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The African Penguin - Can They Be Saved From Extinction?
Did you know we have penguins in Namibia? And they might not be around for much longer… The African penguin lives along our coastline in colonies like the ones in Lüderitz. These unique birds thrive where the desert meets the sea—but they’re endangered, facing threats like habitat loss and overfishing.
That’s why we’re taking action! Stay tuned as we share more about this amazing species and how YOU can help!
That’s why we’re taking action! Stay tuned as we share more about this amazing species and how YOU can help!
Nicknamed: Jackass Penguin
Why are they nicknamed Jackass penguin?
African Penguin bray like donkeys to attract mates!
African Penguin Black Spots
Just like a fingerprint, the spots on the chests and bellies of the African Penguins are unique to every bird, making it possible to identify the individual.
While we’re busy with fun facts! African Penguins can shoot their poop up to 3 feet! Projectile defecation allows them to keep their nest clean while incubating eggs and raising chicks.
While we’re busy with fun facts! African Penguins can shoot their poop up to 3 feet! Projectile defecation allows them to keep their nest clean while incubating eggs and raising chicks.
Know the Difference!
Juvenile penguins usually have softer, duller feathers and lack the distinctive markings of adults.
Penguin Chicks
Juvenile African penguins have a solid gray/blue back and white belly without the bold black-and-white face mask or chest band.
Adult Penguins
Adult penguins have their full breeding plumage – strong black-and-white contrast, clear markings (like the black facial mask and spotted chest in African penguins).
Together Forever
Did you know that penguins mate for life?
African Penguins Are True Romantics!
If they lose their partner, they might never mate again.
The Molting Process
Penguins go through an annual molting process where they shed old feathers and grow new ones to keep their plumage waterproof and insulating. During this time, they cannot swim or hunt, so they fast on land until their new feathers are fully grown.
African Penguin Need to Fatten up Before Molting
During molting, they can't swim, hunt or stay warm.
Molting takes 2-3 Weeks
They have to wait on land until the process is done. African Penguin are vulnerable to predators during their molting period.
Why African Penguin Matter
They move nutrients between sea and land!
African Penguin Are Nutrient Movers!
African Penguin eat fish at sea and return to land to rest and nest. Their droppings (guano) fertilise the soil where they build their nests, bringing important marine nutrients on land.
African Penguin Are A Keystone species
If African Penguin go extinct, we can take it as a sign that the world oceans are in big trouble.
Tourism Icons
Penguin colonies, especially accessible ones at Boulder's beach in South Africa or Luderitz in Namibia, are a major draw for eco-tourism.
How much do African Penguin eat?
A wild penguin eats up to 14% of its body weight every day.
What fish do African Penguin eat?
African Penguin eat mainly sardines and anchovies.
The Crisis
The African Penguin is now classified as critically endangered species.
How Many Years are Left?
If nothing changes, the African Penguin will go extinct in the wild by 2035.
What are the main threats?
African Penguin are facing a life threatening crisis because of overfishing, oil pollution, predation, human disturbance and climate change.
Climate Change
Rising sea temperatures and changing ocean currents are shifting fish populations further away from penguin colonies. Penguins have to travel farther to find food, making it harder to survive and feed their chicks.
Oil Pollution
Oil spills coat penguin feathers, destroying their waterproofing and insulation. Oiled penguins get cold, can't swim or hunt, and may swallow toxic oil while trying to clean themselves.
Overfishing
Overfishing has diminished fish stocks, meaning there is less food for penguins. It also means that penguins have become a doof source for other species who are looking for alternatives, including seals!
Predation
Adult and juvenile African Penguins serve as prey for leopards and mongooses on the mainland, while feral cats pose a threat to older penguins in certain island colonies. At sea, seals and sharks routinely prey on African Penguins.
Social Media
Information Campaign: The Plight Of The African Penguin
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Ocean Conservation International is registered as a non-profit entity under chapter 501(c)(3) in the U.S.
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