For Wildlife, Everywhere
Black-footed Penguin
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Hear the Black-footed Penguin
One recording of this animal, each with what is known about that call. Every recording is credited to whoever made it.
An African penguin call, recorded for a study of how penguins recognise each other by voice.
Recorded by Favaro and colleagues · CC BY 4.0
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At the zoo
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General information about the species, gathered from the sources listed at the end of the profile.
Spheniscus demersus
The black-footed penguin, also called the African penguin, is the only penguin that lives and nests in Africa. It cannot fly, but it zooms through the water.
Quick Facts
- Habitat
- Rocky shores and islands in southern Africa.
- Diet
- Fish such as anchovies and sardines, plus squid and small sea creatures.
- Lifespan
- About 10 to 11 years in the wild.
- Size
- About 61 to 71 cm tall, and up to 3 kg.
- Conservation
- Critically Endangered
Amazing Facts
- Every penguin has its own spot pattern on its chest. It is a bit like a fingerprint.
- People call it the jackass penguin because its call sounds like a donkey braying.
- It is the only penguin that breeds on the African continent.
Looking After Them
How threatened it is: Critically Endangered (checked in 2024). Numbers in the wild: rapidly declining.
The dangers they face
- Not enough fish to eat.
- Competition with fishing boats.
- Losing safe places to nest.
How people are helping
- Some fishing is stopped near penguin colonies so there is enough food.
- Zoos breed penguins to keep the species safe.
- Scientists count the penguins to see how they are doing.
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