The Little Rock Zoo Celebrates Their... African Penguins?

Did you know there are penguins in Africa? This is the first I've heard of it. Well, did you know that there are 18 African Penguins in Little Rock, Arkansas? You do now. Just imagine "Waddle You Know About African Penguins," when you finished reading this.

International African Penguin Day, yes, there is such a thing, is celebrated each October so get your tux out and let's party with a penguin. Last Saturday, your Little Rock Zoo gave their penguins a little extra attention.

Photo by Miguel Alcântara on Unsplash

The Little Rock Zoo proudly cares for a colony of 18 endangered African penguins. These little characters are actually native to the warm southwestern coast of Africa and nearby islands. This means the climate at the Zoo in Little Rock is just perfect for them and the Zoo has recreated a realistic habitat that resembles their native home, with rocky shores and a temperature-controlled pool. Throw in a little mood lighting and viola... a comfortable place for a breeding program. Over ten years they have hatched 12 baby penguins at the Zoo. Most of them have grown up and moved on to other colonies in zoos and aquariums across the country. The Little Rock Zoo's successful efforts are helping secure a future for these feathered friends.

Photo by Sarah Kilian on Unsplash

Fun Stuff:

Can you imagine eating 22.5 pounds of food a day?
Penguins are birds, with feathers and wings. How come they don't fly?
Penguins are faster than a lot of fish at doing what?

Click on their website for the answers to these and many other questions, and for heaven's sake, go see these amazing African Penguins at your Little Rock Zoo.