Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum
Endangered Animals
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus humboldti
Animal Class:
Birds
Diet:
Carnivore
Status in the Wild:
Endangered
Water Filter
Humboldt Penguins have a gland which enables them to drink salt water in addition to fresh water; the gland concentrates excess salt which then dribbles down their bill.
Penguins in Peril
These penguins are swimming against several threats, included habitat loss and competition from the fishing industry. They are also vulnerable to the natural weather pattern El Nino. When the water gets too warm, plants in the ocean die which reduces the penguin’s food supply.
You can see Humboldt Penguins in the Zoo’s Penguin exhibit.
