African penguin

Spheniscus demersus

African penguins make a sound that is very similar to a donkey’s bray. Hear it for yourself at the Aquarium, which is home to more than 50 African and southern rockhopper penguins!

At the Aquarium

African penguins live in the Penguin Colony Exhibit on the first floor of the Aquarium.

How You Can Help

You can help protect penguins by combating climate change. For example, consider switching to renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind, to reduce carbon emissions.

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Animal Facts

Size

23–25 inches tall; five to nine pounds

Diet

Small fishes, such as pilchard, anchovies, horse mackerel, and sardines

Lifespan

10–15 years in the wild

Range

Africa’s coastal waters and islands, from Namibia through South Africa

Conservation Status

Critically Endangered

EX EW CR EN VU NT LC

Threats to Survival

Climate change
Habitat loss
Pollution

ANIMAL CARE

After Innovative Treatment, This African Penguin is Thriving

How do you get penguins to wear shoes? For Beach Donkey, a 24-year-old African penguin who sported the custom booties as part of her treatment for a foot condition, the answer was: enjoying a few field trips around the Aquarium.

African penguin Beach Donkey received specialized care for a foot condition. Photo: Vanessa Kahn

CONSERVATION

Species Survival Plans for Penguins

Wild colonies of penguins are threatened by the depletion of their food from climate change, overfishing, and pollution from incidents such as oil spills. Penguin aquarists at the New England Aquarium are doing all they can to keep the birds in our care thriving, and that means maintaining a thoughtful breeding program.

African penguin pair sit together on rocks at The New England Aquarium — African penguin pair Photo: Vanessa Kahn

Why do penguins molt?

You may notice some penguins’ coats looking a little disheveled. This is how they look during the molting process, which each penguin goes through annually to completely replace their very important feathers.

Donate to Support Ocean Conservation

At the New England Aquarium, ocean conservation is at the center of everything we do. And with your help, we can tackle pressing threats like climate change and its effects on ocean animals and habitats.

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Ask the Expert

Learn more about African penguins with aquarist Eric.

4 VIDEOS Total View time 2:51

What are African penguins?

00:27

How many African penguins does the Aquarium have?

00:47

What challenges do African penguins face?

00:41

What does the Aquarium do to help African penguins?

00:56