Penguins
Spheniscidae
Penguins are seabirds with excellent diving skills, able to reach swimming speeds of up to 30 km/h. Their thick plumage allows them to dive in cold waters, although there are also penguins that live in warm habitats away from snow and cold.
There are 18 species in the world and all of them are organised in large colonies of individuals, especially during breeding season.
Penguin species you will find at Loro Parque
- King Penguin
Aptenodytes patagonicus - Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes Chrysocome - Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis antarcticus - Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua - Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus humboldti
King Penguin
Aptenodytes patagonicus
With a height ranging from 70 to 95 centimetres, there is only one larger type of penguin: the emperor penguin. King penguins do not build nests to incubate their eggs, they place them under their belly and generate the appropriate warmth in that space.
You can quickly identify them in the penguinarium, they are the largest of our penguins
WEIGHT
Up to 16 kg
DIET
Fish, squid, and krill
ORIGIN
Antarctica
GESTATION
50-60 days
Rockhopper Penguin
Eudyptes Chrysocome
Its name hints at its great ability to adapt to higher, rockier environments, capable of living both at sea level and on steep cliffs.
It is regarded as an endangered species as its world population has declined drastically since 1950. Loro Parque works together with other animal sanctuaries for their conservation through humane care.
They are easily recognisable by the yellow feathers that adorn their head.
WEIGHT
Up to 3,5 Kg
DIET
Fish, squid, and krill
ORIGIN
Antarctica
GESTATION
32-34 days
Chinstrap Penguin
Pygoscelis antarcticus
Chinstrap penguins are distinguished by a black line under their chin, which lends them their name. This feature will help you recognise them on your visit to Loro Parque.
One of the most unique characteristics of chinstrap penguins is the creation of circular stone nests for incubation and breeding. These constructions are skilfully built and firmly guarded by the males.
WEIGHT
Up to 5 kg
DIET
Fish, squid, and krill
ORIGIN
Southern hemisphere
GESTATION
36 days
Gentoo Penguin
Pygoscelis papua
Gentoo penguins, also known as Johnny penguins, are the fastest swimmers, reaching speeds of over 35 km/h (22 mph). You will recognise them by the white spots above their eyes on the top of their heads.
Like chinstrap penguins, they create stone nests which they zealously guard and that are considered part of their courtship of females.
WEIGHT
Up to 8 kg
DIET
Fish, squid, and krill
ORIGIN
Sub-Antarctic Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
GESTATION
34-36 days
Humboldt Penguin
Spheniscus humboldti
Humboldt penguins live in temperate areas. Sun-loving and often found in rocky areas, they use natural caves or crevices in the ground to build their nests.
You will quickly identify them as they are found in an environment free of snow and bathed in sunlight.
WEIGHT
Up to 4,9 kg
DIET
Fish and squid
ORIGIN
Pacific Ocean
GESTATION
35 days
Interesting facts about penguins
During moulting season penguins avoid going under water. Therefore, before moulting, they increase their food intake to gain weight.
Incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks is a task shared in pairs. Both members take turns to take proper care of the egg or chick.
Only one species of penguin lives in the northern hemisphere, the Galapagos penguin.
How we help to protect penguins
The fragile situation of penguin populations worldwide requires an extra effort for the conservation and protection of these animals, even more so in the case of species deemed to be endangered.
At the Loro Parque penguinarium and the Baby Station we pay special attention to provide the best care for both young and adult individuals. This increases the longevity and survival rate of the offspring of the penguins under Loro Parque’s care. We ensure the conservation of penguins at risk of disappearing from natural habitats.
