Humboldt Penguins
This South American penguin is named after the chilly Humboldt current, along which it comonly swims. In the wild, Humboldt Penguins are vulnerable to disturbances in their food chain caused by strong El Nino currents.
Humboldt Penguins are social animals, living in relatively large colonies of closely spaced burrows. Our Humboldt Penguin colony consists of about fifty penguins, which are part of a European Endangered Species Breeding Programme. Our colony has an excellent breeding record and many of our youngsters have gone on to join breeding groups in other zoos.
Our penguin enclosure has an underwater viewing area where you can see our Humboldt Penguins ‘fly’ through the water at speeds of up to 25mph. Humboldt Penguins are very curious birds and may well pause mid-flight to watch you watching them!
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Species Information
Where they live: Pacific coast of South America
Habitat: Nest on islands and rocky coasts, burrowing holes in guano and sometimes using scrapes or caves.
Diet: Small fish (anchovies, herring, smelt) and crustaceans
Weight: 3.6-5.9kg
Size: Length: Up to 70cm
Conservation status: IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
Threats: Historically, populations were threatened due to over-exploitation of guano. Currently, populations are declining due to limited food availability caused by overfishing and El Nino. Habitat destruction also threatens this species.