African penguin fast facts
- The only penguin to breed in Africa, the African penguin can be found in 27 breeding colonies, mostly surrounding islands along the coasts from Namibian to South Africa.
- African penguins have a robust, torpedo-shaped body with black feathers on their back, flippers, and head while white feathers cover their front with the exception of a horseshoe-shaped black stripe on the chest. Following a penguin’s first few molts, a white stripe will develop around its cheek and throat. These birds have a bare patch above their eyes to assist with regulating their body temperature.
- African penguins range from 18 to 25 inches tall and weigh up to 11 pounds. When not hunting for food in the water, African penguins are found along rocky shores or brushy coastal areas.
More information about the beluga exhibit and the many other attractions at Mystic Aquarium can be found at www.mysticaquarium.org.