Humboldt Penguin (opens Memorial Day weekend!)
Spheniscus humboldtiJoin us Memorial Day weekend as we welcome a dozen quirky, sun-loving penguins back to the Zoo!
Meet the Humboldt penguin. Most people imagine snow and ice when they think of penguins, but our Humboldt penguins are from the hot, arid coastal regions of Chile and Peru; Humboldt penguins inhabit these coastal regions, favoring rocky environments near nutrient-dense waters.
Their waterproof, insulating feathers are maintained by constant preening with oil from their preen gland. These marine birds consume a diet of fish, squid, and crustaceans.
Since 1988 Humboldt penguins have been listed as “vulnerable”; their population continues to decline, with estimates of about 12,000 breeding pairs. The Zoo is committed to the long-term viability of Humboldt penguins through its involvement in the Species Survival Plan® (SSP). This program facilitates collaborative breeding and transfer initiatives with other accredited zoos and aquariums, thereby promoting a healthy and genetically diverse population.
Details
Height: 15-18 in.
Weight: 7-13 lbs.
Fish
Vulnerable
Coastal Habitat
Exhibit information
Welcome to Penguin Point, our spectacular new habitat built just for our charming colony of Humboldt penguins! These penguins live along the rocky shores of Peru and Chile, and feed off fish from the chilly Humboldt Current that runs along their natural habitat. At Penguin Point, guests will be able to view these incredible penguins both on land and as they gracefully swim underwater.
Discover the unique world of Humboldt penguins by learning about their anatomy, their dedicated approach to raising their young, and the crucial efforts underway for their protection. You'll also learn simple things you can do each day to help keep penguins and other marine wildlife safe. Be sure to join us for our daily Penguin Keeper Chats at 10:30 AM to learn even more!
There were more than a million Humboldt penguins in the mid-19th century, since 1988 they are listed as “vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN); their population continues to decline, with estimates of about 12,000 breeding pairs.
Primary threats to their survival include overfishing of essential prey species, accidental capture in fishing nets, and climate change disrupting food sources. Additionally, guano harvesting for fertilizer destroys crucial nesting sites, further endangering the species. Among the world’s 17 penguin species, Humboldt penguins are notably at high risk.
Roger Williams Park Zoo last had penguins in 2013 and will now be one of only 24 facilities in North America to care for this species.