How did you become an aquatic biologist?
I've always been a swimmer, and spent all my summers in the ocean. I discovered scuba diving in my early 20s. One summer I think I spent more time under the water than above. In college I studied environmental science and taught science in outdoor environments to inner city kids in Massachusetts. At the California Island Marine Institute I focused on marine science, taught local ecology and free diving.
How would you describe your experience in biology?
Definitely hands on. I've always combined science and teaching with animal care. At the Honolulu Zoo I was hired on for my experience with animals. I have worked with Galapagos tortoises on up to larger animals including giraffes.
What kind of species have you worked with since coming to the Academy?
I'm pretty much a generalist. I've worked with sharks, California fish, California invertebrates, and penguins. I thought I knew a lot about animal behavior, but penguins are a whole other ball game.
Can you elaborate?
The chicks need to be supervised for one thing.
How do you teach a chick to swim?
Penguin chicks naturally learn how to swim on their own. However, they need to be supervised to determine when they are strong enough to join the colony. Most importantly I wait for the chick's swimming feathers to grow in. This is important for them so they can stay warm and buoyant while swimming. They are slowly introduced to water in a shallow quarantine pool. I put on a wet suit and get into the water with them. The chicks will actually use my body as a human island. When they get tired they just climb right on.
What are three things you want visitors to the Academy penguin exhibit to learn?
First, that penguins mate for life. Second, penguins are great parents. Both the male and female participate in raising their young. Third, penguins are birds. They rely on feathers for insulation instead of a thick layer of blubber.
How are penguins doing in the wild?
Not great. There are 17 species of penguins and 10 are Vulnerable or Endangered. They are threatened by habitat loss, feral animals, guano mining, pollution, oil spills and food shortages. Because penguins only lay one or two eggs a year, they have low reproductive rates. So they don't replace themselves quickly. They have a slow capacity to respond to population pressures.
How can you tell when penguins are happy?
We look for a good appetite. If penguins are eating, that indicates health. Once penguins establish themselves within a colony they spread out and exhibit comfort behaviors. They take the time to clean their feathers and apply oil to their feathers. And they mate.
So how are the penguins doing so far?
Since January four couples have produced five juveniles, with more eggs on the way. So I guess that means they are comfortable to nest and raise chicks!
Have a Question? |
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Q: Do penguins live at the North Pole?
A: Nope! All 17 species of penguins live south of the equator. Four species live off the coast of Antarctica. The penguins at the Academy of Sciences are called African Penguins because they are found on islands off the coast of South Africa.
More about Pam Schaller
Department
Steinhart Aquarium
Expeditions, Total: 7
Current Expedition: Pillar Point, California
Website
Podcast
Penguins on Display
Pamela Schaller of Steinhart Aquarium on the breeding of penguins in captivity
African Penguins
Steinhart Aquarium’s Pamela Schaller on the status of African penguins in the wild
How Climate Change Impacts Penguins
Selected Scientific Articles and Publications
