African Penguin Conservation
Zoo New England is partnering with SANCCOB to support the conservation of the Critically Endangered African penguin along the coasts of South Africa.
A Penguin in Africa!
As the only penguin species on the African continent, the African penguin is endemic to the cool southern coasts of Namibia and South Africa. It feeds on the multitude of small fish such as sardines and anchovies as well as on squid and shrimp that are found in the cold ocean currents along these coasts. The penguins nest in burrows or under bushes, where usually two eggs are laid once a year.
Sadly the population of the African penguin has declined by over 90% from historical levels, with only an estimated ~8,750 breeding pairs in South Africa and ~1,200 breeding pairs in Namibia in 2023. The African penguin was recently listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN – one step away from extinction in the wild.
African penguins face many threats. One is the continued development of the coastline of South Africa, removing important habitat for both resting and breeding penguins. Another is overfishing, which makes it harder for penguins to find food to feed themselves and their chicks. A third is climate change. Our changing climate impacts penguins in two ways – one is that the increased heat makes raising chicks more difficult, and the other is warming ocean waters drives the small fish that penguins eat farther from the coast, making it harder to reach them, a real problem for penguins with chicks back on shore. Disturbance, especially at nesting sites by hikers and others, as well as the occasional devastating oil spill, are also significant threats.
Zoo New England’s Commitment to African Penguin Conservation
Zoo New England is now partnering with SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) to protect the African penguin. SANCCOB supports Penguin and Seabird Rangers at five vital seabird colonies. These rangers play a critical role in seabird conservation by identifying and rescuing injured, oiled, or abandoned seabirds and eggs and transporting them to one of two SANCCOB centers. The rangers collect valuable data which is used for scientific research, and they ensure that the natural habitat of the seabirds is maintained. They also play an important role in monitoring and ensuring human-wildlife coexistence.
Zoo New England is also planning to open the African Penguin Coast, a brand-new habitat that will provide a front-row seat to observe the natural behavior of these charismatic and endangered birds. Guests will also have hands-on opportunities to learn about how scientists are helping penguins survive in the wild. Learn more about Franklin Park Zoo's plans for African Penguin Coast and exciting expansion of African Savanna habitat.
