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Black feet
"There are many different species of penguins in the world. At the Safari Park you will find the African penguin, also called black-footed penguin. The African penguin is the only penguin that lives in Africa."
Discover in real lifeHabitat:
South Africa
Food:
fish, squid and crustaceans
Lifespan:
15 to 20 years old
Weight:
between 2.5 and 3.5 kilograms
Number of eggs:
2 eggs
Incubation time:
38 to 41 days
To be seen:
along the walking safari
IUCN status:
endangered
EEP:
yes
About the African penguin
The penguin is a seabird that cannot fly but swims excellently thanks to its wing-like flippers and streamlined body. It lives mainly in the southern hemisphere, including Africa, Antarctica and New Zealand. Penguins have two layers of feathers that protect them from cold and water. They are not mammals: they have feathers and lay eggs. African penguins often live in colonies, forming pairs for life and recognizing each other by their unique sound. Their diet consists of fish and crustaceans. Human influences, such as oil pollution and overfishing, have threatened some species, including the African penguin. Zoos and nature organizations are actively working to protect them.
Habitat and threats
The African penguin lives on the southwest coast of Africa, mainly in South Africa and Namibia. It breeds on islands and along the coast, often in sheltered burrows or under bushes. In this relatively warm habitat, it has adapted to the heat, for example by having fewer down feathers than its conspecifics in colder areas.
The species is under serious threat. Oil pollution is a major problem: during oil spills, penguins become covered in oil, so their feather coating is no longer waterproof and they become hypothermic. In addition, overfishing reduces the availability of food, making young penguins especially vulnerable. Breeding sites are also disappearing due to coastal development and tourism. Because of these threats, the number of African penguins in the wild has declined by more than 90 percent over the past century. Nature organizations like SANCCOB in South Africa, are committed to protection through shelter, rehabilitation and education.
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Species conservation in Beekse Bergen
Did you know that more than 10,000 animal species in the world are in danger of extinction? Beekse Bergen works with about 325 European zoos to conserve these species. Through management programs (EEPs)we ensure healthy reserve populations. Together, we form the European Association of Zoos (EAZA).
The African penguins at Beekse Bergen are also part of an EEP. A coordinator maintains a pedigree of the species and manages the population in zoos. Together with a committee, the coordinator gives advice on which animals are allowed to have cubs together. Sometimes that means moving an African penguin to another zoo. This way we increase the chance of healthy cubs and the survival of the species. You can recognize animal species with an EEP by the logo of a rhino with a calf.