African Penguin By Molly M Physical Characteristics The

African Penguin By: Molly M.

Physical Characteristics • • The African Penguin has shiny , waterproof feathers. There about 70 feathers per square inch. The animal is about 2 feet tall. It is also about 6. 8 -8 pounds in weight.

Habitat • They live on islands in between Namibia and Port Elizabeth. • They spend most of their time in the ocean. • They are mostly found off the coast of Southern Africa.

Food • The African Penguin is a carnivore. • They hunt in the sea to get their food. • They eat fish such as, Sardines, Sancord, Anchovies, Crustaceans, Crab and shrimp. • They also eat Squid.

Babies • The mother lays 2 eggs at a time and it takes up to 40 days of incubating. • Both of the parents take care of the baby. • The baby has to stay close to the nest for the first 2 -12 months of life. • They eat half-digested food from their mother.

Cool Facts • The African Penguin nests by burrowing in bird droppings and sand. • The eggs take 30 -65 days to hatch. • The male Penguins are larger and they have longer bills.

Protection/Predators • This animal protects itself by honking like a donkey. • The water predators are, Sharks, Capefur, Seals and Orcas. • The land based ones are , Kelpgull, mongoose, Genets and domestic cats.

Lifespan • The African Penguin’s lifespan is about 10 -27 years in the wild.