nature’s most incredible stories, and one huge adventure for such a tiny creature,” said John Downer, director of the programme who also made Penguins: Spy in the Huddle which aired on BBC1 last year.

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Kaikoura penguins have All Black names

EMMA DANGERFIELD
This little, or little blue, penguin, is one of a number living at South Bay Kaikoura. The breeding season is under way and they are enjoying an improved living space.

This little, or little blue, penguin, is one of a number living at South Bay Kaikoura. The breeding season is under way and they are enjoying an improved living space.
Who would you rather adopt - Richie or Dan?  Or Sonny Bill or Savea?

There are not quite enough for a rugby team yet, but seven newborn penguin chicks in Kaikoura have been given a good start to life - they've all been named after Rugby World Cup-winning All Blacks.

And with nine eggs still to hatch, there may be still be enough for a complete All Blacks lineup.

The chicks, which can be adopted as part of KORI's Sponsor a Penguin project, are part of a colony monitored by Lindsay Rowe and members of Kaikoura Ocean Research Institute as part of the Penguin Education and Awareness Programme (PEAP).

Last year 24 chicks were born, with some pairs raising two clutches, effectively doubling their reproduction success.

Little (or little blue) penguins would have originally occupied much of the peninsula area before introduced predators and habitat loss reduced their local population and distribution dramatically.
Their last local stronghold is a small area at South Bay, which had been eroding every year, destroying existing nests and reducing potential breeding habitat.

This year, a project involving KORI and the district and regional councils has improved the penguins' living space.

Following a large storm in early winter the councils put in place large boulders in front of the boat parking area and also in front of the penguin habitat.

These were filled with smaller rocks to further stabilise the bank. Flax cuttings were donated to provide nesting cover and to help prevent further erosion, and council gifted the corner of the recreational boat park to the penguin breeding colony.

Together with the addition of more purpose-built nest boxes over the past year, the benefits of this team work are already being seen.

Alastair Judkins, of KORI, said the project was a great example of different organisations and individuals coming together to achieve a positive outcome for the biodiversity of Kaikoura.

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Penguins set to come to Albuquerque in 2017



Published:



ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) – Following a voter-approved tax hike in Albuquerque, the BioPark says it now has the resources to start bringing penguins to the city.

Construction is now scheduled to start on the Penguin Chill exhibit in the fall of 2016, with penguins waddling their way into the zoo the following year.

Getting here hasn’t been easy. In 2010, the BioPark Society announced it was starting to raise the millions needed for a penguin exhibit. However, as other needs have come up, the society has been raising money for other projects as part of its capital campaign. The clock on bringing penguins to Albuquerque sped up significantly when voters approved a $17 million a year tax hike to pay for improvements and repairs at the BioPark. “To show the public that we’re moving on something fairly quickly that they can see and want is that we decided to go with the penguins first,” said Lynn Tupa, the Rio Grande Zoo’s manager.

The Penguin Chill exhibit is set to be, as the name would indicate, a chill one for both its residents and visitors. “They’re from the cold climate so we want the public to be cold when they walk in,” Tupa said.

The new exhibit is expected to be a big hit with kids. Maryjean Wall, who was visiting the zoo on Monday, says she’s seen firsthand how popular penguins can be. “In Kentucky, there’s an aquarium where I’ve seen the penguin exhibit and it is a huge draw for children especially,” Wall said. “They just seem to love those birds.”

The process of acquiring those penguins is already in progress. Tupa says the zoo will be seeking three different species of penguins and about 20 to 30 total penguins. “We will kinda make some feelers out to other zoos that are breeding penguins and start telling them how many we would like,” Tupa said. “It can take over a year.”

To make room, the zoo will tear down the Tropical America building and Phoenix snack bar next year. The animals currently housed in Tropical America will be moved to other locations at the zoo or other zoos altogether. If all goes according to plan, Tupa says 2017 will be the big year when the new Penguin Chill exhibit opens to the public.

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Monday, November 23, 2015

How PENGUINS can prevent plane crashes

Oil on their feathers is a natural 'de-icer' that could be used to keep aircraft wings clear

  • Researchers from UCLA studied different penguins' feathers in detail
  • Found combination of nanostructures and a special oil make the Gentoo penguin's feathers superhydrophobic, or excellent at repelling water
  • Penguins from warmer climates don't have tiny pores on their feathers
  • Discovery could lead to new techniques for de-icing planes, for example 
Antarctic penguins hop in and out of water in temperatures of -40ºC yet their feathers never get icy.

To unravel the mystery of this apparent paradox, scientists have studied the birds' feathers in extreme detail to reveal their anti-icing trick.

They found that a combination of nanostructures and a special oil make the Gentoo penguin's feathers superhydrophobic, or excellent at repelling water.

