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Penguins

  • SEA LIFE, Penguins

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. 

Humboldt Penguin at SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth

Meet our Humboldt Penguins

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.

Penguin Dippy In Pool

In the water

Penguins 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

Like Antarctica or the South Pole, but only a few types of penguin live that far south - like the Humboldt penguin.

6452 Humboldt Penguin 3

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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