Humbolt Penguin

The Humboldt penguin is a medium-sized penguin. It resides in South America, its range mainly contains most of coastal Peru. Its nearest relatives are the African penguin, the Magellanic penguin and the Galápagos penguin. It's not easy being a Humboldt penguin: the birds face a number of natural and man-made hazards. In the ocean, leopard seals, fur seals, sea lions, sharks, and killer whales all prey on Humboldts. On land, their eggs and chicks can fall victim to foxes, snakes, and introduced predators like cats and dogs. Humboldt penguins live along the shores of Peru and Chile, two countries in South America. Named for a chilly water current that flows through their coastal range, these birds are excellent swimmers. Their torpedo-shaped bodies can shoot through the water at speeds of 30 miles an hour.

Lifespan: 15 – 20 years (In captivity)

Conservation status: Vulnerable (Population decreasing)

Scientific name: Spheniscus humboldti

Mass: 9.6 lbs

Length: 1.8 – 2.3 ft.

Height: 25-28 inches

Family: Spheniscidae