Scientists have found that a combination of nanostructures and a special oil make Gentoo penguins' feathers superhydrophobic, or excellent at repelling water. The playful creatures hop in and out of cold water (shown) in temperatures of -40 ºC  yet their feathers never get icy
Scientists have found that a combination of nanostructures and a special oil make Gentoo penguins' feathers superhydrophobic, or excellent at repelling water. The playful creatures hop in and out of cold water (shown) in temperatures of -40 ºC yet their feathers never get icy

Droplets of water on the feathers bead up so much that's it's difficult for heat to flow out of the droplet, meaning the water will roll off before it has time to freeze.

Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) are presenting their findings today at the annual meeting of the American Physical Society's Division of Fluid Dynamics in Boston, Massachusetts.
Pirouz Kavehpour, a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the university, first became interested in penguin feathers while watching a nature documentary. 

In particular, he noticed the birds had no ice on their feathers, despite coming out of cold water into sub-zero temperatures.

He got in touch with Judy St Leger, a leading expert on penguins, who confirmed that no-one had ever observed ice on the feather coat of healthy penguins.

To find out why not, his team studied penguin feathers donated by San Diego SeaWorld, using Scanning Electron Microscopy.

They discovered that the gentoo’s feathers (stock image) had tiny pores that trap air and make the surface hydrophobic. The penguins also apply an oil, produced by a gland near the base of their tail, to their feathers
They discovered that the gentoo's feathers (stock image) had tiny pores that trap air and make the surface hydrophobic. The penguins also apply an oil, produced by a gland near the base of their tail, to their feathers

The experts found that penguins that live in warmer climates, such as the Magellanic penguin, don't have the small pores on their feathers, and that the birds also produced a different type of preen oil
The experts found that penguins that live in warmer climates, such as the Magellanic penguin, don't have the small pores on their feathers, and that the birds also produced a different type of preen oil

PENGUINS LOOK FOR SEXY BEAKS 

The eyes may be the window to the soul, but for penguins colourful beaks are the most alluring feature on a partner. 

Scientists have found king penguins are attracted to the colours in each other's bills, which include hues invisible to humans.

While previous studies have suggested a penguin's 'beak spot' may be an important differentiator for choosing a mate, a French study has shed light on just how important the bright orange area on either side of the bird's beak is. 

Like many other birds, penguins can see ultraviolet light, so the area looks more than orange to them. 

The birds tend to go for partners that have similar beak colours to themselves.
They focused on feathers of the Gentoo penguin, which lives in Antarctica and the southern-most parts of South America, comparing its plumes to those of the Magellanic penguin, which lives in warmer climates farther north in Chile, Argentina and even Brazil.

The researchers discovered that the gentoo's feathers had tiny pores that trap air and make the surface hydrophobic.

The penguins also apply an oil, produced by a gland near the base of their tail, to their feathers.

The combination of the nano-sized pits and the preen oil makes the feathers superhydrophobic in sub-zero climates.

In comparison, they found that the warmer weather penguins lacked the small pores on their feathers and that the birds also produced a different type of preen oil that was not as hydrophobic.

On superhydrophobic surfaces, water droplets bead up and sit on the surface almost like spheres. 

Professor Kavehpour and his colleagues believe it's the sphere-like geometry that delays ice formation, since it's difficult for heat to flow out of the water droplet if the droplet does not make much contact with the surface.

The scientists were keen to unlock the penguins' de-icing secrets because they could lead to new solutions for preventing ice forming on aeroplane wings, for example.

The scientists were keen to unlock the penguins’ de-icing secrets because they could lead to new solutions for preventing ice forming on aeroplane wings, for example. Ice on the flaps and rudder can alter the aerodynamic properties of a plane and even cause it to crash. A stock image of de-icing is shown
The scientists were keen to unlock the penguins' de-icing secrets because they could lead to new solutions for preventing ice forming on aeroplane wings, for example. Ice on the flaps and rudder can alter the aerodynamic properties of a plane and even cause it to crash. A stock image of de-icing is shown

Ice on the flaps and rudder can alter the aerodynamic properties of a plane and even cause it to crash.

While airlines spend lots of time and money applying chemical de-icers to planes that fly in winter weather, superhydrophobic surfaces inspired by penguins could be cheaper, longer-lasting and more environmentally friendly.

'It's a little ironic that a bird that doesn't fly could one day help aeroplanes fly more safely,' Professor Kavehpour said.  


 

#Penguins of the Day

Erect Crested Penguins Propelling From The Sea Bounty Islands Subantarctic New ZealandErect Crested Penguins Propelling From The Sea Bounty Islands Subantarctic New Zealand 


To Save African Penguins, Humans Run a Dating Service

Derek, left, and Vello are part of the breeding program for African penguins at the Greensboro Science Center. But Derek learned to love Geirfugl. Credit Colby Katz for The New York Times
GREENSBORO, N.C. — When the African penguins Derek and Geirfugl were given their own room last spring, keepers at the Greensboro Science Center questioned whether they liked each other enough to take their relationship to the next level.

Derek was more interested in interacting with her human keepers than with other penguins. And when she did start to flirt with Geirfugl, leaning toward him and flicking her head back and forth, the male bird did not return the sentiment.

