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Penguins can’t fly in the air. Underwater, it’s a different story. With a rocket-shaped body and paddle-like wings, penguins fly through the water with ease as they snap up fish, squid, and crustaceans to eat. Endangered in the wild, African penguin populations have dropped by 50% in the past 30 years.

Learn more about what the Cincinnati Zoo is doing to save African penguins

African penguin standing on a rock

Did you Know?

These hardy little penguins can hold their breath over 2 minutes and dive over 400 feet deep!

Quick Facts

Latin Name:
Spheniscus demersus

Range:
Southern Africa

Height:
2 to 2.5 ft

Lifespan:
18 yrs

Zoo Location:
African Penguin Point

Risk Status:
Species at Risk (IUCN—Endangered)