Animal Spotlight-Meet Our Penguins

Close-up of a rockhopper penguin with distinctive yellow crest feathers.

Southern Rockhopper Penguin

“Bowie” (R401)- South Atlantic Exhibit

Southern Rockhopper Penguins are native to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island, and Tristan da Cunha. They stand about 18 inches tall and weigh about 4-9 pounds. These birds can sometimes be seen with blood- red eyes.

A rockhopper penguin standing on a rock with its wings slightly extended.

Northern Rockhopper Penguin

“Marley” (R006)- South Atlantic Exhibit

Northern Rockhopper Penguins are native to South Georgia Island, Tristan da Cunha, and the Amsterdam Islands. They stand about 20- 22 inches tall and weigh 4-9 lbs. Northern Rockhopper Penguins can jump up to 6 feet in just one hop.

Close-up of a penguin's head with detailed feathers and an orange beak.

Gentoo Penguin

“Angelica” (G037)- South Atlantic Exhibit

Gentoo Penguins are native to South Georgia Island, the Antarctic Peninsula, and the South Sandwich Islands. They stand about 27-30 inches tall and weigh 10-15 lbs. Gentoo Penguins are the fastest swimmers of all penguin species, swimming at speeds of 15- 20 miles per hour.

A penguin standing on rocky ground with wings slightly open.

Chinstrap Penguin

“Squeak” (C303)- South Atlantic Exhibit

Chinstrap Penguins are native to South Georgia Island, the Antarctic Peninsula, and the South Shetland Islands. They stand about 18- 20 inches tall and weigh 7-10 lbs. Chinstrap Penguins are named for the thin, black band of feathers that goes underneath their chin.

Close-up of a penguin with a tracking band on its wing.

Humbolt Penguin

“Dundee” (H012)- Humboldt Penguin Exhibit

Humboldt Penguins are native to the coastlines of Chile and Peru. This tropical species of penguin prefers warmer temperatures rather than ice and snow. They stand about 26-28 inches tall and weigh 10-12 lbs. Humboldt Penguins can be individually identified using the black spots or “freckles” on their bellies. These spots are unique to each penguin just like a fingerprint.

Macaroni Penguin

“Bucatini” (M017)- South Atlantic Exhibit

Macaroni Penguins are native to South Georgia Island, the Falkland Islands, and the South Sandwich Islands. They stand about 20- 28 inches tall and weigh 10-12 lbs. It is said that the Macaroni Penguin’s yellow crest feather resemble an 18th century hat fashion worn by young Englishmen.

King Penguin

“Springer” (K060)- South Atlantic Exhibit

King Penguins are native to South Georgia Island and the Falkland Islands. They stand about 3 feet tall and weigh 40-50 lbs. King Penguins are the second largest penguin species, coming in just behind the Emperor Penguins. The bright yellow patches on their chests and ears help them to attract mates.