By mid-September, though, the relationship had taken an amorous turn. On a recent afternoon, they nestled beside each other inside a plastic crate — on a nest containing two eggs. “Geirfugl is actually a really good mate,” said Shannon Fletcher, a keeper at the science center. “He’s done all of the collecting for their nest box. He’s been very protective of her.”
In the wild, African penguins, which inhabit the coast of South Africa and Namibia, choose their partners from a pool of thousands and mate for life. In captivity, the limited size of the colonies — and the need to perpetuate a genetically diverse species — make human intervention necessary.
Shannon Fletcher, an African penguin keeper at the Greensboro Science Center in North Carolina, which is part of a species survival program for the birds. Credit Colby Katz for The New York Times
The African penguin population has declined more than 60 percent over the past 30 years, and the species is now considered endangered. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums runs a “species survival” program among the nearly 50 facilities with African penguin colonies, including the science center here.

Scientists gather the genetic information on more than 800 birds held around the country and make breeding recommendations based on which are least related to one another. The facilities maintain “studbooks” that track the information and carry out prescribed breeding and transfer plans.

One of the newer facilities to join the program, the Greensboro center started its penguin colony — now 17 birds — just over two years ago. As it turns out, while the science guiding the plan is fairly straightforward, penguin group dynamics are not. “One day this penguin likes this penguin, and the next day, they’re not talking,” said Carmen Murray, a former senior keeper. “They’re flirting and trying to get attention, or being a bully and picking on a certain one.”

Because penguin preferences rarely correspond exactly with species management plan mandates, the keepers are responsible for managing the penguins’ love lives, often by gently trying to convince certain birds that they fancy each other, while keeping other potential partners distracted.

Breeding healthy penguins is both a science and an art, said Steve Sarro, curator of the Smithsonian National Zoological Park and coordinator of the zoo association’s African penguin program. “The science is in the medicine and nutrition, and the art is in the keeper staff, the institutions, knowing their animals,” he said. “You need to be able to finesse your colony so you get the best out of them.”

Completed in June 2013, the glass-walled penguin enclosure at the Greensboro science center contains a 9,500-gallon pool of water against a backdrop of faux granite rocks. The penguins here lead soap-opera lives, to hear their keepers tell it.

When Geirfugl was bonding with a bird named Kaapse, for example, the couple took nesting too far and began hoarding rocks from the exhibit — more than 100 pounds — in their nesting box, crushing a couple of eggs. After the keepers set them up in a room with a nesting box and a few token rocks, they turned out to be wonderful parents.

This season, Kaapse and Tux, both females, bonded with each other rather than males, because their former mates were both in keeper-designated relationships with other females. (Little is known of gender preferences among penguins; however, albatrosses are known to establish same-sex pair bonds.)

When the female pair began to compete with Apollo, Tux’s former mate, and his new spouse for a nest box, the keepers gave the females one of their own, praying it would prevent Tux from sabotaging her ex’s current relationship.
A baby penguin, born to Derek (the mother) and Geirfugl (the father). Credit Colby Katz for The New York Times
Then there are the star-crossed lovers Guinn, a male with prized genes, and Jumoke, whose genetic makeup is less optimal. Guinn doesn’t much care about that. “Even when he and his assigned mate are doing well, he keeps coming back to Jumoke,” Ms. Murray said. Guinn would serve the species by moving on, of course, but he just can’t quit her.

Glenn Dobrogosz, executive director of the science center, describes managing the birds as a matter of prioritizing the long-term well-being of the species over the individual preferences of the penguins.
“Some people would say that’s not fair or nice, because you’re taking a bond that has previously formed and you’re breaking it up, but we’re not seeing any negative repercussions to it whatsoever,” Mr. Dobrogosz said. “Their new bonds seem to be happy. They’re getting along, they’re building nests together, they’re cooperating, they’re switching off laying on the eggs. Ultimately, 10, 20, 30 years down the road, it’s better for the species.”

Despite the interpersonal challenges, the penguins have been very successful breeders. All seven couples designated to mate last year produced healthy chicks.

In the wild, however, African penguins face continued threats, mostly from people. The collection of guano for fertilizer has deprived them of the material they use to build burrows. Oil spills in 1994 and 2000 killed 30,000 birds despite rehabilitation efforts. And commercial overfishing has forced the birds to swim much farther for food. “One hundred fifty years ago, there were millions in the wild,” said Mr. Sarro, of the Smithsonian. “Now we’re down to 18,000 breeding pairs.”

Last spring, the zoo association launched a campaign focused on restoring endangered animals’ wild populations to healthy levels. Because of their vulnerability, African penguins were among the first four species chosen.

The association hopes captive colonies will act as ambassadors for their wild counterparts, building public support for conservation efforts.

Back at the science center, Derek and Geirfugl warmed their eggs in the back room as several other adult pairs sat on eggs in their nest boxes. Two chicks born last year, Jordy and Keuchly, stood pressed together on a rock overlooking the pool of water, grooming each other’s face feathers. “The yearlings are definitely practicing,” Ms. Fletcher, the keeper, said. “But they’re in that awkward teen phase. They’re trying to figure it all out.”

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