We stopped by Odysea Aquarium to meet the penguins and learned some interesting facts from Leor Friedman, the animal care manager at Odysea Aquarium.
Watch the video in the player above for more facts.
HOW MANY AFRICAN BLACK-FOOTED PENGUINS ARE AT ODYSEA?
There are 20 African Black-Footed Penguins at Odysea Aquarium. All of the penguins are between six months and three years old and half of them are considered to be juveniles.
THEY SOMETIMES CALLED "JACKASS" PENGUINS?
It's an unfortunate nickname, but African black-footed penguins are sometimes called "jackass" penguins because their vocalizations can sound similar to a donkey's bray.
WHERE ARE THE AFRICAN BLACK-FOOTED PENGUINS FROM?
Friedman said the African Black-Footed Penguins at Odysea lived in South Africa. They were not taken from the wild and not raised in human care; they were obtained from a breeder. The penguins are considered to be warm-water penguins, meaning they typically live in climates between 50 and 80 degrees.
THEY'RE SPOTS ARE LIKE FINGERPRINTS
We often joke that penguins feathers and colors resemble a tuxedo. It's true, they sometimes do. But, not all penguins feathers are the same. African Black-Footed Penguins have white feathers on the front with unique black spots. In fact, their black spots are as unique and differential as human fingerprints.
WHAT DO PENGUINS EAT?
At Odysea, the penguins' diets typically consist of fish and squid, including capelin and herring, said Friedman. They also receive treats like ice or Jell-O. Friedman said each penguin can eat up 20 percent of their body weight in one day.
IF YOU GO:
Odysea Aquarium
9500 Via de Ventura, Scottsdale AZ 85256
www.odyseaaquarium.com
