African (Jackass) Penguins

They’re called “Jackass” because their sound is like that of a braying donkey.

They are one of the 18 types of Penguins, all of which are found only in the south (one; the Galapagos Penguin) is almost at the Equator, but is “nurtured” by the cold Humboldt Current.

Like all Penguins they’re cute, adorable, funny and you can sit and watch their antics for hours.

I’ll be seeing more (different types) in Antarctica in December, but these are the “locals” in South Africa.

Only a few colonies along the south coast of South America and up along the (cold) Atlantic side as far north as Namibia.

Their population is declining as their primary food sources (little fish, including anchovies) are declining – some say because the ocean waters are warming.

This little guy is getting ready to jump – see how he’s checking it out?

And here he is, jumping off the rock – if you look closely you can see that I caught him in mid-air.

Can’t be sure if this one’s rubbing his beak with his wing, or rubbing his wing with his beak – cute regardless.

Sitting on an egg, or just taking a rest – couldn’t tell.

Author: George Basch

George Basch (aka Curious George) has circled the globe as an Adventurer, Explorer, Photographer and a Creative Entrepreneurial Businessman. He’s been on all seven continents, and in more countries than he’s taken the time to count, and is still going strong as an explorer / adventurer after celebrating his 81st birthday in March 2018. Click here to read more about George

6 thoughts on “African (Jackass) Penguins

  1. George, these photos and your sad words: “Their population is declining as their primary food sources (little fish, including anchovies) are declining – some say because the ocean waters are warming.” alone could make an article to educate our VoicesforBiodiversity.org readers! I’m sad for these little jackasses.

    Tara

    1. It is sad, Tara.

      Is there any way that your team can re-post these? Creating “separate articles” would really stretch my bandwidth and internet capability (right now I’m in Cape Town, so it’s good, but mostly I’m “in the field” and it’s marginal).

  2. Lots more penguins to come when you head to the Southern Ocean. Antarctica and South Georgia will provide plenty more opportunities to mingle with these guys.

    That said, it is indeed sad that their numbers are in decline. They are adorable and amazing creatures to watch.

    1. You’ve been there; you know, and I’ve been around them on the NZ Channel Islands, NZ side of Antarctica, as well as in the Galapagos. They’re really entertaining. Curious about what’s happening to the populations in other areas.

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