African Penguin: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Penguins and Puffins · day 4 of 7

Five facts

1. Every African penguin has its own chest pattern of black spots and an upside-down horseshoe band, a bit like a human fingerprint.
2. African penguins are nicknamed jackass penguins because their loud call sounds like a braying donkey.
3. African penguins have been recorded diving to 130 m and staying underwater for up to 275 seconds.
4. As sardines became scarce, African penguins started eating more anchovies, which contain less fat and protein.
5. A typical dive is about 25 m deep and lasts 69 seconds, and African penguins normally stay within 20 km of the shore.

The quiz

1. What on an African penguin is unique, like a fingerprint?

• Its chest pattern (correct)
• Its beak colour
• Its call
• Its foot size

Each penguin has a unique chest pattern of black spots and a horseshoe band.

2. Why are African penguins nicknamed jackass penguins?

• They kick like donkeys
• They are grey like donkeys
• Their call sounds like a braying donkey (correct)
• They carry stones on their backs

Their loud call sounds like a donkey braying.

3. What is the longest time an African penguin has been recorded underwater?

• Up to 90 seconds
• Up to 275 seconds (correct)
• Up to 30 seconds
• Up to 600 seconds

They can stay underwater for up to 275 seconds.

4. What have African penguins eaten more of as sardines declined?

• Squid
• Crabs
• Shrimp
• Anchovies (correct)

As sardines declined, their diet shifted toward anchovies.

5. Within about how far of the shore do African penguins normally swim?

• 2 km
• 200 km
• 20 km (correct)
• 2,000 km

They normally swim within 20 km of the shore.

More about the African Penguin

Same week

All lessons

Nature documentaries