LA Zoo welcomes its first Magellanic penguins since 1984
Usa today news
For the first time since 1984, six Magellanic penguins are making their home at the Los Angeles Zoo, thanks to an aquarium in Long Beach and a theme park in San Diego.
“Adding these dynamic birds to the Rainforest of the Americas will add a lot of activity and excitement to the habitat and will provide our guests with an engaging new way to connect with the diverse wildlife of South America,” Los Angeles Zoo Deputy Director of Animals and Experiences Misha Body said.
Six Magellanic penguins from the Long Beach Aquarium and SeaWorld San Diego have moved into their new home at the Los Angeles Zoo. (Photo by Zack Rich, courtesy of the Los Angeles Zoo)
Six Magellanic penguins from the Long Beach Aquarium and SeaWorld San Diego have moved into their new home at the Los Angeles Zoo. (Photo by Zack Rich, courtesy of the Los Angeles Zoo)
Six Magellanic penguins from the Long Beach Aquarium and SeaWorld San Diego have moved into their new home at the Los Angeles Zoo. (Photo by Zack Rich, courtesy of the Los Angeles Zoo)
Six Magellanic penguins from the Long Beach Aquarium and SeaWorld San Diego have moved into their new home at the Los Angeles Zoo. (Photo by Zack Rich, courtesy of the Los Angeles Zoo)
Six Magellanic penguins from the Long Beach Aquarium and SeaWorld San Diego have moved into their new home at the Los Angeles Zoo. (Photo by Zack Rich, courtesy of the Los Angeles Zoo)
Six Magellanic penguins from the Long Beach Aquarium and SeaWorld San Diego have moved into their new home at the Los Angeles Zoo. (Photo by Zack Rich, courtesy of the Los Angeles Zoo)
Six Magellanic penguins from the Long Beach Aquarium and SeaWorld San Diego have moved into their new home at the Los Angeles Zoo. (Photo by Zack Rich, courtesy of the Los Angeles Zoo)
Six Magellanic penguins from the Long Beach Aquarium and SeaWorld San Diego have moved into their new home at the Los Angeles Zoo. (Photo by Zack Rich, courtesy of the Los Angeles Zoo)
Six Magellanic penguins from the Long Beach Aquarium and SeaWorld San Diego have moved into their new home at the Los Angeles Zoo. (Photo by Zack Rich, courtesy of the Los Angeles Zoo)
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Six Magellanic penguins from the Long Beach Aquarium and SeaWorld San Diego have moved into their new home at the Los Angeles Zoo. (Photo by Zack Rich, courtesy of the Los Angeles Zoo)
Magellan, the Portuguese explorer for which the medium-sized penguin species is named, documented their existence for Europeans in 1520 although he did not survive his mission’s circumnavigation.
Of the six penguins, two came from the Aquarium of the Pacific and four came from SeaWorld San Diego.
This medium-sized penguin species is recognizable by the distinct black and white plumage that includes two black bands across a white chest. While they do not live on ice in the wild, they are exceptional swimmers, foraging in the ocean for small fish like anchovies and sardines.
“Bringing Magellanic penguins back to the LA Zoo after more than four decades is a monumental milestone for our animal care team,’ said LA Zoo Director of Animal Care Dominick Dorsa II. “Zoo staff worked tirelessly to prepare their habitat to ensure it properly accommodates the unique social dynamics and ecological needs of the species. We are very excited to have them here and to share the experience with our guests.”
Wild populations of the creatures are declining due to environmental threats and human conflict.
The penguins will be on exhibit in the Zoo’s Rainforest of the Americas.
