Local services
Africa’s only penguin species, the African penguin (Spheniscus demersus), is native to the southern coast of the continent and surrounding islands. Its conservation status is being degraded by a number of factors, including industrial-scale overfishing and oil pollution, which threaten the species’ food sources in its habitat.
“Zoo Debrecen has welcomed a special new arrival: the arrival of an African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) nestling enriches the park’s conservation efforts,” Debrecen Zoo said.
“This special event is not only significant in the life of the Zoo, but also represents an important step forward and hope for the global conservation efforts of the species, which has just this year been downgraded from “endangered” to “critically endangered” on the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List,” they pointed out.
This human-wildlife conflict could be resolved by maintaining an extended no-fishing zone around the six islands that serve as penguin breeding grounds.
The penguin’s characteristic black and white tail is only noticeable on land, as it serves as an excellent camouflage colour while swimming. The animal’s black back blends into the dark water and its white belly blends into the sunny sky, misleading both prey animals and potential predators. These unique birds are known for their unique social behavior and loyal pair bonds.
Debrecen Zoo has been participating in the European Endangered Species Programme (EAZA EEP) since 2008, as part of which it is committed to the reproduction of African penguins. During this time, the daily health walk of the youngest penguins has become a tradition, which the general public can accompany them on in the summer.
The park’s guests will be able to meet the new arrival up close at the Animal Christmas event on the 27th of December.
Visitors can not only admire the young penguin chick, but also gain insight into the park’s conservation programs and even contribute to the conservation of these wonderful animals, for example through an adoption program.
Source and photo credit:dehir.hu
