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Penguins

Linda Henry

Natural History

Penguins comprise 18 species that collectively rank among the most endangered seabirds (Crawford
et al. 2017). Penguins are restricted to the Southern Hemisphere, spanning tropical, temperate,
sub‐Antarctic, and high‐Antarctic regions. They are the most highly adapted marine birds: flight-
less, with flippers, solid bones, and a fusiform body shape. Species differ in size, feather ornaments,
and forage habits.
Penguins forage on fishes, krill, and squid. Diets vary based on seasonal prey availability, species
preference, and reproductive demands. Penguins spend most of their time at sea but must come on
land for reproduction and molt. Breeding and molt cycles are species‐specific. Life expectancy is
~20 years but penguins in human care can live beyond 30 years. Williams (1995) and Borboroglu
and Boersma (2015) provide comprehensive species life history and conservation information.
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In 1972, the National Science Foundation approached SeaWorld and Hubbs‐SeaWorld Research
Institute to ask for help in establishing an ex situ colony of high‐Antarctic penguins (Todd 1987a).
The ensuing Penguin Encounters have led to a decades‐long commitment to penguin care and the
development of incubation and hand‐rearing protocols that have been shared worldwide (Todd
1987b; Henry and Twohy 1990; Turner and Plutchak 1998; Henry and Sirpenski 2005; AZA
Penguin Taxon Advisory Group 2014) including recommendations regarding overall penguin
reproductive management in the Penguin (Spheniscidae) Care Manual (AZA Penguin Taxon
Advisory Group 2014).

­ Criteria­for Intervention

Parent‐rearing is preferred over hand‐rearing but some assistance may be needed. Interventions
should be customized to nest type, location, and birds’ response to disturbance. Parental inexperi-
ence or behavior, a medical emergency, environmental conditions, and species‐specific traits may
influence management decisions. For example, Eudyptes are obligate brood reducers whereby A‐
eggs are at higher risk of loss and are recommended for removal for artificial incubation at lay. And
while some species may be able to rear two chicks successfully, it is advisable to retain one fertile
egg per nest to avoid overtaxing parents.

Hand-Rearing Birds, Second Edition. Edited by Rebecca S. Duerr and Laurie J. Gage.
© 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Published 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.