Penguins

  • SEA LIFE, Penguin Island

The Humboldt Penguin

This specific species is South American breeding mainly in the Pingüino de Humboldt in the north of Chile.

Humboldt penguins are declining in number, and there is thought to be as little as 10,000 left in the wild.

One of the reasons is due to a hot water current, El Nino's increasing surface water temperatures and reducing food supply. 

Meet our Humboldt Penguins

Spot our hand-reared penguins, Rico, Skipper, Custard, Beaker, Hazel and Barnacles.

Thanks to their loving upbringing they are the most confident members of Penguin Island. You're most likely to see them sunbathing on the footpath of Penguin Island or coming up to guests to say hello!

Group of Humboldt Penguins on Penguin Island at SEA LIFE Scarborough
Humboldt Penguin

Though they are birds...

Penguins have flippers instead of wings. They cannot fly and on land, they waddle walking upright—though when snow conditions are right they will slide on their bellies.

In the water, they are expert swimmers and divers, and some species can reach speeds of up to 15 miles per hour.

Humboldt Penguin And Chick

Many people think all penguins live in cold places

But, Humboldt penguins like warmer climates and are predominately found in South America,

Humboldt Penguin 2

Popular penguin Q&As

  • What do penguins eat?
    Penguins are carnivores; they eat only meat. Their diet includes tiny crustaceans, squid and fish.
  • What is a group of penguins called?
    A group of penguins is called a colony. In water, a group of penguins is called a raft!
  • Do penguins really have a mate for life?
    Yes, most penguins have the same partner all their life! They will mate exclusively with each other for the duration of mating season and in many cases, the male and female will continue to mate with each other for most of their lives.
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