African penguins are a favorite for zoo-goers at the Binghamton Zoo

Sep 4, 2013   |  

Children and other guests look through the viewing window to see the African black-footed penguins at the Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park. / File photo

Written by Elise Newman and Binghamton Zoo staff

The Binghamton Zoo is home to seven African black-footed penguins — six males and one female. This species of penguin is found along rocky beaches in Southern Africa. They are not the emperor penguins typically seen in movies, and they do not like the snow and ice.

Penguins are fascinating for a variety of reasons. Everyone knows that penguins are flightless birds, but did you also know that they have unique molting patterns? Most birds molt once a year; they lose and regrow one feather at a time so that they are always able to fly and are never vulnerable to predators.






African black-footed penguins also have interesting social structures. The penguins within a colony form a hierarchy: the dominant penguins eat first and get first choice of nests and mates. African black-footed penguins are very territorial and make a “jackass” call to defend their territories, especially when they are first introduced to new colony members.



Many zoo-goers race to the penguin exhibit when they enter. Every day, I hear adults and children exclaim that penguins are their favorite animals, and I have to explain that penguins do not make good pets because they are not as cute and cuddly as they look.


With one exception: Ronde, a 3-year old male penguin at the Binghamton Zoo, has bonded more with the keepers than with the other penguins. Ronde was partially hand-raised and is at the bottom of the penguin hierarchy, so he seeks companionship with the keepers. Ronde builds stone nests for me during breeding season and offers me fish. He will even lure me towards his nest and crouch into a mating position! He loves being touched and will often climb into my lap when I’m not looking.

Ideally, when we introduce more females into the colony, Ronde will choose a penguin mate and forget about his human love interests. But until then, cuddling with Ronde is one of the best parts of my job.

Zoo Brew is Sept. 14

Join the Binghamton Zoo on Sept. 14 as we present our annual Zoo Brew from 5 to 8 p.m. For one night only, the pavilions at the Binghamton Zoo will be transformed into a beer garden featuring ales, lagers and beers from a number of local breweries. Guests will be able to sample a wide variety, including your classic favorites and seasonal beers. As in past years, this event is limited to guests of the zoo who are 21 years of age and older.

If you are not interested in beer, or you are the designated driver, there will be plenty of other fun activities at this year’s Zoo Brew. Enjoy music and the event will also feature a barbecue catered by Terra Cotta. Food fresh off the grill is included in the price of admission. The ZooMobile will make an appearance, and our education staff will talk about select animals. This year’s event will also feature a silent auction and animal art created by the Binghamton Zoo’s own inhabitants.

Tickets for Zoo Brew are on sale at $30 for zoo members and $35 for non-members. Tickets are now on sale at the zoo’s ticket booth, Court Street Beer Depot, Doc’s Homebrew and Sam the Beer Man. Designated drivers can purchase tickets at the gate for a reduced price of $10.

For more information, visit the zoo’s website at www.rossparkzoo.com or call the office at 724-5461.

source