Skip to main content

African Penguin

Spheniscus demersus
The African Penguin is a member of the banded group of penguins. They are also known as the Black-footed Penguin
Common Name: African Penguin; Black-footed Penguin; Jackass Penguin
Scientific name: Spheniscus demersus
Population: 15,000 breeding pairs
Weight and heights: 3.0 kg – 3.3 kg, 60 cm
Lifespan: 20 years
Conservation status: Endangered
Population Trend: Decreasing
Geographic Breeding Range: Namibia; South Africa
Prey/diet: Anchovy, sardines, bearded goby (in Namibia), horse mackerel, juvenile hake, redeye, and less commonly cephalopods and crustaceans
Distinguishing physical characteristics: Black face and nape with white supercilium stripe that runs around the back of the face and connects at the throat and breast. A single black stripe (rarely, two black stripes) run up the sides of the body and across the upper breast. A patch of naked pink skin lies above the eye, which may be feathered white immediately after molt. A unique pattern of black spots on its abdomen. The bill is black with a vertical pale band near the tip. Eyes are brown; legs and feet are black with spots of pink.

Fun Fact:

African penguins are known as the Jackass penguin from the braying sound they make (We swear they are sweethearts)

Current Conservation Status

Population trends:

Decreasing arrow

Conservation Status:

Endangered

Range Map:

Hug t-shirt

Last sale before the holidays!

Now through Sunday. Shop now!

Penguin Hug

Send a Pen Pal to Your Favorite Person

It’s like getting a hug from a Penguin

Brighten Someone’s Day for FREE

Email your favorite people a positive message. It’s a penguin post called a Pen Pal. Send as many as you want for FREE.

Send Your First Pen Pal Right Now!

Brighten Someone’s Day for FREE

Email your favorite people a positive message. It’s a penguin post called a Pen Pal. Send as many as you want for FREE.

Send Your First Pen Pal Right Now!