Written by Logan Tait

The African Penguin is a curious and adorable creature found along the southern African coastline. These penguins are indigenous to Africa and are a vital part of coastal ecosystems. Although they may look chubby, their maximum weight is just 4 kilograms while they stand at a stout 60 centimetres! 

Read on to learn more about these indigenous flightless birds and discover 7 facts you didn’t know about the African Penguin.

1. There have been a few names for the African Penguin

The scientific name for the African Penguin - Spheniscus demersus - is derived from Greek and means "diving wedges". This is apt as these little birds can dive as deep as 130 meters! 

Colloquially, they used to be called ‘jackass penguins’ because their braying calls are akin to a donkey’s. However, three other species of penguin have similar calls, and to avoid confusion this species is now officially known as the African Penguin.

2. They are found in only two countries

The African Penguin is only found in 2 countries on Earth, both along the southwestern coast of Africa. Their range is exclusive to Namibia and South Africa, living in 24 colonies between Namibia and Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth in South Africa. Along this stretch of ocean, the penguins are mostly found on islands and outcrops at sea. 

The two most famous penguin colonies in South Africa are at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town and Stony Point in Betty’s Bay. There is only 1 other mainland colony, which is found on the coast of southern Namibia. Mainland colonies are believed to have become possible due to the reduction of predators. However, the mainland colony in Betty’s Bay is periodically hunted by leopards and in a freak event, the colony at Simon’s Town was attacked by a swarm of bees!

3. They are considered an indicator species

An indicator species is a species whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects the environmental conditions around it. ​​The decline in African Penguin numbers is directly related to the overfishing of lesser-appreciated species like anchovies and sardines, as well as to climate change. Sardines are the penguin’s preferred food source, but due to overfishing, they are being forced to adapt their diets.

4. They were first (incorrectly) thought of as fish and eaten by Portuguese settlers

Sometime between 1487 and 1488, the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama rounded the southern tip of Africa. At Mossel Bay, the travellers saw penguins for the first time. It is likely that these explorers were the first Europeans to encounter penguins. This caused much confusion among the crew. One member wrote in his diary, “there are birds as big as ducks, but they cannot fly and bray like donkeys.” 

These Portuguese settlers were devout Catholics and were prohibited from consuming meat on Fridays. They were, however, allowed to eat fish. Thus, they made the decision to consider the flightless birds as fish, due to their love of swimming. This ‘loophole’ let the sailors then consume penguin meat on a Friday without transgressing their religious beliefs.

5. Their eyes have a few incredible features

The eyes of the African Penguin are amazing. A small black eye is located on each side of the penguin’s head, allowing for binocular vision like in humans. Binocular vision is the ability to maintain visual focus on an object with both eyes, creating a single visual image. They have colour vision and are sensitive to violet, blue, and green wavelengths of light. 

Even better, penguins have flattened corneas, which means light doesn't bend when it passes through their eyes underwater, causing their vision to blur when diving. This improves their vision underwater but also permits clear vision on land. Penguins also have nictitating, or third eyelids, to keep saltwater out of their eyes while swimming. 

A distinct feature of the African Penguin’s appearance is the pink gland it has above each eye. Blood is sent to the glands where it is cooled by the surrounding air, before being recirculated in the body, thus keeping the animal cool. The warmer the temperatures, the pinker these glands become.

6. They are monogamous and mate for life

African Penguins are monogamous – this means that they keep the same mate for their entire lives. The penguin begins mating at around 4-years-old and both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs over a 40-day period. Usually, 2 eggs are laid and they are buried in sand or under bushes to protect them. 

7. Each penguin’s markings are unique

The African Penguin sports the usual penguin ‘tuxedo’ of a black and white body. However, each African Penguin has a unique and distinct pattern of black spots on its white chest that can be used to distinguish individuals from one another. The white belly also features a thick black curve across the top of the chest leading down toward the flanks and the legs. They also have black webbed feet and a black facial mask with the distinctive pink glands above each eye. Its black bill is used for catching and eating prey, while its shortened tail is used for balance on land and as a rudder when swimming.

Are you interested in seeing the African Penguin firsthand in Namibia or South Africa? Head to our website to book your trip!