African Penguins at the Steinhart Aquarium

Penguin Feeding Schedule
Every day 11:00 am and 3:30 pm

STEINHART'S PENGUIN COLONY

• All of the birds in this display were born in captivity
• Steinhart is involved with a nationwide program — the Species Survival Plan — that facilitates the trade of captive bred penguins between zoos and aquariums in order to minimize taking birds from their natural habitat in Africa for display purposes.
• There are 8 birds in the display; 4 males and 4 females.
• Steinhart's oldest bird was born in 1983 (Pierre), and the youngest bird was born in 2002 (Tag).
• Average life span is approximately 15-20 years.
• All of these birds have been fed by hand all their lives; they are currently fed while swimming in the water which is closer to their natural behavior.
• They are fed Herring and Capelin (similar to anchovies).
• Each pair in the display has a designated color band; the males’ bands are on their right wing, females’ bands are on their left wing.
• Each bird has distinct behavioral characteristics. For example, some are more friendly with the biologists than others and each one has a preferred way of eating and a preferred type of fish.
• When a bird bows its head and quickly shakes it back and forth, it is a friendly, submissive, or courting gesture.
• The "Jackass" bray is used to claim territory. It is also used to defend territory from intruders, and for courting/pair bonding.

View Penguin FAQ