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Description
African Black-footed Penguin Spheniscus demersus Mortimer (green band) watches over his mate Turnip in her grumpy molty state. Interestingly, these penguins go through what is called a "catastrophic" molt--they molt all their feathers at the same time, losing large clumps and looking quite bedraggled. Penguins need all their densely packed feathers to retain their waterproofing, so it actually makes sense to molt everything all at once instead of small patches through the year. After gorging in preparation for molt, the penguins stay on land for the 2-3 weeks it takes to grow in new feathers. Then they're freshly waterproof and good to go for the rest of the year!

This species is listed as endangered by the IUCN, mainly due to oil spills and commercially depleted fisheries. Sadly, 6 of the 18-20 extant penguin species are listed as endangered, 5 are vulnerable, and another 5 considered are near threatened. Supporting organizations like SANCOOB www.sanccob.co.za/ and International Bird Rescue www.bird-rescue.org/ , selecting sustainable harvested fish (or buying aquaculture fish) if you are a seafood eater, and visiting accredited zoological institutions that participate in penguin Species Survival Plans are ways you can help penguin populations.

Description
African Black-footed Penguin Spheniscus demersus Mortimer (green band) watches over his mate Turnip in her grumpy molty state. Interestingly, these penguins go through what is called a "catastrophic" molt--they molt all their feathers at the same time, losing large clumps and looking quite bedraggled. Penguins need all their densely packed feathers to retain their waterproofing, so it actually makes sense to molt everything all at once instead of small patches through the year. After gorging in preparation for molt, the penguins stay on land for the 2-3 weeks it takes to grow in new feathers. Then they're freshly waterproof and good to go for the rest of the year!

This species is listed as endangered by the IUCN, mainly due to oil spills and commercially depleted fisheries. Sadly, 6 of the 18-20 extant penguin species are listed as endangered, 5 are vulnerable, and another 5 considered are near threatened. Supporting organizations like SANCOOB www.sanccob.co.za/ and International Bird Rescue www.bird-rescue.org/ , selecting sustainable harvested fish (or buying aquaculture fish) if you are a seafood eater, and visiting accredited zoological institutions that participate in penguin Species Survival Plans are ways you can help penguin populations.