Why are Humboldt penguins the most commonly kept penguin in zoo's?
I was asked to find out why the Humboldt penguin is the most commonly kept penguin among zoo’s!
2 Responses
tentofield
01 Apr 2011
adama
01 Apr 2011
Most likely because they generally nest on small islands and rocky shores which make them easy to locate and conserve.
Humboldt penguins might be the most commonly kept penguin in American zoos but they are not the most common around the rest of the world. Humboldts breed along the coast of Chile and are easily accessible. In Australia, the local Little penguin is the most commonly seen penguin in zoos because it is the most accessible. South Africa would have the Jackass penguin.
Other penguin species are seen in zoos but they often require special enclosures. The Humboldt, Little and Jackass come from warmer climates than many of the others and so can tolerate displays in a wide range of climates without needing special cooling.